Top-Rated Poison Hemlock Removal on South Vancouver Island

Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) is one of the most toxic plants in North America—and it’s spreading across roadsides, ditches, pastures, and residential properties throughout South Vancouver Island. While it may look like wild carrot or Queen Anne’s lace, this plant is highly poisonous to humans, pets, and livestock, even through skin contact or inhaled particles during removal.

At Ascent Yard Care, we specialize in the safe and permanent removal of poison hemlock. As the Island’s leading invasive and toxic plant removal company, we bring full-service capability, trained crews, and licensed herbicide professionals to every job. Whether you’ve spotted a few plants in your backyard or are dealing with a widespread roadside infestation, we remove hemlock efficiently and eliminate the risk to people and property.

Why Poison Hemlock Is a Major Threat

Poison hemlock is a biennial plant that thrives in disturbed soils and spreads aggressively. Its seeds can remain viable in the ground for 6+ years, and it rapidly forms dense colonies that displace native vegetation.

Here’s why it must be removed:

• Extremely toxic – All parts of the plant contain potent alkaloids that can cause respiratory failure if ingested or even touched
• Difficult to identify – Resembles edible and harmless plants like wild carrot or parsley, increasing the risk of accidental exposure
• Spreads aggressively – Produces thousands of seeds per plant, with roots that return even after cutting
• Creates liability and health risks – Especially near homes, schools, trails, horse paddocks, and agricultural land
• Illegal to allow to spread – Classified as a noxious weed in many jurisdictions, including B.C.

Early removal is key. Once established, poison hemlock becomes both a public safety issue and a long-term invasive species problem.

Ascent’s Professional Poison Hemlock Removal Process

Poison hemlock requires cautious handling and technical removal protocols due to its toxicity. Our crews are fully trained in toxic plant identification, containment, and safe extraction.

1. Site Assessment & Risk Analysis

We begin with a site walkthrough to confirm the presence of poison hemlock and assess spread, plant maturity, and proximity to high-risk areas (e.g., children’s play spaces, livestock fencing, water sources). Safety is our top priority.

2. Full Protective Removal

Our team uses full-body protective equipment and respirators as needed. We carefully cut and remove the plant at the base without disturbing seed heads, then excavate root systems to prevent regrowth. Plants are bagged on-site and disposed of in accordance with provincial hazardous plant disposal guidelines.

3. Herbicide Follow-Up (Optional)

To ensure long-term success and prevent regrowth from dormant seeds or root fragments, we offer licensed herbicide application using targeted treatments that eliminate regrowth without harming surrounding vegetation.

4. Ongoing Monitoring & Restoration

Because hemlock seeds persist in the soil, we provide follow-up inspections and can assist with native plant restoration, erosion control, or pasture replanting to reduce future infestations.

Why Ascent Yard Care Is Vancouver Island’s Trusted Choice

We’re not just landscapers—we are invasive and toxic plant specialists with years of experience removing dangerous species like poison hemlock, giant hogweed, and spurge laurel across the Island.

Why clients trust Ascent:

• Trained crews with toxic plant safety protocols
• Permanent results — not just surface cutting
• Licensed herbicide applicators for targeted treatment
• Proper disposal in accordance with provincial regulations
• WCB-covered, fully insured, and safety-certified
• Responsive, scalable, and professional

From roadside ditches to rural acreages and sensitive urban sites, we provide the most thorough and safest poison hemlock removal service available on Vancouver Island.

Areas We Serve

We remove poison hemlock throughout South Vancouver Island, including:

• Victoria
• Saanich
• Oak Bay
• Langford
• Metchosin
• Highlands
• View Royal
• Sooke
• Mill Bay
• Cobble Hill
• Shawnigan Lake
• Cowichan Valley
• Gulf Islands (by request)

Book a Safe, Professional Removal Today

If you’ve identified poison hemlock on your property—or think you might have—don’t take risks with DIY removal. Call Vancouver Island’s toxic plant removal experts today.