The invasive nature of plants commonly known as morning glory, particularly Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) and certain Ipomoea species, makes their eradication a challenging, multi-year endeavor. The difficulty stems from the plant’s deep, extensive perennial root system, which can penetrate the soil up to 20 feet and spread laterally, storing vast energy reserves. Simply pulling the vines or cutting the top growth provides only temporary relief, as the plant rapidly regenerates from its underground rhizomes. A comprehensive strategy requires persistence, combining manual, physical, and chemical control methods to fully deplete these deep-seated reserves and manage the long-term seed bank.
Eradicating Vines Through Manual Effort
The repeated removal of above-ground growth is a method of attrition, aiming to exhaust the energy stored in the plant’s root system. This process involves diligently pulling or cutting the vines every two to three weeks throughout the growing season to prevent the leaves from photosynthesizing and replenishing the root’s nutrient supply.
When hand-pulling, loosen the soil around the base of the plant with a trowel or garden fork to extract more of the brittle, white rhizomes without breaking them. Even a small root fragment can regenerate into a new plant, so aggressive tilling or chopping the soil is discouraged. All removed plant material, including vines and root fragments, must be disposed of in a sealed bag and not composted, as the pieces can easily re-root or the seeds can remain viable.
Smothering and Soil Deprivation Methods
Smothering is a non-chemical approach that works by depriving the plant of the sunlight necessary for survival. This involves covering the infested area with a thick, opaque barrier, which must remain in place for at least one to two full growing seasons to be effective. Materials such as heavy landscape fabric, black plastic sheeting, or thick layers of overlapping cardboard can be used, with the edges secured to prevent light penetration.
For smaller, unplanted areas, soil solarization is a heat-based method that can “cook” the roots and sterilize the top layer of soil. This technique requires covering moist soil with clear plastic sheeting during the hottest summer months for a duration of six to eight weeks. The clear plastic traps solar heat, raising the soil temperature high enough to kill a significant portion of the shallow roots and seeds. However, the deep roots of established field bindweed may still survive this process, necessitating follow-up treatments.
Choosing and Applying Herbicides Effectively
For severe or well-established infestations, systemic herbicides are necessary because they are absorbed by the leaves and transported down to the deep root structure. Non-selective systemic products containing glyphosate are effective, as they move throughout the entire plant, including the extensive root system. Selective herbicides containing active ingredients like dicamba or 2,4-D are preferred for treating morning glory in turfgrass, as they target broadleaf weeds without harming the lawn.
Timing the application is a determining factor in achieving success, with late summer or early fall being the most opportune window. During this period, the morning glory plant is actively preparing for winter dormancy by translocating nutrients and sugars from the leaves down to the root system for storage. Applying the herbicide at this time allows the chemical to be effectively drawn deep into the rhizomes, maximizing its impact.
To apply the herbicide precisely and minimize the risk of drift onto desirable plants, the “cut and paint” method is used. This involves cutting the vine and immediately applying a concentrated, undiluted solution of the systemic herbicide directly onto the fresh cut or painting it onto the leaves using a foam brush or sponge. For areas with heavy growth, the vines can be trained up a stake, gathered into a bunch, and then placed inside a plastic bag before the herbicide is applied, ensuring targeted delivery and containment. Follow all product label instructions carefully for proper dilution and safety precautions.
Long-Term Monitoring and Prevention
Eradicating morning glory is difficult because its seeds can remain viable in the soil for decades, sometimes up to 50 years. Therefore, long-term monitoring is necessary to manage the emergence of new seedlings from this persistent seed bank. Continuous vigilance is required to prevent re-establishment, as any new sprout can quickly develop its own deep, perennial root system.
New sprouts should be addressed immediately upon appearance, either by careful hand-pulling or with spot treatments of a systemic herbicide while the plants are small. Regular hoeing of the soil surface to disrupt the first true leaves of new seedlings is effective before they can establish a taproot. Maintaining a thick layer of mulch or groundcover in cleared areas can also suppress germination and new growth.