Field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) is a persistent, difficult-to-control perennial. It has a vigorous root system that grows both vertically and horizontally among desired plants, making it almost impossible to exterminate. Field bindweed is hardy; its seed can remain dormant in soil for up to 60 years. The weed is very drought tolerant, and it grows in all U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones. While it's not easy to control field bindweed, persistent treatment and constant vigilance can rid an area of this pesky weed.
Remove any seedlings before they become perennial plants. It is important to stop the growth of new infestations when they are small -- spot control is the cheapest and most effective bindweed control method.
Purchase and plant clean seeds for your landscape. Field bindweed can spread when bindweed-contaminated crop seeds are planted or when segments of bindweed roots are transported by tillage machinery. If plant seeds are introduced to a site, they should be free of roots, rhizomes, seeds and other bindweed propagules.
Prevent existing field bindweed plants from producing seed. Seedlings will appear and quickly begin to grow when daytime temperatures reach 57 degrees Fahrenheit.
Choose plants with thick foliage to grow in the affected area. Shade from trees and shrubs can help decrease field bindweed growth, especially if there are additional plants growing beneath the trees to prevent field bindweed's climbing tendencies.
Cultivate every two to three weeks to control field bindweed seedlings. Seedlings can be controlled with cultivation up until three to four weeks after germination. Cultivation or hoeing can be effective in reducing existing stands of field bindweed.
Withhold water from the affected site in conjunction with cultivation. As long as the field bindweed roots have not extended to find deep moisture, this will dry the area and can help reduce bindweed.
Cover the affected area with landscape fabrics, black plastic or cardboard to prevent light from reaching the soil and the bindweed. Make sure there are no holes in the edges or in the fabric, because field bindweed will grow through them. It can take more than 3 years to fully exterminate field bindweed with light removal. Once you remove your light-blocking cover, watch closely to spot and remove any germinating seeds.
Apply herbicides containing trifluralin, oryzalin or pendimethalin to control germinating bindweed seedlings. Only apply these chemicals to seedlings; they will not kill established field bindweed plants.
Apply glyphosate on sites where there are no desirable plants. Use a 2 percent solution to exterminate actively growing bindweed plants. Glyphosate takes two to three weeks before it is effective in killing the top growth. Repeat applications may be necessary; however, complete eradication using glyphosate is not always possible.
Supplement all herbicides with the preventative and nonchemical controls for the most complete and successful eradication of field bindweed.
Things You Will Need
- Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images