7 Effective Ways to Get Rid of Invasive Weeds in Vancouver, BC

Vancouver’s lush, coastal climate is perfect for gardens—but it’s also ideal for invasive weeds, many of which spread quickly, crowd out native plants, and are nearly impossible to manage without the right approach. Species like Himalayan blackberry, knotweed, spurge laurel, bindweed, and Scotch broom are not just nuisances—they can damage ecosystems, structures, and property value.

At Ascent Yard Care, we specialize in invasive plant control and removal for residential, strata, and commercial properties throughout Greater Vancouver. Here are 7 of the most effective ways to get rid of invasive weeds and keep them from coming back.

1. 

Cut & Regrow Herbicide Method (Most Effective)

This method involves:

1. Cutting the plant to the ground
2. Waiting 3–5 weeks for fresh regrowth
3. Spot-treating the new shoots with targeted, low-toxicity herbicide

It works extremely well for:

• Himalayan blackberry
• Japanese & Bohemian knotweed
• Scotch broom
• Bindweed

This method reduces chemical use, targets only invasive species, and kills the plant at the root.

2. 

Manual Removal of Roots and Crowns

For smaller infestations or sensitive areas near desired plants, manual removal is a solid approach—if done properly.

• Dig up all root crowns and rhizomes
• Bag and remove debris (never compost invasive plants)
• Monitor and repeat as needed

Effective for:

• Spurge laurel (Daphne)
• English ivy
• Small knotweed patches
• Young Scotch broom or blackberry

3. 

Smothering with Tarp, Cardboard or Mulch

Starving invasives of sunlight can weaken and eventually kill them. This method is especially useful for dense patches or neglected corners.

Steps:

• Cut to the ground
• Cover with a tarp, landscape fabric, or multiple layers of cardboard
• Top with 6–12 inches of mulch
• Leave in place for 6–18 months

Best for: blackberry, ivy, buttercup, and bindweed.

4. 

Use of Pre-Emergent Barriers and Herbicides

Pre-emergents prevent new weed seeds from germinating. Ideal for long-term prevention after a major removal.

Options include:

• Corn gluten meal (natural)
• Pre-emergent herbicide granules
• Geotextile landscape fabric under mulch or gravel

This approach is best in planting beds, garden edges, gravel walkways, or cleared slopes.

5. 

Plant Competitive Ground Covers

Once weeds are cleared, you need to fill the space quickly—bare soil invites regrowth. We recommend:

• Native ferns
• Oregon grape
• Salal
• Dense ornamental grasses or shrubs
• Low-maintenance ground covers like kinnickinnick or creeping juniper

The goal: shade the soil, hold moisture, and block invasive regrowth.

6. 

Ongoing Monitoring and Re-Treatment

Invasive plants often require follow-up over 1–3 years, especially with root-based spreaders like blackberry or knotweed.

• Walk the site monthly
• Remove or treat new shoots
• Refresh mulch and planting density
• Catch re-infestation early before it spreads

This persistence is key to full eradication.

7. 

Hire a Professional Invasive Weed Removal Service

Ascent Yard Care specializes in removing invasive plants across Vancouver, including:

• Blackberry
• Knotweed
• Scotch broom
• Bindweed
• Daphne / Spurge laurel
• Ivy
• Thistle
• Burdock
• And more

We offer:

• Cut + regrow herbicide programs
• Full root removal
• Debris hauling and disposal
• Soil restoration
• Preventative landscaping and mulching

Our crews are fast, professional, and fully insured. We don’t just remove weeds—we help restore your land.

Areas We Serve

We work throughout Greater Vancouver, including:

• Vancouver
• Burnaby
• North Vancouver
• West Vancouver
• Richmond
• Coquitlam
• New Westminster
• Surrey
• Delta
• Langley & beyond

Get Invasive Weeds Under Control—Permanently

Don’t let invasive plants take over your property. Whether it’s a single slope or an entire backyard, Ascent Yard Care has the tools, training, and systems to remove invasive weeds for good.