Controlling Bindweed

Bindweed (Convolvulus), is recognisable by its trumpet shaped white or pink flowers and its arrow shaped leaves which are around 1-2 inches long. Getting rid of Bindweed can be a very frustrating and arduous task but before you start to remove the Bindweed, you need to make sure that it is actually Bindweed! Bindweed is a vine that has leaves and flowers as described above. It will climb and tightly wrap itself round practically anything and its white root system is complex and extensive.

This root system is the main reason it is so difficult to eradicate Bindweed, it is almost impossible to remove by simply digging the soil over and removing the root. Such is the structure of the Bindweed roots – even the smallest trace left behind in the soil can grow and bring back the problem. Bindweed grows rapidly and is very persistent, so to successfully combat it you need to act just as quickly and be even more persistent when tackling it.

Effective long-term Bindweed control can only be achieved by using a systemic weed killer or herbicide such as Roundup GC Liquid Concentrate or Roundup Ultra 3000 Super Concentrate Weed killer. Systemic weed killers are the most practical and best suited to destroying Bindweed as they can be applied directly to the Bindweed itself either by spraying or actually painting onto the leaves. The systemic  weed killer is absorbed by the Bindweed leaves and transported down through the whole root system of the plant killing it as it goes. A ‘contact’ weed killer will only destroy the visible parts of Bindweed – which means the roots are unaffected and the weed will return.

It is best to apply Roundup to the Bindweed when the stems are approximately a foot long as this will allow a greater surface area of the foliage to be covered meaning it will absorb more and so be more effective. Please also bear in mind, because of its hardy root system, Bindweed may need several applications of Roundup before dramatic improvements are seen. It is also very important that any plants that you do not wish to kill are covered when using a non-selective weed killer as it will destroy any living plant it comes into contact with, also make sure that the label instructions are carefully read and followed to ensure a safe and effective outcome.

To target the problem right from the root, the best way to eradicate Bindweed is by the application of Roundup GC or Roundup Ultra 3000 Concentrate. This way you know that you are attacking the problem with the best selling weed killer on the market and no remnants of the Bindweed will be left behind to re-grow and cause more problems.