An Interview with Julie Wolf, our “In-house” Expert
Q: What is the problem with Scotch Broom? It is a pretty plant!
Scotch Broom seed pods.
Scotch Broom flowers in the spring.
A: Yes, it is pretty. However, we want to keep it out of our community because, left to its own it relentlessly takes over acres & acres of land, crowding out all other plant life in a dense tall mass. It gets much taller then a human. Have you seen the solid yellow fields in Port Orchard & other open field areas? The prolific seed pods pop when it dries in late simmer and widely disperses future generations of seeds. These seeds grow and make new seeds continuing
the spread.
Q: Ok, so now we know that we need to get rid of it. How do I recognize it, and
where does it grow best?
A: It’s easy to recognize. It can be seen as tall spindly plants to big bushes along the roadsides, with its yellow pea-like blooms from spring to fall. When it is not in bloom, it is seen as mostly tall, straight green stem with a few clumps of small leaves. The newest stems are square shaped. There is a picture of it on our website… but it’s easy to see along any road. It grows best in open areas. The only places that seems to be somewhat resistant to it (so far) are shaded forest.
Q: When is the best time of year to remove the plants?
A: Early spring is a good time, while the soil is moist (easier pulling) & their early yellow flowers are visible. Also winter is a good time, when they are one of the few green things seen. The most important time to pull them is before they go to seed in summer, preventing many more plants from starting. If there is an overwhelming amount of scotch broom, try just pulling the ones that bloom each year (not all do), until you get it under control. And even when you get it under control, it will be an on going effort, as some seeds
appear to take more then a year to sprout… or the plants are so small that you miss them for the first year or two. But keeping it under control is less work then ignoring it and letting it take over… then deciding later that you’d rather not have it overcrowd your property.
Q: How are small plants best removed?
A: Pull them up by the roots.
Q: What do you do about the large ones that you just can’t pull up?
A: For plants whose stem is bigger then your thumb, you can cut them at soil level. If you leave even the tiniest branch, it will grow back. Then when you go to pull it up it will break off and keep growing. When this happens, you just about have to dig it up to kill it.
Q: What if I just cut it down? Will it grow back?
A: Smaller plants that are cut can easily grow back. Mowing is not recommended, but can work as long as you keep mowing it and do not let it go to seed. Older short plants still make seed. I have seen plants as short as an inch from the ground making seed. Of course these were older plants that had been cut and lived.
Q: How often do I need to go around my property and remove the Broom?
A: As often as it takes to get rid of it… and keep it from coming back. Check several times a year if possible. In spring or summer be sure you have at least removed all blooming plants. Then in fall or winter see how the hidden ones have grown and are now surprisingly visible, just when you thought you got it all!!! Minimally, check all the sunny areas of your property in spring time once every year. If you need help, I am available for a minimal cost to remove it for you and watch over it each year to see that it is not taking hold on your land. I can not , however, verify that it is clear for your discount in HOA Dues, as that would be a conflict of interest.
Good Luck!