Ground Elder - regrowth from roots?

Hi, I never know where to put weed questions - how about a special forum?

Anyway, I'm completely clearing a 1 metre x 7 metre border of ground elder ready for replanting. My question is: how careful do I have to be -- I know it regrows from the 'runners', but what about the tiny little roots coming off these? Can they regrow too? If they can, I don't think I have a chance!

thanks

 

Hi Wrenhere and welcome to GC.

Good idea about a thread for weeds.

I've always heard that ground elder grows from even the tiniest bit of root like you say, but I don't think it would grow from these "hair roots". The thing to do is to cover the whole area with black foil, cardboard, or the like to smother the bits left so they can't grow again.

Someone else will soon be along to tell you exactly if this is correct or not. Good luck!

 

Even if the stuff does not grow from the hair like roots, you do not stand much chance of removing it all. Take out what you can, then spot weedkiller with Roundup when it re-appears. Fortunately it is very susceptible to Roundup.

 

Ground eleder will sprout from less than 1/2" of runner - usually from both ends! The fleshy roots contain all the sugars and starches needed for green leaves to apear - once they do it'll go like the clappers on open soil where the competition has been eliminated.

You just have to be persistent with removal but it's doubtfull if you will ever eradicate it. If you have any established plants or shrubs then you have no chance. For a bare patch of ground you can try weed fabric but I have seen ground elder roots travel underneath a 6 ft width of paving.

Remove what you can, be rigerous about digging out any regrowth and spot weed killer with Roundup for any you can't remove. You should at least be able to control it.

 

Hello Wrenhere I'm afraid to report that the removal of Ground Elder is on a par with painting the Forth Bridge - once you finish it is time to start again over the same piece of ground. All the answers are correct althoufh I have never tried Roundup - certainly other so called weed killers have failed me for the last 10 years!

Enjoy your digging...........

 

take heart, there is hope, but here is what you have to do -

spray with roundup, not the stuff you get from garden centre or B&Q but Roundup from an agricultural dealer. Spray before you dig the ground or even put a spade in it.

if it is wound round your shrubs, be very careful and paint it on individual leaves.

THNE the important bit is wait until id all dies. there will be bits that re grow, so keep at them, just wait - its a long job, then dig and clear bed but don't let your vigil stop, you must always watch out for it, but you will win in the end.

 

Word of warning. If the ground elder or indeed field bindweed it coming from next door - then all you can do is keep on top of it.

My neighbours allowed both to get a hold, on my side, no matter what I did it still kept coming - so after some years membrane and mulch in the affected area was the only option.