Eradicating Morning Glory: Roundup Paint's Power

Morning glory is a tenacious and hardy weed that can be extremely challenging to eradicate. It is characterized by its rapid spread, ability to choke other plants, and deep, wide-reaching root systems. While some people opt for chemical herbicides like Roundup, others prefer organic methods such as using steam, fabric, and mulch to smother the vines. The effectiveness of these methods varies, and often a combination of approaches is required to successfully control morning glory growth.

Mix Roundup with brush herbicide Dicamba or metsulfuron and water

Morning glory is a hardy and tenacious weed that can be difficult to eradicate. It is a prolific vining plant that produces masses of blooms and spreads rapidly, taking over garden areas. While it is challenging to get rid of morning glory, a combination of Roundup and brush herbicide Dicamba or metsulfuron mixed with water can be an effective solution. Here is a detailed guide on how to mix and apply this treatment:

Prepare the Mixture:

Start by gathering your ingredients: Roundup, which contains the active ingredient glyphosate, a brush herbicide like Dicamba or metsulfuron, and water. It is important to note that Dicamba has a high volatility and drift potential, so special care must be taken during application to minimize the risk to neighbouring crops. Metsulfuron, on the other hand, has long persistence in the soil, which may impact the planting of sensitive crops afterward.

When mixing herbicides, always consider their selectivity, mode of action, compatibility, and potential crop damage. Dicamba is a broad-spectrum herbicide that mimics plant growth hormones, causing rapid and uncontrolled growth leading to plant death. Metsulfuron, on the other hand, inhibits the ALS enzyme, disrupting essential amino acid production and preventing plant growth.

Follow the instructions on the product labels to determine the appropriate mix ratios and always wear protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection, during the mixing process. Combine the ingredients in a container, such as an old jar, according to the specified quantities.

Apply the Treatment:

Before applying the mixture, cut back the morning glory plants as much as possible. Identify the most vigorous recent growth of vines and gently twist or scrape the ropes of the vines without breaking them. This step is crucial because the goal is to have the stems absorb the mixture, which will then circulate throughout the plant.

Place the mixture in a jar and carefully apply it to the scratched stems. You can use a brush or a sprayer for application, ensuring that you cover the targeted areas thoroughly. Be cautious during application, keeping the jar away from children, pets, and other areas where accidental exposure could occur. Elevating the jar on a fence or tree using wire can help ensure its safety.

Post-Treatment Care:

Monitor the treated areas closely in the days and weeks following application. Morning glory is a resilient weed, and new shoots may appear even after successful treatment. Be vigilant and spray any new growth that emerges to prevent the plant from re-establishing itself. Additionally, be cautious when disposing of cuttings. Place them in a plastic bag and dispose of them in the rubbish rather than leaving them around or adding them to your compost pile.

By following these steps and maintaining persistence, you can effectively eradicate morning glory using the combination of Roundup, brush herbicide Dicamba or metsulfuron, and water. Remember to always follow safety precautions when working with herbicides and be mindful of their potential impact on the surrounding environment.

Cut the plant and paint herbicide on the leaves

Morning glory is a hardy, tenacious, and opportunistic weed that can be extremely challenging to eradicate. It spreads rapidly, taking over garden areas, and can grow into cracks and crevices, making it nearly impossible to remove. The plant is closely related to bindweed, and while they are different species, they share similar stubborn growth habits.

To effectively kill morning glory, a combination of mechanical and chemical control methods may be required. One recommended approach is to cut the plant and paint herbicide on the leaves. Here's a detailed guide on this method:

Cut the Plant

Before applying herbicide, it is essential to cut back the morning glory vines. Use sharp gardening shears or a lawnmower to trim the vines close to the ground. Be cautious not to leave any small parts behind, as even a tiny remaining section can allow new vines to shoot. Cutting the plant helps expose the roots and provides a larger surface area for herbicide application.

Prepare the Herbicide

Select an effective herbicide that is specifically designed for broadleaf weeds, such as blackberry killer or a product like Stump-Out, which is labelled for use on morning glory. Mix the herbicide according to the manufacturer's instructions, ensuring a strong enough concentration to kill the resilient morning glory. It is recommended to mix the herbicide in a jar or container to avoid affecting surrounding plants and soil. Add a bit of brush or bush herbicide, such as Dicamba or metsulfuron, to enhance the effectiveness.

Paint the Herbicide on the Leaves

Once you have prepared the herbicide mixture, use a brush or sponge to carefully paint it onto the leaves of the cut morning glory vines. This method of direct application ensures that the herbicide is absorbed through the leaves, increasing the chances of success. Be cautious to avoid drift and potential injury to surrounding plants.

Monitor and Reapply

After applying the herbicide, remain vigilant and continue to monitor the area for new growth. Morning glory is known for its resilience, and new shoots may appear even after treatment. If you notice any regrowth, cut them back and reapply the herbicide as needed. This persistent approach over several years can effectively eradicate morning glory.

Remember to dispose of the morning glory cuttings properly. Place them in a plastic bag and discard them with your regular rubbish rather than leaving them around or adding them to your compost.

Use a systemic herbicide, such as 1.5% glyphosate

Morning glory is a hardy and tenacious weed that can be extremely challenging to eradicate. It is characterized by slender stems that grow rapidly and twist around each other for support, with funnel-shaped flowers in various colours. Due to its aggressive growth, it can quickly take over garden areas, making it a nuisance for gardeners.

To effectively kill morning glory, a systemic herbicide, such as 1.5% glyphosate, can be used. Glyphosate is the active ingredient in the herbicide Roundup and has been found to be effective against morning glory. When using glyphosate, follow these steps:

First, cut back the morning glory plants as much as possible. This will help expose a larger surface area for the herbicide to cover. Be careful not to break the vines, as they may re-sprout. Then, prepare the glyphosate herbicide by mixing it with water according to the instructions on the product label. Ensure you are wearing appropriate protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection.

Once the herbicide is ready, use a hand sprayer to apply it to the morning glory plants. Spray the entire plant until it is wet but not dripping. Avoid spraying nearby plants, as glyphosate can affect them as well. This process may need to be repeated several times for full effectiveness. Combining this method with others, such as pulling up seedlings and covering the plants with mulch, can increase your chances of success.

Additionally, you can apply glyphosate directly to the leaves by painting it on. This method helps prevent drift and potential damage to surrounding plants. It is important to time your herbicide application correctly. Spraying when the plants are flowering or early in the season when they are young will yield the best results.

While glyphosate is effective, some morning glory plants may exhibit resistance. These resistant plants have been found to be more susceptible to damage from insects, creating a unique ecological dynamic. Therefore, it is essential to be vigilant and persistent in your efforts to eradicate morning glory.

Kill established vines with steam

Morning glory is a hardy and tenacious weed that can be challenging to eradicate. It is a prolific vining plant that produces masses of blooms and spreads rapidly. While it is difficult to kill, there are some methods that can be effective. Here are some tips for killing established vines with steam:

• Cut the vines: Established vines can be killed by cutting them down to the ground and removing their root systems. Use pruning shears or a saw to cut the vines as close to the ground as possible. This makes it easier to remove the roots. Be sure to wear protective gear, such as thick gardening gloves, long sleeves, pants, and closed-toe shoes, to protect your skin from the vines and any herbicides you may be using.
• Smother the vines: Another method is to smother the vines with a thick layer of cardboard or mulch. This helps to deprive the vines of sunlight and nutrients, causing them to die. You can also use weed barrier fabric or black plastic to smother the vines and prevent new growth.
• Apply herbicides: After cutting the vines, you can apply a concentrated mix of systemic herbicide to the cut surface. Glyphosate and triclopyr are commonly used herbicides for this purpose. Be very careful when handling these chemicals, and follow the instructions on the product label. Always wear protective clothing, such as long sleeves, pants, shoes, and socks, to avoid contact with your skin.
• Monitor and treat new growth: Morning glory is known for its resilience and ability to regenerate. Even after cutting and treating the vines, new shoots may appear. Be vigilant and monitor the area regularly, treating any new growth with herbicides or pulling them out by hand. It may take several years of persistent treatment to completely eradicate morning glory from your garden.
• Steam treatment: While steam treatment is not commonly mentioned as a method for killing morning glory, it can be effective in killing vines. Steam the vines to deprive them of moisture and cause them to wither and die. Be careful when using steam, as it can also kill nearby plants and harm your skin if not used properly.

Remember that killing morning glory can be a challenging and time-consuming task. Be persistent and combine multiple methods, such as cutting, smothering, and herbicide treatment, for the best results. Always dispose of the cuttings properly by placing them in a plastic bag and throwing them in the rubbish, rather than leaving them around or composting them.

Use a broad-leaf herbicide like Green Gobbler

Morning glory is a hardy and tenacious weed that can be challenging to eradicate. If you're looking for a herbicide solution, Green Gobbler is a great option. It is a broad-leaf weed killer that is effective against morning glory and other broad-leaf weeds like dandelions. Here's how you can use Green Gobbler to tackle morning glory:

Identify the Infestation:

Locate the areas in your garden or property where morning glory is growing. Morning glory is a vine flower with slender stems that twist around each other and other structures for support. It produces funnel-shaped flowers in various colours, including pink, purple, red, blue, and white.

Prepare the Area:

Before applying Green Gobbler, it is recommended to cut the morning glory vines as much as possible. This ensures that the herbicide covers the maximum amount of ground space and treats the affected area effectively. Be cautious, as pulling morning glory from the roots can cause the plant to spread underground and create new vines.

Apply Green Gobbler:

Green Gobbler is a natural herbicide distilled from corn. It is free from harsh chemicals such as glyphosate, phosphates, sulfates, VOCs, petroleum solvents, chlorine, fluorine, and ethoxylates. It is approved by the Organic Materials Review Institute for organic gardening. When applying Green Gobbler, spray or paint it onto the leaves, shoots, and stems of the morning glory vines. This allows the herbicide to absorb into multiple spots on the plant for maximum effectiveness. A gallon of Green Gobbler covers up to 1,000 square feet, so a little goes a long way.

Monitor and Repeat:

It may take a few weeks for the Green Gobbler to fully kill the morning glory vines. Be vigilant and continue to treat any new growth that appears. Reapply the herbicide as needed throughout the growing season to reduce morning glory infestations in the forthcoming years.

Please note that Green Gobbler is best used in areas where you are not concerned about killing other nearby plants, as it is a broad-leaf herbicide and will affect a wide range of plants with broad leaves.

Frequently asked questions