Scotch broom - Ask Extension
I’ve been using a pulling hoe in scotch broom, plus cutting the larger plants. I have painted the stumps with Garland and wonder if there is any ben...
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Scotch broom #867043
Asked May 04, 2024, 6:31 PM EDT
I’ve been using a pulling hoe in scotch broom, plus cutting the larger plants. I have painted the stumps with Garland and wonder if there is any benefit in using a herbicide at this point. In all of our farming we work to restorative methods and avoid herbicides and pesticides.
Marion County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Ronda,
It sounds like you're making great progress on a nasty weed!
If you have removed all the top material and only the stump and roots are left on the big plants, that is the correct method.
If there aren't leaves or foliage on the plants, I wouldn't recommend applying herbicide at this point.
If you have small plants, those can be pulled and dug out, but with the large ones, we recommend cutting so the soil isn't disturbed.
There will most likely be some regrowth and you can dig/pull small plants, cut the larger ones, or apply herbicide. It is up to you, the biggest thing is to keep at it and it will get easier over time. For specifics on methods and herbicides recommended, I linked OSU's guide and an article on Scotch Broom.
Scotch Broom Resource Page
Article
If you have any follow-up questions, let me know!
Hayley White
Small Farms
It sounds like you're making great progress on a nasty weed!
If you have removed all the top material and only the stump and roots are left on the big plants, that is the correct method.
If there aren't leaves or foliage on the plants, I wouldn't recommend applying herbicide at this point.
If you have small plants, those can be pulled and dug out, but with the large ones, we recommend cutting so the soil isn't disturbed.
There will most likely be some regrowth and you can dig/pull small plants, cut the larger ones, or apply herbicide. It is up to you, the biggest thing is to keep at it and it will get easier over time. For specifics on methods and herbicides recommended, I linked OSU's guide and an article on Scotch Broom.
Scotch Broom Resource Page
Article
If you have any follow-up questions, let me know!
Hayley White
Small Farms
