Bindweed, also known as morning glory or creeping jenny, is the bane of many gardeners’ existence. This tenacious vine, with its attractive trumpet-shaped flowers, can quickly overwhelm lawns, gardens, and flowerbeds, strangling desirable plants and creating an unsightly mess. The question on every homeowner’s mind is: can you get rid of bindweed without harming the grass you’ve worked so hard to cultivate? The answer is yes, but it requires persistence, the right techniques, and a good understanding of bindweed’s growth habits.
Understanding Bindweed: The Enemy You Need to Know
Before launching an attack on bindweed, it’s crucial to understand its nature. This will help you choose the most effective control methods and prevent future infestations.
Bindweed is a perennial vine, meaning it lives for more than two years. Its most significant survival advantage lies in its extensive root system. This root system can reach depths of up to 30 feet, making it incredibly difficult to eradicate entirely. Even a small piece of root left in the ground can sprout a new plant.
Bindweed spreads through both seeds and its creeping roots. Seeds can remain viable in the soil for many years, germinating when conditions are favorable. The roots spread horizontally, sending up new shoots along the way.
Bindweed thrives in sunny locations and tolerates a wide range of soil types. It’s particularly problematic in areas with disturbed soil or where other plants are sparse. It can quickly outcompete other plants for resources like sunlight, water, and nutrients.
Strategies for Bindweed Control That Spare Your Grass
Successfully controlling bindweed while preserving your grass requires a multifaceted approach. There is no single magic bullet; instead, a combination of methods, consistently applied, is key to success.
Manual Removal: A Persistent Approach
This is perhaps the most labor-intensive method, but it can be effective for small infestations or as part of a larger control strategy. The key is persistence.
Carefully pull bindweed vines from the ground, taking care to remove as much of the root system as possible. This is best done after a rain or when the soil is moist, as the roots will be easier to extract.
Regularly monitor the area for new growth and pull any new shoots as soon as they appear. This will gradually weaken the plant and prevent it from spreading. This method is particularly effective when used in conjunction with other control methods. Remember, even a small piece of root left behind can regenerate, so vigilance is crucial. This approach is most effective when bindweed is young and hasn’t established a deep root system.
Smothering Bindweed: Blocking the Light
Bindweed needs sunlight to survive. Smothering it deprives it of this essential resource, eventually weakening and killing the plant. This method can be very effective, but it requires patience.
Cover the affected area with a thick layer of mulch, such as cardboard, black plastic, or landscaping fabric. Make sure the covering extends well beyond the visible edges of the bindweed infestation to prevent it from spreading.
Leave the covering in place for several months, or even a full growing season, to completely block sunlight and deplete the plant’s energy reserves. Check periodically to ensure the covering remains intact and that no new shoots are emerging from underneath. Once the bindweed is dead, remove the covering and reseed the area with grass if necessary.
This method is best suited for areas where you don’t mind sacrificing the grass temporarily. It’s also a good option for preparing a new garden bed or clearing an area before planting. It is important to consider that covering large areas of your lawn for extended periods may negatively impact the soil health.
Selective Herbicides: A Targeted Strike
Selective herbicides are designed to kill specific types of plants without harming others. When used correctly, they can be an effective way to control bindweed in lawns without damaging the grass.
Choose a herbicide that is specifically labeled for use on lawns and that targets broadleaf weeds, including bindweed. Look for products containing ingredients like 2,4-D, dicamba, or triclopyr. Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Apply the herbicide directly to the bindweed foliage, avoiding contact with the grass as much as possible. Use a shielded sprayer or a paintbrush to apply the herbicide precisely. Herbicides are most effective when applied to actively growing bindweed.
Multiple applications may be necessary to completely kill the bindweed. Monitor the treated area regularly and reapply the herbicide as needed. Be patient; it may take several weeks to see results. Remember that herbicides can have unintended consequences, so use them judiciously and only when other methods have failed. Consider the environmental impact and choose the least toxic option available.
Vinegar Solutions: A Natural Approach with Caveats
Vinegar, specifically horticultural vinegar (which is much stronger than household vinegar), can be used as a natural herbicide. However, it is non-selective, meaning it will kill any plant it comes into contact with, including grass.
Use a spray bottle to apply vinegar directly to the bindweed foliage, avoiding contact with the grass. The best time to apply vinegar is on a sunny day, as the sun will help to enhance its effectiveness.
Be prepared to reapply the vinegar multiple times, as it may only kill the top growth of the bindweed, not the roots. Vinegar can also alter the soil pH, so use it sparingly and monitor the soil conditions.
While vinegar can be an effective short-term solution for controlling bindweed, it is not a long-term solution and may not be the best option for lawns due to its non-selective nature and potential impact on soil health.
Boosting Grass Health: A Strong Defense
A healthy, dense lawn is naturally more resistant to bindweed infestations. By promoting healthy grass growth, you can make it more difficult for bindweed to establish itself.
Regularly fertilize your lawn with a balanced fertilizer to provide the grass with the nutrients it needs to thrive. This will help the grass to grow thick and dense, crowding out bindweed and other weeds.
Water your lawn deeply and infrequently, rather than shallowly and frequently. This will encourage the grass roots to grow deeper, making them more resistant to drought and weed competition.
Aerate your lawn annually to improve soil drainage and aeration. This will help the grass roots to grow stronger and healthier. Overseed your lawn with grass seed in the fall to fill in any bare patches and create a denser turf.
Mow your lawn at the correct height for your grass type. Mowing too short can weaken the grass and make it more susceptible to weed infestations. By maintaining a healthy lawn, you can create an environment that is less favorable to bindweed and other weeds.
Prevention: The Best Cure
The best way to deal with bindweed is to prevent it from establishing itself in the first place. Taking preventative measures can save you a lot of time and effort in the long run.
Inspect new plants carefully before planting them in your garden or lawn. Bindweed seeds and roots can easily hitchhike on new plants. Be vigilant about removing any bindweed seedlings that you see emerging in your garden or lawn. The sooner you remove them, the easier it will be to control them.
Use mulch around your plants to suppress weed growth. Mulch will also help to retain moisture in the soil and improve soil health. Avoid disturbing the soil unnecessarily, as this can bring bindweed seeds to the surface and encourage them to germinate.
Keep your garden and lawn clean and free of debris. Debris can provide shelter for bindweed seeds and roots. Regularly monitor your garden and lawn for signs of bindweed infestation. The sooner you detect it, the easier it will be to control.
Long-Term Management: A Continuous Effort
Controlling bindweed is an ongoing process. It requires consistent effort and attention to detail. Even if you manage to eradicate bindweed from your lawn, it can easily re-establish itself if you don’t remain vigilant.
Regularly monitor your lawn for new bindweed growth and take action as soon as you see it. Continue to use a combination of control methods to keep bindweed at bay. Be patient and persistent. It may take several years to completely eliminate bindweed from your lawn.
Don’t get discouraged if you see bindweed re-emerging after you thought you had gotten rid of it. This is a common problem. Just keep at it, and eventually, you will be able to control it. Consider enlisting the help of a professional lawn care service. They have the expertise and equipment to effectively control bindweed and other weeds.
Choosing the Right Approach for Your Situation
The best approach to controlling bindweed will depend on the size and severity of the infestation, the type of grass you have, and your personal preferences. Here’s a guide to help you choose the right method:
- Small infestations: Manual removal and smothering may be sufficient.
- Large infestations: Selective herbicides may be necessary.
- Organic gardening: Manual removal, smothering, and vinegar solutions (with caution) are the best options.
- Lawns with sensitive grass types: Choose herbicides carefully and test them on a small area first.
No matter which method you choose, remember that persistence is key. Bindweed is a tenacious weed, and it will take time and effort to control it. But with the right approach, you can successfully eliminate bindweed from your lawn without harming your grass.
Can I really kill bindweed without harming my lawn grass?
Yes, it’s definitely possible to kill bindweed without severely damaging your lawn. The key lies in using selective herbicides designed to target broadleaf weeds like bindweed, while leaving grasses relatively unharmed. Spot treatments and careful application techniques are also crucial to minimizing collateral damage to your desirable turf.
Furthermore, consider cultural practices that promote a healthy and dense lawn. A thriving lawn naturally outcompetes bindweed, reducing its ability to establish and spread. Proper fertilization, watering, and mowing practices contribute significantly to a healthy turf, acting as a natural deterrent to bindweed infestations.
What are the best herbicides for killing bindweed in grass?
Selective herbicides containing ingredients like 2,4-D, dicamba, or triclopyr are generally effective against bindweed and safe for most common lawn grasses when used according to label instructions. These herbicides work by disrupting the growth processes specific to broadleaf plants, affecting bindweed while leaving grass relatively untouched. Always read and follow the product label meticulously, paying close attention to application rates and safety precautions.
For stubborn infestations, a combination of these herbicides may be necessary. However, always exercise caution when mixing chemicals and ensure compatibility. Multiple applications spaced several weeks apart may also be required to completely eradicate the bindweed, as it’s a persistent and deep-rooted weed.
How do I apply herbicide to bindweed without killing the grass?
Spot treating is the most effective method for targeting bindweed without harming your grass. Use a handheld sprayer to apply the herbicide directly to the bindweed leaves, carefully avoiding overspray onto surrounding grass. Shielding the grass with a piece of cardboard or plastic can also help prevent accidental exposure.
Another helpful technique is using a paintbrush or foam applicator to carefully dab the herbicide onto individual bindweed leaves. This method is particularly useful for small, isolated infestations. Regardless of the application method, ensure the herbicide is applied on a calm, windless day to prevent drift and potential damage to nearby plants.
Are there organic ways to get rid of bindweed in my lawn?
While organic methods may require more persistence, they can be effective in controlling bindweed. Repeatedly pulling or digging up the bindweed, including as much of the root system as possible, can weaken the plant over time. This method is most effective for small infestations and requires consistent effort.
Another organic approach involves smothering the bindweed with cardboard or thick layers of mulch. This deprives the plant of sunlight, eventually killing it. However, be aware that this method will also kill any grass underneath the covering, so it’s best used for isolated patches or along edges.
How long does it take to kill bindweed with herbicide?
The time it takes to kill bindweed with herbicide depends on several factors, including the type of herbicide used, the size of the infestation, and the weather conditions. Typically, you should start to see signs of wilting and yellowing within a week or two of application.
Complete eradication may require multiple applications spaced several weeks apart. Bindweed is a persistent weed with a deep root system, so it’s important to be patient and persistent with your control efforts. Monitor the treated areas regularly and reapply herbicide as needed, following the product label instructions.
What are the best times of year to treat bindweed?
The best times of year to treat bindweed are typically in the spring and fall when the plant is actively growing. During these times, the bindweed is more likely to absorb the herbicide and transport it to its roots, resulting in more effective control. Avoid treating bindweed during the hottest parts of summer, as the plant may be stressed and less likely to absorb the herbicide.
Also, avoid treating bindweed when it’s flowering, as the plant’s energy is focused on reproduction rather than vegetative growth. Treating bindweed before it flowers will help prevent it from spreading seeds and establishing new infestations. Always check the weather forecast before applying herbicide and avoid spraying on windy or rainy days.
How can I prevent bindweed from coming back?
Maintaining a healthy and dense lawn is the best defense against bindweed. Proper fertilization, watering, and mowing practices will promote strong grass growth, outcompeting bindweed and preventing it from establishing. Regularly overseed bare spots to ensure a thick and uniform turf.
Additionally, be vigilant in monitoring your lawn for new bindweed seedlings. Removing them promptly before they develop a strong root system will prevent them from becoming a major problem. Consider using pre-emergent herbicides in the spring to prevent bindweed seeds from germinating.