Ostrich ferns (Matteuccia struthiopteris) are a common sight in many gardens and landscapes. But while they may look beautiful they can be difficult to get rid of once they become established. Here are a few tips on how to get rid of ostrich ferns:
1. Hand-pulling: This is the most common method of removing small infestations of ostrich ferns. Simply grab the ferns at the base and pull them out of the ground. Be sure to dispose of them in a trash bag so they don’t spread.
2. Cutting: For larger infestations you may need to resort to cutting the ferns down. Use a sharp pair of shears or a Weed Whacker to cut the ferns down to ground level. Be sure to dispose of the cuttings so they don’t spread.
3. Digging: For very large infestations you may need to dig up the entire plant. This is a lot of work but it will be the only way to get rid of the ostrich ferns.
4. Herbicides: There are several herbicides that will kill ostrich ferns but they will also kill any other plants they come in contact with. So use herbicides with care and only as a last resort.
With perseverance you can get rid of ostrich ferns in your garden or landscape. But it will take some work. But once you’ve removed them be sure to take steps to prevent them from coming back.
What are ostrich ferns?
Ostrich ferns are ferns that can grow to be six to eight feet tall.
They are native to North America and are often found in woodland areas.
How do ostrich ferns spread?
Ostrich ferns spread by producing spores.
The spores are found on the underside of the fern’s leaves and are released when the leaves are disturbed.
What do ostrich ferns look like?
Ostrich ferns have long thin leaves that are divided into many small leaflets.
The leaflets are arranged in a V-shape and the ferns can have either a green or brownish color.
What are the benefits of ostrich ferns?
Ostrich ferns are often used as ornamental plants because of their attractive appearance.
They can also be used for erosion control and to help stabilize soils.
What are the drawbacks of ostrich ferns?
Ostrich ferns can become invasive and crowd out other plants.
They can also be difficult to control once they have established themselves in an area.
How can I get rid of ostrich ferns?
Ostrich ferns can be controlled through manual removal chemical herbicides or by burning.
It is important to remove all of the plant including the roots to prevent it from regrowing.
What are some of the chemicals that can be used to kill ostrich ferns?
Glyphosate and triclopyr are two of the chemicals that can be used to control ostrich ferns.
These herbicides can be applied to the leaves or the roots of the plant.
How do I manually remove ostrich ferns?
Ostrich ferns can be pulled by hand but it is important to make sure that all of the root is removed.
This can be done by using a shovel or hoe to loosen the soil around the plant.
What are some other methods of removal?
Ostrich ferns can also be controlled through the use of fire.
This can be done by either burning the plants or by using a chemical herbicide that is designed for this purpose.
Will burning the plants kill the ostrich ferns?
Yes burning the plants will kill the ostrich ferns.
This method is often used for large infestations that are difficult to control through other means.
What are the safety concerns with using chemicals?
When using chemicals it is important to follow the directions on the label and take precautions to avoid contact with the skin or eyes.
These products can be harmful if used improperly.
How often do I need to reapply the herbicide?
The frequency with which herbicide needs to be applied will vary depending on the product that is being used.
Check the label of the product for more specific information.
What are some of the long-term effects of using herbicides?
Some of the long-term effects of using herbicides include soil and water contamination.
These products can also be harmful to animals and humans if they are not used properly.
Are there any natural predators of ostrich ferns?
There are no known natural predators of ostrich ferns.
What is the best time of year to remove ostrich ferns?
Ostrich ferns can be removed at any time of year but they are most easily controlled when they are actively growing.
This is typically in the spring or summer months.
