Q: My front lawn is covered with small, white, trumpet-shaped flowers. What are they and what can I do about them?

A: The plant is bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), a member of the morning glory family. Field bindweed is prevalent in lawns and gardens and is very difficult to eradicate because of its perennial nature. Bindweed forms roots to a great depth and produces many small plants that seed and return to the same places each year. Spraying multiple applications of herbicide is one of the few ways to get rid of this plant. However, because of its green foliage and attractive flowers, most people make these invasive weeds a welcome addition in their yards.

Q: I have lots of weeds in my vegetable garden. Instead of pulling or hoeing them, should I use chemical sprays to kill them?

A: Because vegetable and flower gardens contain such a diversity of broadleaf and grass plants, it is not a very good idea to spray an herbicide. Many of the pesticides may affect a wide variety of plants, even desired ones. In addition, these materials may remain in the soil longer than expected, having an adverse effect on future plantings. Herbicides, if not properly selected or applied, may also affect sensitive plants through spray drifting or herbicide vapor loss.

Q: I have several old containers of herbicide and insecticide nobody wants. Can I just put the containers in the trash or dump them down the sink?

A: Definitely not! The city and county try very hard to maintain the quality of land and water resources, and you should also do your part. The Larimer County Landfill has a Household Hazardous Waste program and is currently accepting many household items, including pesticides. For more information on hazardous wastes call 970/498-5760 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 Monday through Friday, or visit: http://www.co.larimer.co.us/solidwaste/HAZ.HTM

Gardening and Insect Fact Sheets are available on-line by clicking HERE.

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This page updated:  July 7, 2006