Editor:
Be a Scottish Broom Puller and help control the spread of broom.
Right now before the broom produces seeds is the best time to control broom. Thanks to the cool weather, you have a small window right now to stop the spread of broom.
The best method is to use a tool like the Puller Bear to pull the broom out by the roots. Just be careful to disturb the soil around the broom as little as possible. A Puller Bear can be rented from an owner in Saltair whose house is just north of the lagoon bridge. I have not talked to the owner, but his sign also suggests that the use is free for groups. Saltair residents who are Ratepayers also have access to a Puller Bear through their association.
Another method of control is to cut the broom as close to the ground as possible. This method will prevent another generation from spreading.
In both cases, just let the broom plant lie on the ground until it dries out. After two weeks or more, depending on the weather, the dried plants can be gathered and taken to the Peerless Road disposal site.
Something I have just learned is that B.C. has a Noxious Weed Act, which places the responsibility to remove noxious weed on the owners of both private, commercial and agricultural properties. So, please pitch in and stop the invasive spread of broom before our area looks like the roadside along the Malahat Highway. At the very least, get rid of the broom on your property.
Jim Whittaker
Saltair