Unmasking the Threat: The Hidden Dangers of Spurge Laurel

Spurge Laurel (Daphne laureola), a common plant that might be gracing your garden or nearby park, poses a significantly higher threat than commonly understood. A significant gap exists between public perception and the chilling reality of this seemingly innocuous plant, making it an urgent matter of public health awareness.

Spurge Laurel is an attractive evergreen with shiny leaves and clusters of greenish-yellow flowers that then turn into clusters of green or dark purple berries. However, beneath this beautiful facade lies a potent danger. Every part of the plant - the leaves, berries, and sap - is laden with toxins that can cause severe health problems in both humans and animals.

While the plant's appearance might be beguiling, its attractive black berries pose a particular threat to children. Given their curiosity and lack of awareness, children can easily be drawn to these berries, which, when ingested, can be fatally poisonous. As few as 2-3 berries can be fatal for a child. This threat extends to pets as well, making Spurge Laurel a silent danger lurking in our gardens.

However, the danger does not stop at ingestion. Simply coming into contact with the sap of Spurge Laurel can lead to severe skin irritation and allergic reactions. The risks can increase if the sap comes into contact with the eyes or mouth, causing further discomfort and potentially more severe reactions. Moreover, inhaling the smoke from burning Spurge Laurel can be harmful, illustrating that every aspect of this plant poses a health risk.

Yet, the impact of Spurge Laurel is not limited to personal health risks. It's an invasive species that can overrun green spaces, competing aggressively with native plants for resources and territory. This invasion disrupts local ecosystems and reduces biodiversity, which can have far-reaching impacts on the health of the local environment and the wildlife that depend on it.

Despite these risks, Spurge Laurel management has become more accessible and affordable. Methods have been developed to apply herbicides with precision, targeting the new leaves that sprout after the plant is cut down to the ground. The herbicide that kills spurge laurel is luckily non-toxic to the environment, within 10 minutes of being applied the herbicide changes chemical composition into a non-toxic compound, preventing soil contamination and waterway pollution.

Such treatment is effective, environmentally friendly, and costs around $800 for a standard patch - a small price to pay for the safety and health of your family and local ecosystem.

Furthermore, we offer free in-person assessments of Spurge Laurel patches. This service allows homeowners to understand the scope of the issue better and receive a written quote, ensuring transparency and making the removal process accessible and affordable.

Spurge Laurel is more than an invasive plant; it's a severe public health threat. By increasing our collective knowledge about this toxic plant and taking proactive steps towards its removal, we can protect our families, pets, and local ecosystems. The more we understand the true nature of Spurge Laurel, the more we can contribute to creating safer, healthier environments for everyone.

Spurge Laurel removal cost

We provide spurge laurel removal in both Victoria, BC and Vancouver, BC. Contact us for a free in-person quote.