To get rid of ferns, you can use methods that physically remove them or weaken them over time, such as repeated cutting or soil solarization.
Ferns can be persistent, spreading through rhizomes and spores, making their removal a process that often requires consistent effort. The goal is typically to deplete the plant's energy reserves and prevent it from regenerating.
Effective Fern Removal Methods
Based on available methods, here are two primary approaches to consider for removing unwanted ferns, focusing on manual and non-chemical techniques:
1. Mechanical Removal and Depletion
One effective way to tackle ferns is through consistent physical removal of the fronds (leaves).
- Repeatedly mow the ferns or cut them off with a weed whacker.
- Perform this action throughout the summer.
- The purpose is to deplete their energy, weakening the root system (rhizomes) over time as the plant is forced to use its stored energy to regrow new fronds repeatedly.
This method requires persistence, as a single cutting is unlikely to eliminate the fern entirely. Regular removal prevents photosynthesis and the plant's ability to replenish its energy stores.
2. Soil Solarization
Solarization is an environmentally friendly technique that uses the sun's heat to kill plants and seeds in the soil.
- Begin by mowing the site down to remove the bulk of the fern growth.
- Next, cover it with a sheet of plastic. Clear plastic works best as it traps heat efficiently.
- Secure the edges of the plastic to the ground to trap moisture and maximize heat.
- Leave the plastic in place for several weeks during the hottest part of the year (typically summer) to effectively "solarize" the soil, killing the fern's roots and spores.
This method is particularly useful for clearing larger areas and can also help suppress future weed growth.
By consistently applying either mechanical depletion or soil solarization, you can effectively manage and eventually get rid of unwanted ferns from your garden or landscape.
