Non-lawn bindweed control - Ask Extension
Any info on how to control/eradicate bindweed from a residential yard that contains no grass? We are in the process of xeriscaping our yard, and bindw...
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Non-lawn bindweed control #799526
Asked July 05, 2022, 3:19 PM EDT
Any info on how to control/eradicate bindweed from a residential yard that contains no grass? We are in the process of xeriscaping our yard, and bindweed pervades our current landscape and raised garden beds. The Plant Talk article mentions mowing and an herbicide, but only for grass/lawn use. I’ve submitted an order request for pest control, but have no idea if that will happen this year or next. Thanks!
Ouray County Colorado
Expert Response
Kathryn
First a xeriscape note, please be mindful of any trees in your yard. They do not do well with fast change of water and we are seeing a lot of trees die due to xeriscaping, causing us to get hotter. Tree roots extend out at least twice their width.
If any of the area is unwatered, you can use bindweed mites. https://ag.colorado.gov/conservation/biocontrol/field-bindweed
2-4D and glyphosate are two chemicals labelled for bindweed. Locally, research has showed treating the bindweed in October, before it goes dormant with glyphosate will kill it. Also pulling it 10 times uses up its resources. The bad news is its seeds will outlive us.
Good luck with the bindweed.
Susan C. Horticulture and Natural Resource Agent
First a xeriscape note, please be mindful of any trees in your yard. They do not do well with fast change of water and we are seeing a lot of trees die due to xeriscaping, causing us to get hotter. Tree roots extend out at least twice their width.
If any of the area is unwatered, you can use bindweed mites. https://ag.colorado.gov/conservation/biocontrol/field-bindweed
2-4D and glyphosate are two chemicals labelled for bindweed. Locally, research has showed treating the bindweed in October, before it goes dormant with glyphosate will kill it. Also pulling it 10 times uses up its resources. The bad news is its seeds will outlive us.
Good luck with the bindweed.
Susan C. Horticulture and Natural Resource Agent
Hello, again! We have tried (and failed…. miserably) all of the non-chemical bindweed management options over the past several years. Chemicals have always been our last option, and we’re there.
While both glyphosate and 2,4-d are rated for bindweed, my understanding is that glyphosate is the one that will work to kill the root. That being said, there are several formulations of glyphosate herbicides out there. We’re prepared to apply everything as best we can (hand sprayer with cone attachment, dye, surfactant, calm, cool conditions, etc.)…. Is there any one or two formulations that are recommended over the others?
We are prepared to plant a Plant Select variety of grass (Dog Tuff) as soon as we can clear out the bindweed, which I know will help with future management… we just need to get to a place where we can actually plant it!
Thanks,
Kathryn
Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 6, 2022, at 2:49 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Dear Kathryn
If you can get it bindweed mite can be effective in non-irrigated landscapes. On this site there is a link on how to get the mites.
Field Bindweed Biocontrol | Department of Agriculture (colorado.gov)
If you can get it bindweed mite can be effective in non-irrigated landscapes. On this site there is a link on how to get the mites.
Field Bindweed Biocontrol | Department of Agriculture (colorado.gov)
Thanks. We tried the mites a year or 2 ago. They spent 3 days on the delivery truck and likely were all dead, but we tried to apply them anyway. We saw no effect, and we need better than 60% reduction, anyway. We applied glyphosate 2 weeks ago and are seeing it work.
Sent from my iPhone
On Aug 12, 2024, at 2:44 PM, Ask Extension wrote:
I'm glad it seems to be working. It may take repeated applications to get the control you are looking for.
2104 – Controlling Bindweed – PlantTalk Colorado (colostate.edu)
2104 – Controlling Bindweed – PlantTalk Colorado (colostate.edu)
