What is gorse?

Gorse is an invasive plant widespread on Vancouver island. Mature gorse is a dense bush with sharp spines. The British Columbia ministry of forests states that “a typical gorse shrub produces about 8000 seeds annually”. Gorse seed pods burst open and eject seeds as far as 20 feet away. Gorse can establish itself quickly and will often create a carpet of individual plants that completely takes over a large area.

Why is gorse invasive?

• A single gorse plant can turn into a patch containing thousands of plants
• Gorse spreads underground through a rapidly expanding root system which constantly sprouts new plants
• Gorse produces extremely resilient growth that re-sprouts after cutting
• Gorse seed pods eject seeds into the surrounding area
• Plants produce up to 8000 seeds per year
• Gorse thickets can often suppress all native vegetation and completely take over an area
• Gorse can live up to 45 years old and produces seeds its entire life

Why is it crucial to remove gorse?

• Gorse crowds out native species
• Gorse infestations will get worse over time
• Gorse can harm natural waterways
• Gorse can spread to neighbouring property
• Gorse thrives and spreads rapidly near the ocean and in other sensitive ecosystems
• Gorse is highly flammable and poses a forest fire risk

Permanently removing gorse

We remove the gorse bushes with chainsaws or other gas powered cutters, the cut material is cleaned up and hauled away. We then grind out the gorse stumps and root material with a stump grinder.

An alternative method is the use of herbicide. With this method, the gorse shrubs will be cut to ground level, the cut material is cleaned up and hauled away. Two months later the gorse will have sprouted new shoots and new foliage. This new foliage will be treated with herbicide. Following the herbicide treatment the root system will die. Our herbicide will not kill other plants and has no soil activity or run off.

Grinding out the root material and herbicide treatment are both effective options for eliminating gorse.

Ascent Yard Care has permanently removed hundreds of gorse infestations since our business was founded in 2017. We carry a license from the province of BC for landscape herbicide application.

Gorse 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 gorse just grow back?

In the worst infestations, up to 2 follow up visits may be necessary to completely eradicate re-growth. Most gorse 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.

Want to try removing gorse yourself? Follow these tips:

Cut gorse to ground level

Cut it down to ground level with a handsaw, large loppers or chainsaw. Cutting alone will not eliminate gorse as it will regrow from its roots but this is an important first step.

Pull gorse out from the roots

Small and young gorse 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 gorse roots can grow as deep as 3 feet downward.

Be careful of spreading cuttings

Do not leave cuttings of gorse 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.

Mowing

Cut the gorse to ground level. If the area is flat enough to mow this is an effective method. Gorse grows very quickly so the area will need to be mowed weekly in order for this to be effective.

Herbicide

Be sure to read and follow all the instructions on your herbicide label. It is best to have a licensed professional apply herbicide. Natural methods such as vinegar will not kill gorse. The only effective gorse killer is herbicide. Herbicide can be applied after the gorse is cut to ground level and new growth appears.

Covering

Cut the gorse 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 gorse from photosynthesizing and the plants and root system will eventually die after one year or more of being covered.

Expert Help:

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