How to Kill Scotch Broom

Scotch broom has the ability to fix nitrogen into the surrounding soil.

The shrub Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) was introduced into California in the 1850s from its native home in Europe and Africa. The shrub was once a valued landscape ornamental and also used for soil erosion control. The woody shrub grows to a height of 10 feet and quickly out-competes native plant life. Once established, Scotch broom acidifies the surrounding soil, which makes it difficult for native plants to reestablish themselves in disturbed locations where the shrub takes over. Eradicate Scotch broom before it becomes well-established.

Things You'll Need

• Mower
• Herbicide that contains triclopyr ester, 2,4-D, glyphosate or triclopyr
• Wood chips

Instructions

1. Hand-pull Scotch broom seedlings in the spring. Grasp the plant firmly near the soil's surface and pull upward. Remove as much of the root system as possible. Digging around the plant's base and pulling it directly upward may remove a greater amount of root system for larger seedlings.

2. Mow down all Scotch broom plants that have a diameter of over 2 inches in the spring. Rake up and discard the cut top growth.

3. Apply a herbicide to the stump of the Scotch broom after mowing. Use a herbicide that contains triclopyr ester, 2,4-D, glyphosate or triclopyr. Follow the directions on the label for application instructions. Reapply to the stump in the fall.

4. Apply 3 to 4 inches of wood chips across the location where the Scotch broom grew. Consider replanting the area using native plants.

Tips & Warnings

• The seedpods of the Scotch broom shrub can remain viable in the soil for up to 50 years.

• Spray the Scotch broom when not in bloom because the flowers can hinder the herbicide from effectively reaching the shrub's foliage.

• Watch any disturbed area closely each spring for three or more years to successfully control Scotch broom. The plant often regrows despite control efforts.

• Wear protective clothing, gloves and safety goggles when using herbicides.

• Apply herbicides on a calm day to prevent the wind from blowing the herbicide to native neighboring plants.

References

• Oregon State University Extension; Scotch Broom; A. Hulting, et al.; July 2008
• Sound Native Plants: Weed Control Scotch Broom
• King County Department of Natural Resources And Parks Water And Land Resources Division: Scotch Broom Scot's Broom;
• Oregon Department of Agriculture; Scotch Broom
• Lincoln County Noxious Weed Control Board: Scotch Broom Options For Control

Resources

• King County: Scotch Broom