Landholder Resources

Controlling Gorse

Gorse (Ulex europaeus) is a dense, spiny shrub with bright yellow flowers. Introduced as a hedge plant to Australia, it has become an invasive weed. As a declared weed, landholders are responsible for controlling the spread of Gorse in Victoria. 

Image: Neil Blair CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

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This information is relevant across Victoria where Gorse is found, particularly in higher rainfall areas of the state. 

  • Gorse forms dense thickets that crowd out other plants 
  • Thickets can create refuges for introduced species like rabbits and foxes 
  • Gorse spreads primarily by seed. Each bush can produce thousands of seeds which can survive for decades in the soil 
  • Reducing the amount of seed produced is key to managing Gorse 
  • To manage Gorse most effectively, use several methods in combination 
  • Prevent spread of Gorse into new areas  
  • Coordinate control with other landholders for best results 
  • Follow chemical use regulations when using herbicides 

Prevention 

  • Clean clothing, tools and vehicles after visiting areas with Gorse 

Chemical  

  • Use chemical control on plants larger than 50 cm 
  • Plants can be sprayed with herbicide, ensuring that leaves are completely covered 
  • Plants can be cut near ground level and herbicide painted onto stump 

Physical 

  • Small plants can be hand pulled 
  • Larger plants and thickets can be cleared with machinery 
  • Removing Gorse will stimulate dense germination of seedlings  
  • Follow-up management to control regrowth 
  • Monitor and record changes to habitat during and after Gorse control 

This information is relevant across Victoria where Gorse is found, particularly in higher rainfall areas of the state. 

  • Gorse forms dense thickets that crowd out other plants 
  • Thickets can create refuges for introduced species like rabbits and foxes 
  • Gorse spreads primarily by seed. Each bush can produce thousands of seeds which can survive for decades in the soil 
  • Reducing the amount of seed produced is key to managing Gorse 
  • To manage Gorse most effectively, use several methods in combination 
  • Prevent spread of Gorse into new areas  
  • Coordinate control with other landholders for best results 
  • Follow chemical use regulations when using herbicides 

Prevention 

  • Clean clothing, tools and vehicles after visiting areas with Gorse 

Chemical  

  • Use chemical control on plants larger than 50 cm 
  • Plants can be sprayed with herbicide, ensuring that leaves are completely covered 
  • Plants can be cut near ground level and herbicide painted onto stump 

Physical 

  • Small plants can be hand pulled 
  • Larger plants and thickets can be cleared with machinery 
  • Removing Gorse will stimulate dense germination of seedlings  
  • Follow-up management to control regrowth 
  • Monitor and record changes to habitat during and after Gorse control 
Safety
Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when undertaking land management. Follow all label instructions on equipment and local regulations. Be mindful of weather conditions. Do not conduct land management on days of extreme or catastrophic fire danger or total fire ban. 
Further information
If you have a conservation covenant, please consult with your Trust for Nature regional staff member to ensure land management activities are in line with your covenant deed.

For further advice and support, please contact Trust for Nature

Phone:(03) 8361 5800
Email:  trustfornature@tfn.org.au
Disclaimer
Trust for Nature and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication