HOW TO CONTROL FIELD BINDWEED

Aka Morning Glory

By Pamela Loring, SLC Office Staff

We have all seen this pesky weed and may even think it’s kind of pretty, but it is one of the hardest weeds to control.  Yes, control.  You will never get rid of it, but we can control it.

When you see Field Bindweed in your yard, DO NOT PULL OR BREAK IT.  You see, Field Bindweed has an extensive underground root system called rhizomes, much like turf grass.  Rhizomes have growing points throughout their root system that are dormant.  When you break or pull the plant this action triggers a hormone that causes the growing points to push new plants.  Now instead of one Field Bindweed, you have just created 10 more plants.

So, what do you do?  When you see Field Bindweed, be gentle with it.  If it has wrapped itself around another plant, gently up wrap it.  Get it free, gather up as many tendrils you can and lay them out together.  I like to isolate the tendrils with cardboard or similar material and then spray it with weed killer, usually Roundup.  Roundup works by “translocation”.  This means once it touches the plant it becomes absorbed by the plant and moves through its vascular system and eventually into the roots.

This translocation delivery system takes a little bit of time to killer the plant, so be patient.  It will work.

Just remember, resist the urge to pull Field Bindweed.  You’ll be glad you did.

General Manager

Tom Stechschulte

Tom Stechschulte, General Manager / Partner Tom stumbled into the staffing industry when he accepted a position with one of the area’s largest staffing companies after one too many downturns in the oil field. He enjoyed matching good workers with good employers and found a new career. In 1995 Tom and Mark Fassett started All Trades with a focus on providing tradesmen and support laborers to the construction and heavy manufacturing industries. His diverse work history including construction, manufacturing, steel forging, automobile assembly, geology, and oil field work prepared him for helping his customers and employees across a broad spectrum of work. Tom has been in the staffing industry since 1987. Besides work, Tom’s favorite activities include exploring, camping, hiking, skiing, climbing, canyoneering, and just about any outdoor activity with his family, friends, and wife, Valerie.

Expertise: Temporary Work, Employment Contract, Employment Agency, Laborer, Manual Labour