Lawn Guardian

How to Get Rid of Field Bindweed

Convolvulus arvensis

broadleaf weedUSDA zones 3–10Active: spring, summer

Perennial vine with an enormous root system that can extend 20+ feet deep. Twines around anything it contacts. One of the most difficult weeds to eradicate.

How to identify it

Arrow-shaped leaves; white to pink funnel-shaped flowers (mini morning glories); twining vine growth; extremely deep roots.

Treatment options

Cultural (prevention): Persistent removal

Pull or cut vines repeatedly to exhaust root reserves. Can take 3-5 years of persistence.

When: Remove every 2 weeks throughout growing season

Organic: Solarization

Cover patches with clear plastic for 6-8 weeks in summer. The deep roots make this less effective than for other weeds.

When: Apply during hottest part of summer for 6+ weeks

Chemical: Triclopyr (repeated)

Systemic herbicide that moves to roots. Requires multiple applications over 2+ years.

When: Apply when vines are actively growing and have reached 12+ inches; repeat every 4-6 weeks

Active ingredient: Triclopyr — e.g. Turflon Ester

Grass safety: always match herbicides to your grass species — products safe on Kentucky bluegrass can kill St. Augustine or centipede. Lawn Guardian checks this automatically against your lawn profile.

Stop field bindweed at the right moment, automatically

Lawn Guardian turns this guidance into a schedule timed to your USDA zone and this week's actual weather — and adapts every time you log what you've done.

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Related weeds

Sources: Purdue University Turfgrass Science: Use Growing Degree Days to Better Time Your Applications · University of Missouri Extension: Cool-Season Grasses: Lawn Maintenance Calendar · University of Minnesota Extension: Pre-emergent Herbicides for Crabgrass Control in Lawns