How do i keep the weeds from around my mature palm trees

Coco
by Coco

My front yard has 2 large palm trees that i plant flowers around but years ago my dad planted some purple weed plants from the seaside and i can't get rid of these wild plants they've taken over my yard. I weeded them out and planted flowers, got so many complements but those weeds will not stop and they won, I'm tired and don't have time to weed it every few weeks. What can i do to stop this for good. They're rooted deep.


  12 answers
  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Jun 18, 2020

    Do you have a picture of the weed plants your dad planted, that would help us identify them and suggest a solution. Or take an example to your local nursery and have them help you. Since you say they are deep rooted, it suggests they are a plant with a system that reproduces by spreading underground, making elimination difficult. Please get back to us with a photo of them, or maybe what they are.

  • It sounds like whatever was planted is pretty invasive and you'll have to dig out the root system in order to get rid of them. You could also take a piece of the plant to a local nursery to see if they have any suggestions.

  • Cheryl A Cheryl A on Jun 18, 2020

    I would use a weed killer like roundup but just don't spray the tree - let it dry for a couple of days then you can plant your flowers again and hopefully no more weeds

    https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai=DChcSEwiX08H6vIvqAhUJhsgKHZoUDfoYABAGGgJxdQ&sig=AOD64_2fBQFysS-SnOuEKg2KH7lgqTUpYQ&ctype=5&q=&ved=2ahUKEwi9-rX6vIvqAhUyhuAKHfBuCBwQ9aACegQIDRA2&adurl=

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Jun 18, 2020

    Get a weed weasal, around $30 at Ace Hardware. I think once you see the picture, you will see how it is superior to hand pulling weeds. It'll save your back a lot of aches.

    https://www.acehardware.com/departments/lawn-and-garden/gardening-tools/gardening-tools/7200355?store=07479&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIruW2qcOL6gIVviCtBh0FOAV6EAQYBSABEgKrC_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

  • Holly Lengner - Lost Mom Holly Lengner - Lost Mom on Jun 18, 2020

    There are lots of weed killing posts here for you to look at also:


    https://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=weed%20killer

  • Em Em on Jun 18, 2020

    You can smother them out with a weed barrier and mulch on top. Some weeds like horsetail have to be covered for at least a year as the roots are so deep you can't kill them with traditional sprays and risk harm to the tree. You need a commercial grade barrier as the ones from box stores are thin, let light thru and I have had weeds grow right thru them.

  • Lifestyles Homes Lifestyles Homes on Jun 18, 2020

    I would use a systemic brush killer in a very limited way:

    At dollar store, buy heavy duty latex gloves (like kitchen dishes gloves) and a set of kids crafts paint brushes.


    With no rain for 2 days, min, in the forecast:


    Put on gloves & Mix in a small disposable plastic cup,

    2 tablespoons water with 1 drop liquid soap

    with 1 tablespoon brush killer.

    Hand paint mixture on the newer/young leaves and at the top of the plants.

    Don’t let it drip onto other plants.


    This will kill them, including the roots.


  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Jun 18, 2020

    Hello that’s a good question. I’m not to finish familiar with tropicals. I know in our zone 7A the use of herbicides can affect the actual surrounding trees and shrubs. Using landscaping fabric and mulch might be recommended but I’m not too sure about what you see used in your region.


    Additionally for the best local professional advice

    I would highly suggest contacting your cooperative extension. These offices are manned by volunteer master gardeners on site there waiting to answer the communities questions that know your local situation quite well.

    Master gardeners are required to volunteer back designated hours ( plus continuing education) each year to maintain MG certification -this community outreach and education is their goal.


    If your office is closed....there might be alternative online venues like Ask an Expert as well as emailing your local master gardeners extension office for their guidance.... in a non contact manner.

    • See 1 previous
    • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Jun 18, 2020

      Our office was answering email questions pre-quarintine.

      There might be that photo question opportunity on the extension facebook too.

      Sometimes if plant disease is the problem -plant samples can be submitted to the local lab at the university.

  • Put down some landscape fabric and some mulch about 4 inches thick.

  • Morgan McBride Morgan McBride on Jun 18, 2020

    hmm could you put cardboard over it

  • 17335038 17335038 on Jun 23, 2020

    Laying down cardboard in an attempt to hold back weeds in any climate that is damp or humid is Not Recommended. By doing this, you are inviting mildew to grow, critters to congregate, and IMO, you will end up with a bigger mess than you have now.


    Digging out the weed roots, then using Round Up selectively and aggressively is the answer.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Jun 25, 2020

    Hello Coco,

    You have to pull them up before they throw their seeds for next season. If you do this every year then they will disappear! If they spread by underground root, then you have to keep digging them up until you don't find anymore root left in the ground!