Scotch Broom Removal
Although pretty when in bloom, each plant can produce up to 40,000 seeds that can survive in the ground through drought and fire. Stands of Scotch Broom disrupt local streams and overtake native plants and wildflowers that local wildlife rely upon for survival. The highly flammable brush produces a fire hazard in Nevada County, an area especially vulnerable to fire.
In California, it is a Class C noxious weed, which means the state attempts to control it, but it is up to volunteers to keep the plant from spreading. The only way to get rid of Scotch Broom is to remove the entire root system and plant. Look for annual broom removal workdays this spring, remove Scotch Broom before it goes to seed and grow native plants in your backyard for beauty, food and health for humans and our local habitat.
Pull small to medium plants by hand, easier after the rain, but large ones need to be removed with a special tool. The Firesafe Council has an application to borrowscotch broom removal tools: http://www.areyoufiresafe.com/