How to get rid of thuggish bracken ferns
plantsforall
| Posted in Southeast Gardening on
I planted bracken ferns in a friends garden and now they have taken over. Almost 6′ tall and terribly invasive, growing around a dying maple tree that will eventually need to be cut down. Short of bringing in pigs, what do I do?
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
Morvat Heavy Duty Brass Y-Valve
- Instantly create two tap outlets with this ultra-durable Y hose splitter. The dual-valve design features built-in shut-off valves.
- Fitted with US Standard NH 3/4" threads for use with most water source fittings
- Screw the 2 way splitter adapter by hand or wrench with the updated hexagonal top connection. The 360° rotatable swivel connection attaches to any water source.
Wilcox All-Pro Trowel
This 11-inch garden trowel has a 3" wide stainless steel blade with pointed tip and a handle coated in heavy duty plastic. A handy depth gauge is stamped on the surface with measurements in centimeters and inches.
Garrett Metal Detectors Trowel
This trowel has a narrow, 2-inch-wide stainless-steel blade that is unbendable and that includes an engraved depth gauge. The beveled edge at the tip stays sharp, and the comfortable, no-slip handle is a welcome bonus.
Dramm 17050 50′ ColorStorm 1/2″ Standard Soaker Hose
- Provides sufficient amounts of water to the garden without the hassle of hand watering
- Conveniently waters garden and beds
- 50 ft. by 1/2 inch diameter made from recycled material; lifetime guarantee
- Made in the USA
DeWit Tulip Trowel
The 4½-inch-long head is made from boron steel that has been heat-treated for strength, and it has a curved blade that can scoop up an ample amount of soil. With a unique forked shape, this tool makes short work of the most stubborn soil, even clay, and can easily cut through roots.
Replies
One of the best way to handle this is by mowing or using a string trimmer and keeping them defoliated. Overtime, this can really control them.
Thanks, we will try the string trimmer, given the area, and see how that works. They are under a maple that is dying so I'm also wondering if when it gets stump ground whether they can also dig up the roots as much as possible. What do you think?
I think having the stump grinder could help.