Yes, hiring an excavator is one of the most effective ways to clear established blackberry and gorse from your property — these plants have deep, tenacious root systems that hand tools and herbicides alone often can't fully remove. That said, there are important steps to take before you fire up the machine, including checking for underground services, understanding any consent requirements, and knowing how to dispose of the material legally.
Why an Excavator Works Well for Blackberry and Gorse
Both blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) and gorse (Ulex europaeus) are classified as invasive weeds in New Zealand and are notoriously difficult to eradicate. Gorse roots can extend well over a metre deep, and blackberry crowns re-shoot vigorously if left in the ground. An excavator — even a compact 1.5–3 tonne mini excavator available from most hire yards — lets you:
- Grub out root crowns completely, reducing re-growth significantly
- Work across rough or sloped terrain where a tractor or ride-on wouldn't be safe
- Pile material efficiently for burning or disposal
- Scarify and prepare the ground for replanting or pasture in the same operation
For large infestations, combining mechanical removal with a follow-up herbicide treatment gives the best long-term result.
Before You Start: Essential Checks
1. Locate Underground Services
This is the single most important step. Always call Dial Before You Dig (0800 248 344) or visit their website to request a service location before any excavation. Buried power cables, gas lines, water mains, and telecommunications lines can be present even on rural or lifestyle blocks. Striking a live cable or gas pipe is potentially fatal.
2. Check Your District Plan and Any Consent Requirements
In most cases, clearing weeds on your own land does not require a building consent. However, if the work involves significant earthworks — moving large volumes of soil, altering drainage, or working near a waterway — your local council may require a resource consent under the Resource Management Act (RMA). Rules vary by region, so contact your council before starting. MBIE Building Performance has general guidance on what triggers consent requirements.
3. Waterway and Erosion Setbacks
Gorse and blackberry often colonise stream banks and gullies. Be aware that working within a certain distance of a waterway (commonly 10–20 metres, but check your regional plan) may be restricted. Disturbing stream banks can cause erosion and sediment runoff, which is an offence under the RMA. If in doubt, speak to your regional council.
4. Slope and Stability
Excavators can tip on steep ground. Most hire companies recommend a maximum safe operating slope — typically around 15–20 degrees for a mini excavator, but always check the machine's operator manual. If your site is steep, consider hiring an experienced operator rather than operating it yourself.
Choosing the Right Machine
| Infestation Size | Recommended Machine | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small patch (under 200 m²) | 1.5–2 tonne mini excavator | Easy to transport, fits through gates |
| Medium area (200 m²–1 ha) | 3–5 tonne excavator | More reach and bucket capacity |
| Large-scale clearing (1 ha+) | 8+ tonne excavator or dozer | Consider hiring a contractor |
Most general hire companies such as those listed on Bunnings or local hire yards stock mini excavators suitable for lifestyle block work. Ask the hire company for a machine with a grubbing bucket or ripper tooth attachment — these are far more effective at tearing out root systems than a standard digging bucket.
Safe Operating Tips
- Wear appropriate PPE: hard hat, steel-capped boots, high-vis vest, and gloves when handling cut material.
- Keep bystanders — especially children — well clear of the working area at all times.
- Work methodically across the site, grubbing roots out and piling debris as you go.
- Be aware that gorse is highly flammable — do not operate near open flames or hot exhausts in dry conditions.
- Check WorkSafe NZ guidance on plant operation safety if you are unfamiliar with excavator controls.
- If you have not operated an excavator before, ask the hire company for a brief induction — most are happy to provide one.
Disposing of Cleared Material
This is where many people get caught out. Blackberry and gorse must be disposed of carefully to prevent re-establishment:
- Burning is often the most practical option on rural land, but you must comply with your regional council's open-air burning rules and any fire season restrictions. Always check with your local fire authority.
- Chipping the material is an option, but gorse chips can still contain viable seeds — do not spread chips back on cleared ground.
- Green waste disposal at a council transfer station is available in many areas — check whether your local facility accepts woody weed material.
- Do not compost gorse or blackberry — seeds and root fragments can survive and spread.
When to Call a Professional
While operating a hired mini excavator is within the capability of many capable DIYers, there are situations where hiring a qualified earthmoving contractor is the smarter and safer choice:
- The site is steep, unstable, or has poor access
- The infestation covers more than half a hectare
- You are working near waterways, retaining walls, or structures
- You have no prior experience operating excavators
- The job requires resource consent or specialist erosion controls
A professional earthmover will complete the work faster, more safely, and often more cost-effectively than a first-time operator on a large site. You can find qualified local earthmoving contractors on tradedirectory.co.nz.
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