We have some large Maples, with Pachysandra (perennial cold-hardy groundcover) growing at their base. I dislike this ground cover immensely because it spreads, and in the last 2 years it has taken over a substantial portion of adjoining areas. The spreading is somewhat slow but noticeable. I have been reading up about how to eradicate or limit it and am not finding great answers. I am hoping that experience can guide me better...
- Digging up: Quite impractical. The areas are fairly large and this will be hard to do. Besides, it's all among the tree roots.
- Chemical methods: I don't want to spray over tree roots - I don't know if this is harmful. Besides, there are many other plants nearby. If I do have to do this, what happens after the weeds are killed/browned? Do you still dig them up after? If you don't, will they come back?
- Covering with some type of sun/air blocker. Plastic and cardboard have been suggested. Plastic looks like a decent option, but will it hurt the tree roots? If I do use it, should it be permeable landscape fabric or impermeable black plastic? I don't understand the cardboard suggestion: with a lot of impending rain, won't it just disintegrate? How will it be effective then (as I read it takes months to kill this weed)? If I do use it, will I end up with a large area of soggy cardboard mess to clean up later?
- Digging up: Quite impractical. The areas are fairly large and this will be hard to do. Besides, it's all among the tree roots.
- Chemical methods: I don't want to spray over tree roots - I don't know if this is harmful. Besides, there are many other plants nearby. If I do have to do this, what happens after the weeds are killed/browned? Do you still dig them up after? If you don't, will they come back?
- Covering with some type of sun/air blocker. Plastic and cardboard have been suggested. Plastic looks like a decent option, but will it hurt the tree roots? If I do use it, should it be permeable landscape fabric or impermeable black plastic? I don't understand the cardboard suggestion: with a lot of impending rain, won't it just disintegrate? How will it be effective then (as I read it takes months to kill this weed)? If I do use it, will I end up with a large area of soggy cardboard mess to clean up later?