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Controlling gorse in Tasmania on private land is tricky

Controlling gorse on private land is never as simple as it sounds and in a forestry context, its aggressive nature and environmental impacts mean landowners need more than good intentions. Source: Timberbiz Successful management of Tasmania’s highly invasive woody weed, Gorse (Ulex europaeus), in private forests demands adherence to regulations, coupled with a strategic, ecologically informed approach and a clear vision for future land use. Private Forests Tasmania Forestry Specialist Dion McKenzie said landowners need to be aware of regulatory requirements when undertaking gorse control in forested or woodland environments. Mr McKenzie said no gorse program should begin without consulting the Forest Practices Act 1985. Any operation that clears, pushes over or otherwise destroys trees capable of reaching five metres is a forest practice and usually needs a certified Forest Practices Plan (FPP). “If gorse control will remove, damage or kill native vegetation – even indirectly – it may be deemed tree‑clearing,” Mr McKenzie said. “Undertaking forest practices without an approved FPP can trigger compliance action by the Forest Practices Authority (FPA), including fines and remediation orders. “A phone call to a Forest Practices Officer before you start can save you money and grief.” Resources such as the Gorse Management Leaflet [add hyperlink] are available via the Forest Practices Authority and offer practical advice and regulatory guidance. A simple flow chart on the FPA website helps landowners decide whether their job is exempt. Mr McKenzie said gorse is highly flammable, aggressive in its spread, and tenacious in seed survival, it can choke out native vegetation, hinder forest operations, and elevate fire risks. “Firstly, it’s a prolific flowerer that can produce seed even when young – and older plants generate enormous seed banks,” Mr McKenzie said. “Secondly, those seeds have a hard coat and can survive in the soil for decades. “In a forestry context, gorse can limit access for any monitoring or active management such as pruning, and it can also increase the fire hazard significantly as it is highly flammable.” He said these traits mean any control method – whether mechanical, chemical, or fire – must be supported by an extended follow-up plan. Mr McKenzie said fire can in fact promote seed germination, meaning it may need to be used cautiously and only at the right time in the control process. Forestry consultant Alex Tabor said successful gorse control comes down to having a long-term management plan. Ms Tabor works with private landowners across Tasmania, helping them avoid unintended damage to native ecosystems when tackling weeds. “Getting rid of gorse is not actually the end goal. You need to have a clear vision for what you want that land to look like when the gorse is gone,” she said. “Woodland environments where gorse is present are often already under threat, and overly aggressive removal of gorse particularly using fire, can worsen the situation. “If you burn it too early, the gorse burns so hot you can kill all your trees, make the infestation worse, and possibly breach the Forest Practices Code.” From a practical forestry perspective, gorse also presents logistical and operational problems. “Selecting tree species that grow rapidly and are suited to the site can give them a competitive advantage,” Mr McKenzie said. “Good weed control during establishment and rapid early growth is essential. “A species with a dense canopy will shade out the understorey and reduce gorse germination over time. “Active managed planted forests can be a good option for assisting with gorse management and making land productive again.” The Gorse National Best Practice Manual is a science‑based guide to helping manage gorse and key actions in developing a control plan include: Define problem areas through property or control area mapping using aerial photos, existing maps, or hand-drawn visuals. Determine and map control priorities – rank infestations by priority, assess legal and ethical responsibilities, align with regional plans, and use overlays or GIS to map priorities and ecological considerations over a minimum five-year control plan. Determine integrated gorse management options by assessing available resources, legal requirements, potential impacts on neighbours, and planning for initial control, follow-up, and ongoing monitoring. Develop a financial plan by estimating management and labour costs for each infestation, budgeting for both short- and long-term control, considering available financial support, and including future follow-up actions. Develop a long-term, flexible gorse control schedule that enables annual follow-up, considers seasonal effectiveness and labour availability, and integrates with broader land management activities. Monitor and document gorse control efforts by mapping progress, recording methods and costs, checking for regrowth or new outbreaks annually, and taking repeat photos to assess effectiveness over time. Conduct annual follow-up of treated infestations using the most suitable method, as regrowth and new germination are likely to occur. Alex said many landowners underestimate the time and cost involved in gorse control, which she labelled and “open-ended problem”. “For major infestations, landowners should plan for a five-to-10-year control program, followed by ongoing maintenance to prevent re-establishment,” Ms Tabor said. “Budget on at least five to ten years of staged control, then lifelong surveillance. “Follow-up maintenance isn’t just once or twice – it’s ongoing, and it must be tailored to what’s coming back each time. “People often let gorse infestations go on for decades. Once you lose the diversity in these ecosystems, it’s hard to restore it. “The earlier you get in, the less intensive and expensive it will be.”