First off there are hundreds of bindweeds. The roots can go 20 feet down, but 70% of the mass are in the first two feet with laterals only reaching out from 1 foot. I saw pics online and the bindweed we have does not get so large.
When I said tubers I meant the thick roots. They’re energy storing. Every time you remove those, you set the plant back dramatically. Do it more than once in a season and you can replace them with concerted covers.
Just be sure to get those laterals.
Okay! That’s good news! So if I keep doing that patiently, one year at a time, I’ll make headway eventually.
I really do appreciate that they aren’t thorny or unpleasant in any other obvious way. The only thing I have against them is their invasiveness. I really would welcome them if they would play nicely.
Yes! Last winter and spring it was incredible looking at oats, rye, vetsch peas and faba beans growing under trees where nothing can grow in the summer! A treat for the trees, I suppose… Really amazing…
Wow! So you’ve tried it, and it worked? I really like the idea of them using that growing space when the trees don’t mind, and dying down to make mulch right when the trees start to need it!