Cut Broom in Bloom

WORST in BC – specifically, Scotch broom is the invasive species causing the greatest harm to our Species at Risk (SAR). And yet, there it is, growing right outside our windows. This is not an aesthetic issue. Invasive species are the 2nd greatest threat to biodiversity on earth. So, what can we do?

CUT BROOM CUT Broom in Bloom. Eradicating some

IN BLOOM invasive plants requires herbicides, but broom only requires YOU. It’s April. Soon many roadsides will be bright yellow with the The most effective way to get rid of broom is to cut the prolific blooms of Scotch broom. stem with loppers, even with the The flower is lovely, but the ground, in April and May. Don’t plant is not our friend. A recent pull, mow or excavate. Seeds are report by the Invasive Species the problem – not the roots. Council of BC designated this alien invasive plant as THE Why should we care? Scotch broom is an alien in our midst, with no natural controls. It forms dense thickets that crowd out native plants, it’s toxic to wildlife, it prevents forests from regrowing, and it quickly takes over roadsides, farms, parks and cleared forest land. Dead or alive, broom dramatically increases the danger of wildfires. Many communities have successfully cleared their roads and properties since Broombusters started in 2006. There are also other groups working hard to cut broom. Broombuster volunteers alone cut over 7000 hours in 2021! All it takes is willing volunteers. It feels really good to see grasses, small trees and native plants return once the broom is removed.

There are already active groups near Chemainus, Maple Bay, Stony Hill, Lake Cowichan, and others. You can initiate clearing broom where you live. We don’t want this fire hazard near our homes. This is one problem we can solve, together. But beware: Broombusting is addicting!

Key points to remember for April: 1. CUT Broom in Bloom. Go after new infestations first. Stop the spread. 2. Watch videos on broombusters.org to learn winning techniques. 3. Reach out to your friends or join with others. 4. Reach out to Broombusters before you begin. We’ll connect you to someone local for guidance, tools and to help arrange broom disposal. Cut Broom in Bloom. It works! www.broombusters.org

Submitted By Joanne Sales, Executive Director of Broombusters

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by Shiloh Badman