Knowledgebase
Cardboard under my mulch in my permascaped front yard?! #749467
Asked May 12, 2021, 12:17 PM EDT
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Elizabeth,
Are there desirable plants in the area near the bindweed? Are you opposed to using herbicides?
I would actually recommend a thicker layer of mulch--4-5" thick AND continually pull the bindweed. You have to wear it out, so persistence is key. Every time you see it, pull it out. It will take a great effort on your part and a lot of time (its root system is impressive), but it will work...if you keep up with it.
So you can do this: smother the area with mulch. As the bindweed starts to grow through the mulch, pull it. Or spray it with glyphosate (Roundup, Kleenup). You must be careful using these products because they are non-selective and will damage desirable plants. But you can use a directed shot. If you want to try organic herbicides, you can, just be careful and read the directions on the label to apply them.
If you don't want to use herbicides, then pull, pull, pull, and pull some more. Persistence is key! There's no easy solution with this, but if you can do it for the summer, you'll see a noticeable difference.
Tell John "hi" the next time you see him :)