Hi Sharon,

Is the bindweed in the lawn or landscape? Would you be willing to use herbicides? What have you done to control it?

Hi Sharon,

In the landscape (rock) areas, your only options are non-selective herbicides such as glyphosate (Roundup, Kleenup) or there are organic options, such as Burnout (caprylic acid). Glyphosate is systemic, so it will be root absorbed by the plant. Burnout will only burn down plant tissue. Both will require multiple applications. Since these are non-selective, be careful around desirable plants. Persistence is key. Hand pulling and using wood mulch, if possible, are also options to consider--again, persistence and regular maintenance is necessary.

In the lawn, there is a chemical called quinclorac that works well on bindweed. First, however, beef up the cultural care of your lawn. Improve conditions to encourage grass to grow and outcompete weeds. This means regular water and fertilizer.

Quinclorac is sold in products like Ortho Weed Be Gon Max Plus Crabgrass Control, Roundup for Lawns (does not contain Roundup and is safe for grass), Lawn Weed Killer with Q, etc. Look on the label and note if quinclorac is listed.

You can go after the bindweed now, since it's a perennial. Spray on warm days where the herbicide will readily be absorbed. It will take 2-3 applications to fully kill the bindweed and may be something you have to tackle again in the spring.