Cut periwinkle to ground level

Cut it down to ground level with a string trimmer, hedge trimmer or hand clippers. Cutting alone will not eliminate periwinkle. Periwinkle will regrow from its roots but this is an important first step.

Pull periwinkle out from the roots

Small and young periwinkle plants can be pulled out from the roots. This is easiest when the soil is soft and wet.

Dig out the roots

Use a pickaxe or shovel to dig out the roots. Mature periwinkle roots can grow as deep as 3 feet downward.

Be careful of spreading cuttings

Do not leave even small cuttings of periwinkle 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

An alternative to pulling or digging out the roots is to mow the area regularly. If the area is flat enough to mow this is an effective method. Periwinkle grows very quickly so the area will need to be mowed weekly in order for it to be effective.

Treatments:

We employ eco-friendly treatments to fully eradicate periwinkle. By precisely treating small new leaves with our targeted approach, we ensure the entire root system dies within a month of treatment. Our treatments are safe and do not harm other plants or affect soil conditions, and there is no risk of run-off.

Covering

Cut the periwinkle 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 periwinkle 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 in-person quote in Victoria, BC.

What is Periwinkle

"Periwinkle," or "Vinca," is a pervasive and invasive plant commonly found across Vancouver Island. This plant, characterized by its ability to form dense, expanding mats, also possesses an extensive root system capable of sprouting new plants up to 20 feet away. It especially thrives in forests, forming thick layers that suffocate native species.

Why does Periwinkle qualify as invasive?

Several characteristics make Periwinkle invasive:

• The plant forms substantial patches, sometimes spanning acres
• Its extensive root system constantly grows and propagates new plants
• The plant's stems have the capacity to root and create new plants
• It shows extraordinary resilience and vigorous growth, even regrowing post-trimming

Why is eliminating Periwinkle necessary?

Periwinkle presents several challenges and risks, including:

• The spread will worsen over time
• The potential for rodents to nest in Periwinkle patches
• Damage to natural waterways
• The displacement of native species
• The risk of spreading to adjacent properties
• Its rapid and robust growth in the understory of Pacific Northwest forests

Permanently Eradicating Periwinkle:

We begin by removing all above-ground vines and other Periwinkle material using power cutters, with the cut material then being hauled away. Subsequently, we extract the root material.

When necessary, we leverage eco-friendly treatments to annihilate Periwinkle. This method involves cutting down the plant to its stump, then carefully treating the newly sprouted leaves. After the treatment, the root system will die out. Our approach doesn't harm other plants and leaves no soil activity or runoff.

Since its inception in 2017, Ascent Yard Care has successfully removed hundreds of Periwinkle infestations.

Cost of Periwinkle removal:

We provide a free in-person quote in Victoria, BC, where Jake will issue a precise work order and quote.

Won't Periwinkle regrow?

While the most severe infestations may require up to two follow-up visits to eradicate any regrowth completely, we usually eliminate most Periwinkle patches in a single visit.

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For a Free Quote, please get in touch with us. We deeply care about the success of each project.