Q.I Have A Hilly Area Where Wild Fern Grow From April Thru September. Landscapers Planted Some Other Weedy Looking Plants On The Hi
ll that seem to be stopping the ferns from spreading. I want the ferns to choke out the other plants. e The weedy looking plants that the landscaper planted seems to be taking over the hill but I want the wild ferns to take over the hill. What can I do. I thought the fern would choke out the other plants but it seems the opposite is happening. I didn’t realize the landscaper had planted the weedy looking plant. It’s supposed to keep the dirt on the hill from washing away.
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Does the fern go dormant after September? If so, when the leaves of the fern die back, you can spray the weed with a non-selective herbicide, provided it is still growing. However, it needs to be a warm day when you spray for it to work properly. That's how it gets tricky. You want it warm enough to spray for weeds, but cool enough the ferns go dormant. If fall doesn't work, there is usually warm days in February if the weed is up.
