Knowledgebase
Thistles #449777
Asked April 26, 2018, 10:46 AM EDT
We have moved into a home that has thistles. How do we get rid of them? They grew out of control much of last summer.
Wayne County Michigan
Expert Response
Good evening,
The thistle you are showing is a Canadian Thistle. It is very difficult to get rid of. Pulling will not stop it. Never rototill a bed of it, because each tiny piece can generate a new plant. This will take over your bed, as you probably already know so it is very important to address removal as soon as possible and keep at it until it is eradicated.
If you spray with a systemic herbicide containing the ingredient glyphosate, that can kill the roots, but that is also a total vegetation killer, and you must shield your desirable plants from any contact from the herbicide. Expect to spray more than once. Timing is crucial. I hope this information is helpful to you. Good luck!
The thistle you are showing is a Canadian Thistle. It is very difficult to get rid of. Pulling will not stop it. Never rototill a bed of it, because each tiny piece can generate a new plant. This will take over your bed, as you probably already know so it is very important to address removal as soon as possible and keep at it until it is eradicated.
If you spray with a systemic herbicide containing the ingredient glyphosate, that can kill the roots, but that is also a total vegetation killer, and you must shield your desirable plants from any contact from the herbicide. Expect to spray more than once. Timing is crucial. I hope this information is helpful to you. Good luck!
