How to Get Rid of Bindweed Naturally, Before It Ruins Your Garden

Gardening can be a battle—handling weeds is a part of the process. One of the most potentially harmful varieties is bindweed. It's incredibly invasive, and has a tendency to choke out surrounding plants and "take over entire swaths of a garden," says Sam Niemann, landscape designer and founder of Bleume and Grown by Design.

Fortunately, there are a few natural methods that can help you remove bindweed before it permanently damages your garden. Here are a few that experts recommend.

Adverse Effects

In the 1700s, British gardeners referred to bindweed as “Devil’s Guts” due to its pernicious nature.

“The roots can travel as deep as 9 feet and can move through the soil, conquering new ground,” says Eve Otmar, master of historic gardening at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. “If that wasn't enough, it also spreads by seed."

Bindweed roots can also become entangled with shrubs, making it nearly impossible to destroy the weed without also damaging the shrub.

Smothering

One effective way to manage bindweed is by smothering it, according to Niemann. This method works especially well in open spaces between plantings. However, it requires patience, as it takes time for the roots to exhaust themselves. Simply follow these steps.

1. Cut the plant back at soil level.
2. Cover the area with several layers of cardboard, followed by a few inches of mulch, such as wood chips.
3. Without access to light, the bindweed can’t photosynthesize, and it will eventually die back.

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Digging

Another approach is hand removal and digging.

“Because bindweed develops an extensive root system, it’s almost impossible to eliminate it completely in one attempt,” says Niemann. “Instead, dig out as much of the root as possible and cut back any regrowth at ground level as soon as it appears. While this method demands consistency, repeated removal weakens the plant over time and helps keep it under control.”

Otmar recommends the following procedure:

1. If you find bindweed growing in a plant bed, follow the vine down to the ground, unwinding it as you go, then follow it to where it roots into the ground.
2. Carefully dig around the stem and follow the roots, digging them up until you've found the ends. 
3. Moist soil will help, and always use a trowel. If you pull the vine up without loosening the soil, you'll leave roots in the ground to regenerate.
4. As gently as possible, remove the weed and replant your perennial or annual. Don’t forget to give your plant a little water.
5. Monitor the turned ground for potential sprouts and remove them immediately. This process should be repeated every two to three weeks during the growing cycle. Eventually, the roots will weaken.