Amidst the pristine natural splendour of Victoria, an invasive foe is subtly establishing its dominance. A group of seemingly innocuous plants known as spurges, native to Asia. These invasive species have taken a firm hold in Victoria, disrupting native ecosystems and posing serious health hazards due to their toxic properties.

Why is spurge invasive?

• A single spurge plant can turn into a patch containing thousands of plants
• Spurge spreads underground through a rapidly expanding system of stems which constantly sprouts new plants
• Spurge produces extremely resilient growth that re-sprouts after cutting
• A single spurge plant produces up to 900 seeds per year
• Spurge releases chemicals from its roots which harm other plants growing near it
• Roots can grow over 10 feet deep and 13 feet wide and this huge root system sprouts new plants

Why is it crucial to remove Spurge?

• Spurge crowds out native species
• Spurge infestations will get worse over time
• Spurge can spread to neighbouring property, causing legal disputes
• Spurge is highly toxic and can cause blindness in pets and humans

Want to try removing spurge yourself? Follow these tips:

Pull spurge out from the roots

Small and young spurge plants can be pulled out from the roots. This is easiest when the soil is soft and wet.

Dig out the roots

Use a pickaxe or shovel to dig out the roots. Mature spurge roots can grow as deep as 10 feet downward.

Cutting/Mowing

An alternative to digging out the roots is to mow the area regularly. If the plants have been cut to ground level and the area is flat enough to cut with a lawnmower this is an effective alternative. Though this can spread cuttings, which in turn will propagate new plants, so it is very important the area be thoroughly cleaned.

Be careful of spreading cuttings

Do not leave cuttings of spurge on the ground. The cuttings will take root and sprout a new plant. It is very important to take the plant to a disposal facility or bag it in a plastic bag so further spreading does not occur.

Covering

Cut the spurge to ground level. Cover the area in an opaque tarp or sheet of plastic. It is very important no light can pass through the covering. This will prevent the spurge from photosynthesizing and the plants and root system will eventually die after one year or more of being covered.

Spurge removal cost

Contact us for a free in-person quote in Victoria, BC and Jake will provide an exact work order and quote.

Won’t the spurge just grow back?

In the worst infestations, up to 2 follow up visits may be necessary to completely eradicate re-growth. Most spurge patches we service are completely and permanently removed in one visit.

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We care intensely about the success of each project. Contact us for a Free Quote.

Ecosystem Disruption

Several types of spurge plants, including Myrtle Spurge, Leafy Spurge, Petty Spurge, and Cypress Spurge, have spread widely in Victoria, BC. Despite their benign appearance, these plants possess a robust and invasive nature that not only threatens local biodiversity but also poses substantial risks to both human and animal health.

Renowned for their tenacity, spurge plants flourish in a variety of environmental conditions. Their reproductive prowess, combined with extensive root systems, enables rapid colonization of new areas. The establishment of dense colonies of spurge plants displaces native flora, causing disruptions to ecosystems and reducing local biodiversity.

Toxicity

Spurge plants' impact extends beyond environmental disruption, posing serious health concerns due to their toxic nature. These plants exude a milky latex sap loaded with toxic compounds capable of causing skin and eye irritation in humans and animals. Exposure to the sap can result in severe dermatitis, and in extreme cases, even blindness.

The ingestion of these plants adds another dimension to the concern. Their toxicity can induce severe gastrointestinal upset in humans and can be lethal to animals. Particularly vulnerable are children and pets, owing to their exploratory behaviours.

Solutions and Strategies

Controlling and eradicating spurge plants in Victoria and other affected areas demand a mix of mechanical, manual, and treatment methods. Nonetheless, completely eliminating them can be highly challenging due to the plants' aggressive nature and their ability to regrow from residual root fragments.

Expert Help:

We care intensely about the success of each project. Contact us for a Free Quote.