Cut bindweed to ground level

Cut it down to ground level with a string trimmer or hand pruners. Cutting alone will not eliminate bindweed as it will regrow from its roots but this is an important first step.

Pull bindweed out from the roots

Small and young bindweed plants can be pulled out from the roots. This is easiest when the soil is soft and wet. Pulling is only effective in immature populations of bindweed.

Dig out the roots

Use a pickaxe or shovel to dig out the roots. Mature bindweed roots can grow as deep as 15 feet downward, as a result, digging is only effective in immature populations of bindweed.

Be careful of spreading cuttings

Do not leave cuttings of bindweed on the ground. The cuttings will take root and sprout a new plant. It is very important to take the plant to a disposal facility or bag it in a plastic bag so further spreading does not occur.

Mowing

Cut the bindweed to ground level. If the area is flat enough to mow this is an effective method to keep bindweed from climbing other plants, walls or fences. Bindweed grows very quickly so the area will need to be mowed weekly in order for this to be effective.

Treatment

We remove all the above ground vines and plant material, the cut material is cleaned up and hauled away.

When necessary, we employ eco-friendly treatments to eradicate bindweed. This involves precisely treating small new leaves. Following the treatment the root system will die within one month. Our treatment will not kill other plants and has no soil activity or run off.

Ascent Yard Care has permanently removed hundreds of bindweed infestations since our business was founded in 2017.

Covering

Cut the bindweed to ground level. Cover the area in an opaque tarp or sheet of plastic. It is very important no light can pass through the covering. This will prevent the bindweed from photosynthesizing and the plants and root system will eventually die after one year or more of being covered.

Expert Help:

We care intensely about the success of each project. Contact us for a Free Quote.

What is bindweed?

Bindweed or “field bindweed” is a widespread invasive species on Vancouver island. Bindweed thrives in lawns and gardens. In one year a bindweed plant can start from seed and grow a root system that is five feet deep and ten feet wide. Bindweed root systems expand every year and sprout new plants as they grow.

Why is bindweed invasive?

A single bindweed plant can turn into a patch containing thousands of plants

Bindweed spreads underground through a rapidly expanding system of stems which constantly sprouts new plants

Bindweed produces extremely resilient growth that re-sprouts after cutting

A single bindweed plant produces up to 500 seeds per year

Bindweed climbs other plants and can completely cover them

Why is it crucial to remove bindweed?

Bindweed crowds out native species

Bindweed infestations will get worse over time

Bindweed can harm natural waterways

Bindweed can spread to neighbouring property

Bindweed thrives and spreads rapidly in almost all soil conditions

Aggressive Growth and Spread

One of the primary reasons Bindweed is considered invasive is its aggressive growth habit. The plant spreads both vertically and horizontally at an astonishing pace, covering the ground and smothering other vegetation. The vines climb over fences, trees, and other plants, blocking sunlight and stifling their growth.

Deep Root System

Bindweed plants have deep and extensive root systems that can penetrate the soil up to 15 feet. This not only helps the plant access water and nutrients from deep within the ground, but it also makes the plant incredibly hard to eradicate completely. Any fragments of roots left in the soil can regrow into new plants, making the infestation a perennial problem.

Seeds

Bindweed is a prolific seeder, with a single plant capable of producing hundreds of seeds each year.

Out-competition of Native Species

Another destructive aspect of Bindweed is its ability to out-compete native plant species. By growing rapidly and covering large areas, Bindweed deprives native plants of space, sunlight, and nutrients, resulting in their decline or disappearance. This can disrupt local biodiversity, threatening the survival of dependent insects and animals.

Impact on Agriculture

Bindweed's invasive nature is not limited to gardens and natural ecosystems. It also poses significant challenges to agriculture. Dense infestations of the plant can severely reduce crop yields by competing for space, light, and nutrients. In addition, its climbing habit can interfere with harvesting machinery, leading to increased production costs.

Resistance to Control Measures

Finally, Bindweed's resistance to control measures contributes significantly to its invasive status. Many common weed control methods, such as mowing and pulling, are ineffective against Bindweed. The plant's deep roots make it resistant to drought, and its seeds' hard coating allows them to survive even after being ingested by animals or subjected to adverse conditions.

In conclusion, while the Bindweed's vibrant flowers and rapid growth may seem attractive, these characteristics also contribute to its status as an invasive, destructive weed. Its aggressive growth habit, deep root system, seed longevity, ability to out-compete native species, and resistance to control measures make it a considerable concern for gardeners, farmers, and conservationists alike. It's critical to be aware of these issues when considering this plant for your garden and to take appropriate measures if an infestation occurs.

Permanently removing bindweed

Immature bindweed infestations can be controlled manually through cutting and pulling.

We remove all the above ground vines and plant material, the cut material is cleaned up and hauled away.

When necessary, we employ eco-friendly treatments to eradicate bindweed. This involves precisely treating small new leaves. Following the treatment the root system will die within one month. Our treatment will not kill other plants and has no soil activity or run off.

Ascent Yard Care has permanently removed hundreds of bindweed infestations since our business was founded in 2017.

Bindweed removal cost

Contact us for a free in-person quote in Victoria, BC and Jake will provide an exact work order and quote.

Won’t the bindweed just grow back?

In the worst infestations, up to 2 follow up visits may be necessary to completely eradicate re-growth. Most bindweed patches we service are completely and permanently removed in one visit.

Expert Help:

We are deeply committed to the successful eradication of bindweed.

See All Posts