Best methods for dealing with Bindweed - Ask Extension
In our community residents' garden, we have a substantial proliferation of bindweed in the paths as well as in the gardening beds. Nutsedge is also a...
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Best methods for dealing with Bindweed #914894
Asked August 21, 2025, 7:31 PM EDT
In our community residents' garden, we have a substantial proliferation of bindweed in the paths as well as in the gardening beds. Nutsedge is also a problem. What methods are there for eliminating this invasive weed? We have tried 30% vinegar and Spruce but they are not effective. We are tempted to use Roundup but find it hard to get evidence-based data as to the problems that seem to be associated with its use. There is a huge amount of emotion about this. What is a reliable source of information? It has been stated that any information coming from OSU research is not credible because it is all funded by chemical companies!! I look forward to your response. Thank you.
Polk County Oregon
Expert Response
Dear Bobbie,
Thank you for contacting us about controlling bindweed and nutsedge.
Let me first assure you that Extension strives to provide only unbiased, evidence-based information. We do not promote the use of particular products or businesses.
Both horticultural vinegar and Spruce Weed Killer are contact herbicides which means they operate on contact with foliage. Weeds with extensive or pervasive roots, such as bindweed and yellow nutsedge, cannot be treated effectively with contact herbicides.
It is possible to use mechanical methods such as digging to control these weeds, but this process can take a very long time to eliminate the plants and the seeds stored in the soil.
Products containing glyphosate are suggested for these weeds. However, it is important to check the active ingredient on any product you buy. The proprietary name Round-up is now being used on a number of products with different active ingredients for different applications.
Further, it is imperative that you read and follow all directions and precautions on all product labels. This is required by law and is necessary for personal and environmental safety. Glyphosate is considered safe when used as directed.
When using a product containing glyphosate to control bindweed, the following additional information applies:
Thank you for contacting us about controlling bindweed and nutsedge.
Let me first assure you that Extension strives to provide only unbiased, evidence-based information. We do not promote the use of particular products or businesses.
Both horticultural vinegar and Spruce Weed Killer are contact herbicides which means they operate on contact with foliage. Weeds with extensive or pervasive roots, such as bindweed and yellow nutsedge, cannot be treated effectively with contact herbicides.
It is possible to use mechanical methods such as digging to control these weeds, but this process can take a very long time to eliminate the plants and the seeds stored in the soil.
Products containing glyphosate are suggested for these weeds. However, it is important to check the active ingredient on any product you buy. The proprietary name Round-up is now being used on a number of products with different active ingredients for different applications.
Further, it is imperative that you read and follow all directions and precautions on all product labels. This is required by law and is necessary for personal and environmental safety. Glyphosate is considered safe when used as directed.
When using a product containing glyphosate to control bindweed, the following additional information applies:
Time - Apply at full bloom to early seed stage of maturity. Application on fall regrowth may provide some control.
Remarks - Cover foliage thoroughly but avoid spray runoff. Re-treatments may be needed for complete control. Control improves if the treated area is tilled 2 to 3 weeks after treatment.These articles provide more information about bindweed and nutsedge respectively:
- https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/controlling-perennial-bindweed-takes-persistence
- https://hortsense.cahnrs.wsu.edu/fact-sheet/weeds-yellow-nutsedge-cyperus-esculentus/
