What is hawthorn?

Hawthorn is native to eastern North America but is considered an invasive species in other parts of the world, including the west coast of Canada. Hawthorn outcompetes native species, spreading rapidly and altering ecosystems.

Outcompeting native species: Hawthorn, like many invasive species, is highly adaptable and can outcompete local plant species for resources like light, water, and nutrients. Its growth habits, rapid reproductive rates, and hardy constitution can cause it to quickly dominate an ecosystem, reducing the abundance and diversity of native plants.

Altering habitats: By outcompeting and replacing native species, hawthorn can significantly alter the local habitats, potentially making them less suitable for native wildlife that depends on the original plant community. For instance, the dense thickets formed by hawthorn can change the physical structure of the ecosystem, impacting animal species that rely on open spaces or specific plant species.

Interfering with pollination: Hawthorn's abundant and attractive flowers may draw pollinators away from native plants, which can reduce the pollination and subsequent reproduction of those native species.

Impacting human activities: In agricultural or recreational areas, hawthorn can be a nuisance due to its dense, thorny growth. This can limit access for recreation, livestock grazing, and crop cultivation.

Resilience to control efforts: Hawthorn's hardy nature and rapid reproduction make it challenging to control once established. Manual removal can be time-consuming and costly

Why is hawthorn invasive?

• Hawthorn can form large patches if left unmanaged
• Hawthorn produces over 6000 seeds per tree
• Hawthorn branches take root and create new plants
• Hawthorn spread underground through a rapidly expanding root system that can sprouts new trees
• Hawthorn has extremely vigorous and resilient growth

How Hawthorn Spreads:

Seeds: The most common method of propagation for hawthorn trees is through their seeds, which are contained in small fruits known as haws. A mature Hawthorn tree can produce over 6000 seeds per year.

Vegetative growth: Hawthorn trees are capable of propagating through vegetative growth. If a branch touches the ground, it can develop roots and create a new tree. This method, allows a single hawthorn tree to spread out into a dense thicket over time.

Human-mediated dispersal: If hawthorn cuttings or seeds are not disposed of properly, they can germinate in new areas and start new infestations.

Once established, hawthorn can be difficult to remove due to its hardiness and fast growth. Its thorns also present a physical barrier to manual removal. Therefore, prevention and early detection are key to managing the spread of this species.

Why is it crucial to remove Hawthorn?

• Hawthorn infestations will get worse over time
• Rodents nest in Hawthorn thickets
• Hawthorn can harm natural waterways
• Hawthorn thickets are a fire hazard due to the build up of dead leaf and stem material
• Heavy Hawthorn infestations lower property value
• Hawthorn choke out native vegetation
• Hawthorn roots can destroy septic fields
• Hawthorn can spread to neighbouring property

Permanently removing Hawthorn

We remove all the above ground trees with chainsaws and cutting equipment, the cut material is then chipped or cleaned up and hauled away. We then grind out the Hawthorn stumps and root material using a stump grinder.

When necessary, we employ eco-friendly treatments to eradicate Hawthorn. With this method, the Hawthorn trees are cut to ground level, the cut material is cleaned up and hauled away. Two months later the Hawthorn trees will have sprouted new shoots and new foliage. This new foliage will be treated. Following the treatment the root system will die. Our treatments do not kill other plants and has no soil activity or run off.

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

Ascent Yard Care has permanently removed hundreds of Hawthorn infestations since our business was founded in 2017.

Hawthorn 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 Hawthorn just grow back?

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

Expert Help:

Contact us for a free quote in Victoria, BC, we care intensely about the success of each project.

Want to try removing Hawthorn bushes yourself? Follow these tips:

Cut the Hawthorn to ground level

Loppers, a hand saw, or garden shears will work for small Hawthorn bushes, large patches will require power equipment. Cutting works well for managing Hawthorn, but cutting alone will not eradicate Hawthorn.

Dig out the stumps

Use a pickaxe or shovel to remove the stump, large stumps will require power equipment.

Expert Help:

Contact us for a free quote in Victoria, BC, we care intensely about the success of each project.