Combating Bindweed

Bindweed AKA Morning Glory are different plants in the same family, here in Utah both names are commonly used for the same plant. Bindweed is a highly invasive plant that is extremely hard to control, but with time and persistence you can manage this unwanted plant in your landscape.

No matter what method you use for controlling bindweed in your landscapes it will take several seasons. Many people will use a weed killer containing Glyphosate. Waterwise Landscapes Utah does not use this method as this chemical can have adverse effects on soil and insect health. The best ways for controlling bindweed in our opinion is the prevention of seeds, but keep in mind that seeds can lay dormant for 20 years and root systems lay below ground an average of 9 feet.

Bindweed roots spread both horizontally and vertically. They reproduce from seeds, roots, rhizomes and stem fragments, this is why all parts of the plant when removed must not be put into the compost or left loose on the ground. Tilling leaves behind fragments that will reproduce and so can pulling. Hand pulling for several seasons can be effective as long as every piece pulled is disposed of properly, roots, seeds and fragments can resprout in less than 3 weeks, this is why it is important to stay on top of prevention. At the first sign of a seedling it must be removed. The best time of year to remove seedlings is in early spring while the ground is wet and you are more likely to remove some of the root pieces. Consistent removal of the top of the plant will eventually starve the root system.

At Waterwise Landscapes Utah we use two processes, solarization and occultation. For best results we combine the two processes when applicable.

 What is Solarization?

 Solarization is a process which involves using clear plastic sheeting to kill vegetation and seed. This process typically takes a month and will kill seeds and roots to roughly 6 inches. While this will take care of most grasses and weeds, keep in mind that bindweed roots average 9 feet. Tilling is sometimes used in the solarization process as it brings more seeds to the surface and can increase efficiency.  Solarization cannot be used around existing plants, trees or bushes as the process will kill their root systems. When these situations occur we us occulation. 

What is Occultation?

Occultation is a process of blocking light and creating a barrier from the weeds. In prehistoric times, people used a weed barrier as a way to keep weeds at bay, however current research shows that as plant materials break down on top of the barrier it creates a nutrient rich atmosphere which can promote growth of weeds on top of the barrier. Barrier prevents this nutrient rich compost from reaching your plants. It can also prohibit rainfall. The roots from seeds on top of the barrier can penetrate it making it nearly impossible to remove weeds and it becomes a landscape nightmare.

At Waterwise Landscapes Utah we use biodegradable barriers that will assist with keeping weeds at bay for up to a year. With the use of solarization, this is typically enough to keep any weeds that may find their way into your landscape manageable if you are persistent.

 When we are building pollinator gardens we use a lite barrier that will break down quickly or no barrier at all. Our reasoning is that 70% of Utah's native bees are ground nesting, so In an effort to increase the chance of survival for ground nesting bees and do our part as pollinator stewards we use our judgment on the best course of action. This means you may have slightly more weed management to take care of until your garden matures.