Bindweed is a problem. It may look harmless, attractive even, but left to its own devices, bindweed flowers can creep all over your garden, wrapping itself around everything it comes across and taking valuable resources away from other plants, shrubs and trees. Before you know it, it's taken over your garden.
So how do you get rid of bindweed? That's what we're going to show you in this blog, how to remove bindweed from your garden to protect your garden plants. In order to do this, first we are going to look at what bindweed is (know your enemy), and then look at the various different ways you can tackle your bindweed problem in various scenarios.
What is bindweed?
Bindweed is a term used to describe two slightly different weeds:
Hedge bindweed, or Calystegia sepium, has heart shaped leaves and climbs with very strong stems which twin around various things in your garden. They have large white trumpet shaped flowers, and are usually found in hedges - smothering shrubs, hedges and even some small trees.
Field bindweed, or Convolvulus arvensis, is basically a smaller, and slightly weaker version of bindweed. It has smaller white or pink flowers, but other than that, it looks very similar to hedge bindweed.
Part of the problem with bindweed is that it looks quite pleasant, aesthetically speaking. Bindweed leaves are heart-shaped and bindweed's funnel shaped flowers are attractive, and so gardeners could be forgiven for letting them grow for a bit. They seem harmless. But these are aggressive growers, that smother cultivated plants as they spread around your garden.
Why is bindweed such a problem?
There are a few reasons why bindweed is such a troublesome weed, and why controlling bindweed is such an important thing for gardeners to know how to do.
First of all, as we've already touched on, it spreads quickly and aggressively. The root system is made up of stems (or rhizomes), which can dig down as far as 5 meters! They can spread as much as 2 meters in a single growing season, so if they start to spread, they can be difficult to stop.
Another factor is that even a small section of a rhizome can produce weeds - so it may enter your garden in manure, soil or on other plants' roots. It's very difficult top prevent it entering your garden, as it can come in undetected. Bindweed roots break very easily, so these fragments can spread and regrow. Also, the seeds can remain viable in soil for years - so even when you think you may have removed the problem, it can come back again.
They cause issues for your plants because, not only do they take away valuable resources like water and nutrients (bindweed is incredibly competitive) but it can literally smother your plants with the bindweed twining stems taking hold around your plant stems.
How to control bindweed without chemicals
Controlling bindweed by hand is a tricky job - it takes time and you have to be really careful not to inadvertently spread the roots when you remove them.
The best way to do it is this - fork out the roots from your beds, and then sieve the soil, making sure to retain and remove and root fragments. Generally, you'll find that most of the roots will only go around 30 cm down below the soil surface, unless the problem has been there for a long time. The rhizomes that you're looking for a white, which does make them easier to spot.
Quick tip: When you remove the roots, put them in a bucket of water and rot them down. This will ensure they don't come back to haunt you!
It is tempting just to try and yank it out when you see it, but as perennial weeds, both hedge bindweed and field bindweed will just grow back unless you somehow manage to take the entire root system with it.
The main benefit of a non-chemical solution is that you don't risk harming any other plants, but it is hard to get it right. The underground stems are tricky to fully remove, so you'll probably find that this perennial weed returns in the next growing season.
How to kill bindweed with weed killer
The most effective way to get rid of bindweed is with a weed killer. This comes with a word of caution - you do risk harming some of your other plants when you use a weed killer, so you need to be careful how and where you use it. But for a complete, long-lasting removal, weed killer is the best way to go.
So which is the best weedkiller to use on bindweed? Here are some options:
Gallup - Super Strength Professional Glyphosate
This super-strong weedkiller will act quickly, with signs of results in two weeks, and it will attack the heart of the root system. This will kill annual and perennial grasses and most broad-leaved weeds, so use it carefully as you may harm other plants in the area.
Monstanto - Round Up
This systemic weedkiller is ideal for tackling invasive weeds - even Japanese Knotweed. It's another non-selective weed killer, so handle with care.
Rosate 360 TF Industrial Strength
Another glyphosate weed killer, Rosate 360 is very powerful and needs to be handled with care. But it is incredibly effective and will kill weeds down to the roots. Ideal for use in bare soil.
Monstanto - Amenity
This is a more eco-friendly weedkiller, as after it has done its job of killing weeds, it breaks down in the soil so you can replant on it. It may require a second application to ensure you get everything, but if you are looking at growing new plants or grass in the area, this is your best option.
Quick tip: Always remember to read all of the instructions before using a chemical-based weed killer. Don't use them on windy days, and try to make sure you apply when it is dry, so that the weed killer doesn't run into other areas of your garden.
Bindweed conclusion
Don't be fooled by the sweet looking large white trumpet flowers - bindweed roots are aggressive, and they can take over your garden if left untreated. Being able to identify bindweed is a great start - this means you can act as soon as you see new shoots to help protect your plants.
We stock a wide range of weedkillers, so we can provide you with everything you need to kill bindweed before it comes a major problem. Have a look through our other blogs on weed killers, or get in touch with our team of experts, if you need any more information on how to get rid of bindweed.
