Getting rid of ferns

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Q: I was wondering if you had any suggestions on how to rid yourself of ferns growing everywhere in your garden. Every year I pull them up by the root but them come back in the midst of my juniper bushes, amongst my flower garden or in the middle of my lawn. I do not own my home, I rent it for the past 9 years but this is an ongoing problem. Do you have any suggestions short of pulling out beds completely or killing all the plants in that bed.

Bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) is a very widespread fern in the world due to its deep, spreading rhizomes. This fern is found in many diverse habitats but commonly creeps in from open and disturbed sites. Hand pulling may not be effective since even a small portion of the rhizome can allow the plant to recover. This fern is known to recover after an intense forest fire and be very abundant in burned areas. Check surrounding areas for signs of the plant and remove promptly. Patience and persistence is definitely required to manage this fern.

A systemic herbicide could be used. Please read and follow the label before using. This product is not recommended for use in shrub beds or lawns since the chemical can possibly harm other non-target plants, e.g. juniper or grass.