Cut & Paint

Gorse Management

To cut and paint gorse involves sawing or lopping the stems as close to the ground and as cleanly as possible and immediately treating the stump with a registered herbicide – within 20 seconds for the best results.

You may need to cut the gorse further up the stem first to clear the bulk of the weed, and then cut the stem lower to the ground. Stems can be cut with anything, including chainsaw, loppers, handsaw or secateurs. Apply the herbicide across the entire stump with a paint brush, foam shoe-polish applicator, sauce or product bottle, trigger spray bottle, pump spray bottle or backpack hand sprayer. Include a spray dye to mark where you have treated the gorse.

Working with others makes the job easier. One person cuts the gorse, another clears it, and another quickly paints the herbicide on the cut stems. Placing cut branches on top of cut treated stumps can help discourage new seedlings. Consider working with neighbours or your local Landcare or an environmental group. You need to work closely with gorse to cut and paint and it’s prickly so wear protective gear. Take care with sharp tools and follow the herbicide label instructions. If you aren’t confident cutting and chemically treating gorse yourself, you can contact a commercial contractor.

Control Method Rating

Cost

Low | Medium | High

Efficacy

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When

The cut and paint method works best when plants are actively growing. Gorse does not actively grow in winter and herbicides are less effective if plants are stressed by extreme cold or heat. The best time to treat gorse with herbicide is from spring to early summer and after autumn rain, before the plant flowers. Gorse should not be cut and painted when seed pods are on plants. When gorse is in seed take care as dropped seeds can be picked up from the ground by machinery and vehicles and transported around your property.

Pros & Cons

The cut and paint method is useful for isolated gorse patches, especially on steep ground difficult to access with machinery. Cut and paint is also best when a sprayed herbicide might drift onto nearby vegetation or into a waterway or wetland.

Follow up

Check and treat your gorse for any regrowth and new seedlings. Regrowth should be at least 40 centimetres high before treating so it can absorb the herbicide effectively.

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.