Burning

Gorse Management

Burning is useful for removing dead gorse treated by herbicide to improve access for follow-up treatment. However, fire can also regenerate gorse seeds in soil, so follow-up treatment is vital.

Burning is not an effective or reliable method of control on its own but can be useful in reducing the above ground plant material and seed bank as a follow up to other treatment methods. The hotter the burn the better the result as an intense fire will destroy much of the above ground bulk and seedbank, whereas a cool burn will reduce the bulk and germinate much of the seed in the ground.

Leave gorse treated with herbicide for at least 12 months before burning or disturbing to give the herbicide time to kill the plant. Burning is useful for removing dead gorse treated by herbicide to improve access for follow-up treatment. However, fire can also regenerate gorse seeds in soil, so follow-up treatment is vital.

Control Method Rating

Cost

Low | Medium | High

Efficacy

• • •

When

To reduce impacts on the natural environment, autumn burning is recommended. Before you burn gorse check fire restrictions, read the Country Fire Authority (CFA) advice on burning off and always let your local CFA know of your intention to burn. It is also important to notify your neighbours.

Pros & Cons

Hot burns can reduce the bulk of green gorse, will clean up dead gorse and make follow-up treatments easier. Cool burns will leave masses of charred stem spikes and will stimulate the growth of new seeds, so check for and treat regrowth and seedlings. Fire may also cause additional problems such as increased erosion potential and further invasion by weeds.

Follow up

Burning will cause mass germination of gorse seeds in soil, so follow-up treatments are vital, otherwise you will significantly increase your gorse problem. Replant burned areas with fast-growing pasture or other vegetation to outcompete the regrowth of gorse. Check and treat any gorse regrowth for several years after burning.

Other Control Methods

Herbicidal Control

Mechanical Control

Alternative Methods

More Information

Working with contractors for effective gorse management

Working with contractors (print-friendly version)

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Cultural Heritage Awareness

Landholders must be careful to avoid further damage to the environment (including waterways) and Aboriginal cultural heritage sites when using machinery. Be aware of your legal obligations and obtain the necessary permits. Aboriginal Cultural Heritage may be found during works at any time, at any place.

If suspected heritage is discovered, work is to cease and a Preliminary Report Form must be completed and sent to vahr@dpc.vic.gov.au. If you are unsure, seek advice from Agriculture Victoria, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, First Peoples – State Relations (formerly Aboriginal Victoria) or your local council.

Disclaimer

The information provided by this website is intended for general information only and should not be relied on or used as a substitute for professional advice for your particular situation.

Before undertaking any weed or rabbit management, always obtain advice from a qualified expert, with respect to your own situation. Always read and follow the label before using any of the products mentioned and ensure that you are undertaking weed and rabbit management in the appropriate conditions and in the appropriate manner.

We do not guarantee this website is without flaw of any kind, or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes, and therefore disclaim all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information contained on the website for any purpose.

This project is an initiative of the Victorian Gorse Taskforce, the Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party and the Victorian Rabbit Action Network and is funded a project by the Australian Government Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper in collaboration with Agriculture Victoria.