How do you get rid of smartweed?

Answer 1

Bulldozing, burning, mowing, roto-tilling, solarizing, and spraying are ways to get rid of fireweed. The Epilobiumgenus member in question reproduces by running roots and wildlife- and wind-dispersed seeding. Bulldozing or burning combined with mowing and spraying tends to eliminmate the honey-nectar-rich, wildlife-friendly wildflower even though fireweed is so-called for its quick emergence and takeover of land clearcut by loggers or ravaged by forest fires.

Answer 2

Hand-pulling, hoeing, improved drainage, mulching, and raised-bedding are ways to eliminate smartweed. The Polygonaceae family member flourishes in boggy, marshy soils of low fertility and poor drainage. The Polygonum genus member in question blooms from May or June to October or November, before which time control is most effective before seed-setting even though both pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicide applications work.