Gorse
and land managers across many parts of southern Australia. A fast-growing evergreen shrub with dense, thorny branches
and bright yellow flowers, gorse thrives in cool temperate climates and readily invades pastures, bushland, roadsides,
creek lines, fence lines and neglected areas of farmland.
in the soil for more than 30 years, meaning new plants can continue to emerge long after the original bushes have been
removed. This is why successful gorse control requires not only removing existing plants but managing regrowth over time.
Why is Gorse considered a problem?
→ Reduces productive land by taking over valuable pasture and crowding out desirable grasses and native vegetation.
→ Spreads quickly, with seeds carried by water, animals, machinery and exploding seed pods.
→ Keeps coming back, as seeds can remain viable in the soil for over 30 years.
→ Blocks access to paddocks, fence lines, tracks and waterways, making everyday property maintenance more difficult.
→ Provides shelter for pests, including rabbits, foxes and feral cats, making pest control more challenging.
→ Increases bushfire risk, as dense, woody bushes are highly flammable and can fuel fast-moving fires.
→ Can injure people and livestock, with sharp spines making fencing, mustering and routine maintenance difficult.
Click here to download a copy of the Gorse Technical Notes.
Controlling Gorse with Method 240SL
Method® 240SL is a proven herbicide for controlling gorse and other difficult woody weeds. With long-lasting systemic
control, flexible application methods and a user-friendly formulation, it provides landholders and land managers with a practical solution for effectively managing gorse.
Key benefits of Method® 240SL Herbicide:
→ Controls 40+ tough weeds – including gorse, blackberry, broom and hawthorn.
→ Long-lasting control – helps reduce repeat spraying and ongoing maintenance.
→ Easy and comfortable to use – low odour, nonirritating formulation that is exempt from poison scheduling, making it a practical choice for managing gorse and other woody weeds.
→ Flexible application options – suitable for foliar spraying, basal bark, cut stump and stem injection applications. Highly systemic both laterally and vertically in the treated plant.
→ New class of chemistry – powered by aminocyclopyrachlor, a new active ingredient introduced to Australia, that provides systemic control by disrupting weed growth.
For best results on gorse:
→ Time your application. In southern Australia, where winter dormancy and frost slow plant growth, gorse is best treated from mid-spring to early autumn, when plants are actively growing and herbicide movement throughout the plant is greatest. This generally aligns with the period after the main flowering flush (approximately December to April).
→ Target the right-sized plants. For foliar spraying, Method® 240SL is recommended for gorse plants less than 2 metres tall. Thoroughly wet all foliage and stems to the point of run off, using sufficient spray volume and an appropriate nozzle setup to achieve good coverage throughout the plant canopy.
Label Rates
It's Not Too Late to Take Control
Whether you’re dealing with a handful of plants or dense, established thickets, it’s never too late to start controlling gorse. While larger infestations may require follow-up treatment, every step you take today will help stop gorse spreading further and make future control easier and more affordable.
Although gorse seeds can survive in the soil for many years, that doesn’t mean the battle can’t be won. By controlling existing plants before they produce more seed and treating regrowth as it appears, you can steadily reduce infestations over time and reclaim more of your land.
Tank Mixing
Method® 240SL Herbicide is compatible with other herbicides which are registered for the situations of use, methods of applications and timings as specified on the label. Refer to the product label for further information on tank mixing, additional instructions or restrictions.
Stewardship
DO NOT apply Method® 240SL Herbicide in a manner that may cause an unacceptable impact to native vegetation, agricultural crops, landscaped gardens and aquaculture production, or cause contamination of plant or livestock commodities.
It is the responsibility of the landowner and/or applicator to follow the label directions, restrictions, and stewardship
requirements. The herbicide label provides critical information on the safe, legal, and effective use of the herbicide and all applicators must complete the Method® 240SL Stewardship Training prior to use.
Contact Us
Contact our team of experts to discuss how Method® 240SL can support the control of Gorse or other broadleaf and woody weeds on your land, please contact our team:
03 7019 3839.
