One of the most pervasive weeds in the UK, ground elder has been here since the Romans introduced it to our shores as a food crop. The weed grows quickly and is a threat to nearby plants so removing it as soon as you spot it is advised.
So, how do you get rid of it? Read on to find out.
What’s the easiest way to get rid of ground elder?
As with a lot of weeds, the best way to get rid of ground elder is to dig it out. Make sure you dig it out thoroughly – ground elder spreads through rhizomes, a type of underground rootstalk that grows horizontally. These rhizomes need to be completely removed before the ground elder can be considered gone. If even a small part of them remains, the plant can come back.
The best way to dig up ground elder is to take a piece of root in one hand and trace it back as far as possible using a hand fork. You may find this difficult if the plant is growing under any existing shrubs or hedges, or under a wall. Even if that isn’t the case, you will probably have to repeat this process for several years in a row to fully get rid of ground elder.
It’s also wise to dig around the ground elder. This loosens the soil, making it easier to remove the roots during any future digging-out sessions. The roots of ground elder are quite brittle, which is what allows it to keep regrowing after you’ve removed it: the plant can easily regrow from just a small part of its roots, so any broken-off bit of root that gets left behind can sprout into a new plant.
Because ground elder roots will make their way through the roots of existing plants, it can be harder to remove this pesky weed from established flowerbeds. You may have to dig all the plants out to fully wash their roots of any ground elder rhizome.
How do you dispose of ground elder roots?
Once dug out, ground elder roots should be burned or thrown away into your green waste bin. Do not compost them as there is potential for the plant to regrow.
What kills ground elder?
To kill ground elder, the most effective technique is to use a weed killer.
What’s the best weed killer for ground elder?
If you’re planning to use weed killer to get ground elder under control, it’s best to use one that contains glyphosate. This particular herbicide targets broad-leafed plants, and is very effective against ground elder. You may need to use it two or three times depending on how long the ground elder has been established in your garden.
Ground elder is most vulnerable to weed killer in the middle of summer. Make sure you spray it in the evening to ensure more of the spray is absorbed and not evaporated in the sunlight.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more natural ground elder control method, you can try organic vinegar. This won’t kill the roots, and you may need to carry out several treatments, but it will kill the rest of the plant.
On top of this, you can use a weed inhibitor like corn gluten meal on the area to stop ground elder from returning. Other growth-inhibiting methods include laying down mulch or a form of ground cover like stones or bark.
What plants smother ground elder?
Rather than removing ground elder, you could plant certain plants that will smother it and restrict its growth. Some plants that smother ground elder are:
- woody shrubs
- ground cover plants such as Heuchera, Mint and Alpine strawberry plants
- trees
- hardy shrubs like Rubus tricolor
Ground elder may still emerge between these plants, but the overall effect can be aesthetically pleasing and is good for wildlife.
Why is ground elder a problem?
One of the main problems with ground elder is the dense clumps of leaves it grows, which out-compete other plants for sunlight. Its root systems also steal water from the soil by growing in between the roots of other plants.
If you’re struggling against an infestation of ground elder, Taylor Total Weed Control can help. We provide a professional garden clearance service, so if weeds like ground elder have completely taken over your back garden, drop us a line today.
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