Cut thistle to ground level

Cut thistle to ground level with a string trimmer, loppers, a hedge trimmer or hand pruners. Cutting alone will not eliminate thistle but it is an important first step.

Do it at the right time of year

Cut thistle when the flower heads are mature to prevent them from producing seed heads. This may need to be done repeatedly throughout the year.

Pull thistle out from the roots

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

Be careful of spreading seeds

If the thistle you are cutting has seed heads or mature flower heads it must be disposed of properly. The seed heads will continue to ripen even after the plant is cut. It is very important to take the plant to a disposal facility or bag it in a plastic bag so further spreading of seeds does not occur.

Mowing

If the area is flat enough to mow this is an effective alternative. Thistle grows very quickly so the area will need to be mowed weekly in order for it 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 thistle. The only effective thistle killer is herbicide.

Covering

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

What is thistle?

Thistle is an invasive species widespread on Vancouver Island. The Invasive Species Council of BC states “It spreads by its creeping roots. Plants form thick infestations that spread quickly”. Thistle grows rapidly and can produce thousands of new plants that cover several acres of land.

Why is thistle invasive?

• A single thistle plant can turn into a patch containing thousands of stems
• A single thistle plant can produce between 1,500 and 5,000 seeds
• Thistle spreads underground through a rapidly expanding root system
• Thistle has extremely vigorous and resilient growth

Why is it crucial to remove thistle?

• A single thistle plant can spread to form large patches that can cover several acres of land
• Thistle produces an extensive root system that spreads and creates new plants as far as 20 feet away
• Thistle crowds out native species
• Thistle invades forests and prevents forest re-growth
• Thistle infestations will get worse over time
• Thistle can restrict natural waterways
• Heavy thistle infestation can lower property value
• Thistle can spread to neighbouring property

Permanently removing thistle

Immature thistle infestations can be removed manually by pulling or digging.

Mature thistle infestations require the use of herbicide. With this method, the thistle is cut to ground level with gas powered cutters, the cut material is cleaned up and hauled away. Two months later the thistle 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.

The use of herbicide is a necessary measure to completely eliminate thistle infestations. Thistle has an extensive root system that spreads to over 20 feet wide. Due to this large root system digging out thistle by the roots is not an effective method of removal.

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

Thistle removal cost

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

Won’t the thistle just grow back?

Most thistle patches we service are completely and permanently removed in two visits. In the worst infestations up to 2 follow up visits may be necessary to completely eradicate any re-growth.

Expert Help:

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