What is Scotch broom?

Scotch Broom is an invasive species widespread on Vancouver Island. The Coastal Invasive Species Committee states “Over 10,000 seeds can be produced per plant. Seed capsules explode and distribute seeds up to 21 feet away from the source plant.” Scotch Broom quickly invades new areas and disrupts the natural environment.

Why is Scotch broom invasive

• Scotch broom form large patches that can spread to cover several acres of land
• A single broom plant can turn into a patch containing thousands of plants
• A single broom plant can produce 10,000 seeds
• Scotch broom has extremely vigorous and resilient growth that re-sprouts after cutting
• Scotch broom thickets can often suppress native vegetation and can completely take over a given area

Why is it crucial to remove Scotch broom?

• Broom is highly flammable and poses a forest fire risk due to the high concentration of oils in the stems
• Broom crowds out native species
• Broom changes soil chemistry
• Broom invades forests and prevents forest re-growth
• Broom can live to over 50 years old
• Broom infestations will get worse over time
• Heavy broom infestation lowers property value
• Broom can spread to neighbouring property

Permanently removing Scotch broom

We remove all the above ground broom with powered cutters, the cut material is hauled away. We do not dig out the roots of Scotch Broom as disturbing the soil creates perfect conditions for more seeds to sprout.

Broom flowers in spring with bright yellow blooms. If cut while blooming, almost half of the mature broom will not grow back. This is the ideal time of year to cut broom.

When necessary, we employ eco-friendly treatments to eradicate Scotch broom. This involves cutting the plant down to the stump, then precisely treating the small new leaves that sprout. Following the treatment the root system will die. Our treatment will not kill other plants and has no soil activity or run off.

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

Scotch broom 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 broom just grow back?

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

Expert Help:

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

Want to try removing Scotch Broom yourself? Follow these tips:

Cut broom to ground level

The lower the broom is cut to the ground the less likely it is to re-grow. Cut it below the lowest branches or right at soil level.

Do it at the right time of year

Broom is most likely to die if cut while it is flowering (bright yellow flowers). Broom flowers during spring.

Pull broom out from the roots

Small and young broom 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 broom you are cutting has seed pods on its branches it must be disposed of properly. The seed pods will continue to ripen even after the plant is cut. So it is very important to take the plant to a disposal facility so further spreading of seeds does not occur.

Covering

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

Expert Help:

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