There are so many troublesome weed varieties here in the UK that gardeners need to remain vigilant for - one of the most pervasive being ground elder. This species can spread lightning fast and be incredibly difficult to eradicate once it’s taken root.
That being said, it’s no match for an effective ground elder weed killer if you act quickly and address the issue before it becomes more deeply rooted. So, what should you look for in the best weed killer for ground elder?
We’ll introduce you to the most effective natural remedy UK homeowners have access to, right here at Jennychem. Our weed killer features acetic acid, a natural compound that’s gentle on the environment yet harsh on undesired vegetation like ground elder.
Learn more about how to get rid of ground elder naturally below, from herbicide application advice to other methods for removal. First, let’s touch on the importance of timely ground elder identification.
Ground elder, also known as Aegopodium podagraria in the plant kingdom, is notorious for its invasive nature. It can spread quickly and begin choking out other plants in your garden.
This fast-growing perennial weed can establish itself through an extensive underground root system that makes it challenging to control once it takes hold. It commonly overruns garden beds before you even notice it’s there.
This is why rapid ground elder identification and removal is so important. So, what does ground elder look like?
Part of what makes ground elder identification so tricky is that it closely resembles other plants, like poison ivy. There are a few distinctive features you can watch out for, though.
Its leaves are broad, serrated, and divided into three parts. This resemblance to an elder tree is where its name comes from.
It typically grows in dense clusters, and you’ll notice its umbrella-like clusters of small white flowers in spring and summer. The plant can reach up to 90 cm in height.
Ideally, you’d discover it in the springtime before it has a chance to become fully established - as we mentioned earlier, a ground elder weed killer will become less effective at that point, and manual removal will be much more difficult.
That being said, what should you look for in the best weed killer for ground elder?
Picking the optimal ground elder herbicide is important for swift removal without compromising the health of your landscape. You want something that’s harsh on this pesky perennial but gentle on the planet we live on.
So, what kills ground elder that aligns with this criteria? We’ll cover a few ingredients you can rely on below along with a few other considerations in choosing a ground elder weed killer.
Because this plant’s root system is what makes it such a frustrating problem to deal with, you need an herbicide that targets those rhizomes.
This is why herbicides containing glyphosate are so popular for ground elder. This non-selective systemic herbicide is known for being effective on deep-rooted perennials. It works by traveling through the plant's system and attacking the roots, leading to a slow but certain death.
On the other hand, maybe you want something a bit more natural - something that you can use safely around pets or kids. If so, an acetic acid weed killer is an excellent choice.
It’s an ingredient commonly found in vinegar, which is what makes this such a good homemade weed killer. So, how does weed killer work when this is the active ingredient? It’s non-selective as well, but it’s a contact kill - that means it only kills the vegetation it touches.
While it may not penetrate as deeply as systemic chemicals, acetic acid works well for smaller infestations or when you're looking for a more natural approach. It may require additional applications. We’ll talk more about how to use weed killer effectively later on.
It’s important that you understand the difference between a non-selective and selective herbicide if you’re spraying your chosen ground elder weed killer around desired vegetation.
Non-selective herbicides like glyphosate will kill any plants they come in contact with, so be cautious when applying it around desirable vegetation. Using a shield or applying the herbicide with a fine nozzle can prevent it from harming anything but the ground elder you want to kill.
On the other hand, selective herbicides only harm the undesired vegetation. Unfortunately, there aren’t many selective options that serve as an effective weed killer for ground elder.
That being said, acetic acid won’t persist in the soil for nearly as long, making it safer for the surrounding environment. You still need to be careful to avoid over-spraying onto other plants - but once it dries, it’s safe for pets, kids, and the environment as a whole. Learn more about how long does weed killer take to dry in our blog.
You don’t want to jump through hoops to use your ground elder weed killer - look for a solution that’s simple to use. This could entail choosing a ready-to-use solution rather than a concentrated formula that has to be diluted.
If you don’t have a garden sprayer on hand already, you’ll need to invest in one of those as well. A good IK sprayer will make your life much easier while ensuring effective application. It’s important that you can achieve even, controlled coverage.
So, what is an effective ground elder weed killer that remains gentle on the environment and is easy to use? Look no further than Weedex Super at Jennychem, the UK’s trusted choice.
It’s the best weed killer for ground elder, but it’s also the best weed killer for ivy, the best weed killer for nettles, and many other pesky varieties you may encounter in your garden.
With acetic acid as the active ingredient, it’s designed to effortlessly eliminate even the toughest weeds, including deep-rooted perennials like ground elder, while serving as a safer alternative to harsh chemical herbicides.
It dries out the plant’s tissue rapidly upon contact, disrupting its internal processes and causing it to die. Though it works best for smaller or emerging patches of ground elder, its potent formulation doesn’t give weeds the chance to spread out of control if you catch them early.
Plus, it’s a child and dog friendly weed killer once it dries - so you can spray with peace of mind knowing you’re not putting any loved ones at risk. Learn more about how long does weed killer stay toxic in our blog.
This solution has helped more than 10,000 gardeners across the UK and it can help you, too. In fact, your order is protected by our money-back guarantee - that’s how confident we are it will kill your ground elder!
Whether you’re battling this weed in your garden beds, pathways, or lawns,Weedex Super is designed for easy application. Simply spray directly onto the weeds using a pump sprayer or watering can for optimal coverage. No need to dilute!
We’ll talk more about how to kill weeds permanently below, not just using our ground elder weed killer but other natural eradication methods as well. So, order the best weed killer for ground elder today and arm yourself with the UK’s most trusted solution!
Now that you’ve got the right herbicide on hand it’s time to get to work. We’ll show you how to get rid of ground elder naturally, not just with our weed killer but through other methods as well.
Using the strongest weed killer that kills everything is easy - but you still need to understand the best practics for application. It’s not only about effective spraying but safe spraying.
Start by choosing the best time to spray weed killer. We touched on this earlier, but you should apply our ground elder weed killer in early spring when the plant is actively growing but still young and not too established. The plant will be more susceptible to the herbicide.
You also need to choose the right day. We suggest a calm, dry environment for application because applying on windy days can cause the spray to drift, which can damage surrounding plants.
On the other hand, you don’t want rainwater to wash away the active ingredients and save the ground elder from dying. There shouldn’t be rain in the forecast for at least 24-48 hours.
Temperature matters too - morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler is ideal, as herbicides can evaporate quickly in hot midday sun. Once you’ve found the ideal timing, here’s how to kill ground elder through our herbicide:
You may be wondering how long for weed killer to work. There are quite a few factors, but generally speaking, you should see signs of wilting within 24-48 hours. At that point, you can determine if another application is necessary.
As promised, we want to show you how to get rid of ground elder naturally without an herbicide, too. The best ground elder removal technique also happens to be the most simple - pull it out!
Sure, it’s hard labour, but this allows for immediate removal without any chemical intervention. Just be aware that ground elder’s extensive root system will make this more difficult than other varieties.
That’s why we suggest using a garden fork or spade to carefully loosen the soil around the plant and extract the entire root system. Even small fragments of root left behind can regenerate into new plants, so be meticulous.
After manual removal, consider laying down a weed barrier like landscaping fabric to prevent regrowth. This works really well in garden beds or along pathways where the weed has been a recurring issue. Cover the fabric with mulch or soil to suppress any remaining weed seeds.
Another simple DIY solution for ground elder removal is good old boiling water. That’s right - you can pour scalding water directly on the plant and kill it!
Again, this method works best on smaller patches or areas where chemical herbicides can't be used. You could consider taking this a step further with professional weed burners, too.
Just be aware that as harmful as this high-heat approach is on ground elder, it can also be dangerous for you. You need to prevent spills onto your skin and always exercise caution with open flames. Be aware that boiling water or weed burners will kill desired vegetation as well.
Similar to landscape fabric, organic mulch (like wood chips, bark, or straw) can effectively smother ground elder and cause it to die while preventing it from regrowing. It thrives in open areas with access to sunlight - take that away and it can’t establish itself.
An added bonus to this ground elder removal tactic is that it also improves the soil quality and retains moisture for surrounding plants, bringing out the best of your garden.
We’ve also seen UK gardeners report great success laying thick, dark plastic sheets or cardboard over the affected area for several months to slowly smother and suffocate the ground elder. It takes time, but again - it’s natural and effective.
If you consistently struggle with ground elder season after season and it’s been resilient against your efforts, you could try rotating crops each year to disturb the weed's growth cycle and make it harder for it to regain a foothold.
Better yet, choose plants that grow densely and are fast-growing to outcompete ground elder. Ground covers such as ivy or periwinkle create a thick canopy that blocks sunlight from reaching the weed, in turn suppressing its growth.
No matter how you kill ground elder, there are a few things you should do after complete removal to prevent it from returning. Weeds often thrive in poor soil conditions, so consider improving your soil's health with regular composting and fertilising.
Remember that if you see it reappearing, you don’t have time to wait. Act quickly by reapplying the ground elder weed killer before it can spread and reestablish itself. Targeting young growth will ensure you stay on top of the problem.
That does it for our guide on how to get rid of ground elder in the UK. Success requires rapid ground elder identification and even faster response, given the rate at which this weed spreads.
Whether you choose an herbicide like Weedex Super or prefer natural methods, you can follow our advice on how to kill ground elder for fast and complete removal.
Our blog has additional resources on using salt to kill weeds, how to kill brambles, the best weed killer for driveways, and more. At this point, though, the only thing left to do if you haven't already is arm yourself with the best weed killer for ground elder and get to work.
Jennychem has empowered thousands of UK homeowners to take control of their outdoor spaces naturally with Weedex Super, a safe and effective ground elder weed killer.
So, shop today and get the support you need against this pesky perennial. Don’t let ground elder win - put this problem in the past for good with Weedex Super!
