I feel your pain! My old neighbors did no yard work. Honestly, a pre emergent was the only thing that really worked. I layed it on thick Spring and fall. Preen works pretty good and sold in huge bags at Costco, or Snapshot from Amazon.

After the first year of pulling what I could and spreading Preen, the difference was very noticeable. I've tried vinegar spray, but it kills everything and the run off too. I wouldn't try it. I hope that helps some. Maybe someone else has ideas.

I totally agree with Moses' method which others (and I ) have used to get rid of trumpet vine, that scourge. Diane

The only thing I would add Vicky is that you should also talk to your neighbors. they might not know what an invasive thug they have in their yard. If they don't remove the source planting you are facing an endless battle I am afraid to say. If they need a groundcover for that bed maybe you could give them some free consultation on how to kill goutweed and plant something more benign? I am so sorry to hear you have to deal with this menace. Your border sounds lovely!

Moses, thank you, thank you THANK YOU for proposing this safe, effective way of dealing with weeds. Weed-killer is poisonous for people as well as for weeds!

I really appreciate all the input. Moses, I loved your idea...but I wonder if in the end I would really be fighting a losing battle, as with that adjacent patch of goutweed on my neighbor's property, new plants would always be creeping in, I am afraid. Am I forever then doomed to "making the rounds" of pulling it out? It is a big border and would be very time-consuming....sigh. Yet...I know that it is really just a very tiny irritation, and nothing to let myself get upset over.

I'd tell your neighbors to spray weed killer, I have to spray it this weekend. I don't have the time to pull weeds out.

Thanks all, for your expressions of appreciation.

Remember, there is no goutweed pulling/digging up with my method, just cutting the stem as close to the soil level as you can. It's lickity-split quick, not tiring or dirty work, and all you have to do is gather up the victims. In open areas why not use a weed wacker. Close up to your valuable plants you have to be more careful.

With encroaching goutweed from your neighbors, perhaps you can get them to take your lead and do what you are doing. If not, just be especially attentive to your property perimeters.

At first, the task seems insurmountable, but as you make headway in your battle, and know success will come, you become victorious in your mind.

Moses

Thank you for posting this. First weed I've neither heard of nor experienced.

Goutweed invasive alien with photos