will bindweed killing chemicals hurt an elm tree with roots below the lawn - Ask Extension
The older lawn has recently been overcome by bindweed. a large elm tree has roots below the lawn. I am contemplating using chemicals against the bindw...
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will bindweed killing chemicals hurt an elm tree with roots below the lawn #929293
Asked April 22, 2026, 7:38 PM EDT
The older lawn has recently been overcome by bindweed. a large elm tree has roots below the lawn. I am contemplating using chemicals against the bindweed, but don't want to injure the tree.
Im thinking of using Weed B Gone Max plus Crabgrass Control.
I have not used any Weed and Feed products because I think they are too harsh and polluting. My lawn, with mostly benign treatments, looks much worse than all the neighbors' lawns,
which are all routinely treated with Weed and Feed.
Can I use this chemical(Quinclorac) without hurting the tree?
Denver County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Denise,
To answer your question: Yes, you can use quinclorac below your elm tree. It is not a root active product.
However, you'll want to boost your lawn's overall health. Bindweed cannot compete with a healthy lawn. Also, when you spray, the weeds must be actively growing, so you'll want to be watering the area prior to application. Then once the product is dry, water following application. Well-watered weeds absorb herbicides best.
To answer your question: Yes, you can use quinclorac below your elm tree. It is not a root active product.
However, you'll want to boost your lawn's overall health. Bindweed cannot compete with a healthy lawn. Also, when you spray, the weeds must be actively growing, so you'll want to be watering the area prior to application. Then once the product is dry, water following application. Well-watered weeds absorb herbicides best.
