Groundcover plants are typically low-growing plants with a spreading, trailing or mat-forming growth habit. Over time, depending on how far the plants are spaced at planting time, groundcovers will grow completely together to form a carpet or dense cover above the ground. Many grow dense enough so as to prevent weed growth, however, as they are filling, it may be necessary to do some pre or post emergence weed control.
Start By Identifying the Weed
The best way to have your weed(s) identified is to take fresh samples or a clear photo of the weed to your local nursery and garden center.
The simple definition of a weed is a plant that's not wanted, or at least not wanted where it's growing.
How you eliminate or control the weed depends on whether it's an annual, biennial, or perennial. Annual weeds complete their growth in a single season and have shallow roots. Annual weeds should be destroyed before they flower and make seeds. Perennial weeds are harder to remove since they may have large taproots, rhizomes, or runners that are hard to get rid of completely. The tiniest piece of root remaining after pulling a perennial weed can produce a new plant.
Weed Alert is a website that has a massive listing of weeds broken down into regions. They have a weed database that allows you to first identify a weed from a thumbnail photograph. Problem is, there are thousands of types and varieties of weeds! But if you have some extra time on your hands and want to learn more about and identify the weeds growing in your landscape visit WeedAlert.com
Methods of Weed Control in Groundcover Plantings
Preemergence Weed Control in Groundcover Plantings
The term "preemergence" refers to killing weedbefore or during the process of germination, or in other words: killing weed seeds before they ever sprout. There are several weed control products available, such as Treflan, that when broadcasted over an area planted in groundcovers can keep weeds at bay for up to a year. Treflan will not kill Bermuda grass or other grasses and weeds that grow from runners - so yes, this means its a good idea to keep the lawn edged on a regular basis during the warm season!
Postemergence Weed Control in Groundcover Plantings
The term "postemergence" refers to killing weeds after they have sprouted. Using postemergent weed control in groundcover plantings can be a little tricky. Groundcover plants are usually planted close together and spraying weeds around them with a glyphosphate product such as Killzall or Roundup can be difficult to do without also spraying the groundcover plants. Pulling weeds by hand is probably the best way, but if you do decide to spray a glyphosphate product make sure to adjust the nozzle tip on the end of your sprayer hose to a point in which a stream will be sprayed verses a mist. Too, make sure to spray on a calm day to avoid drift of spray.
Always refer to product label for proper mixing and application instructions before using a chemical.
"Over-The-Top" Grassy Weed Control in Groundcover Plantings
If you "forgot" to edge your Bermuda lawn for a few months (we're being kind here), and your Bermuda grass lawn has sent runners into and amongst your juniper, liriope, cotoneaster or other groundcover plantings, never fear - there are "over-the-top" herbicide sprays that can be used to effectively kill Bermuda grass and many grassy weeds without killing your desirable groundcover plants. Check with your local nursery and garden center about these products and as usual always refer to product labels for proper mixing and application instructions.
