How to Get Rid of Cotoneaster

Cotoneaster is an attractive ornamental plant with white blooms and bright reddish-orange fruit, but in some areas, the plant has become invasive and difficult to control. While cotoneaster sometimes sprouts from the roots, it is most often spread by seeds that fall on the ground or are distributed by bird droppings. Because the plant multiples rapidly, it competes with agricultural crops and native plants, affecting grasslands, rocky areas, forests and coastal areas.

Shovel
Backhoe for large infestations
Plastic sheeting
Glyphosphate spray or other herbicide
Sprayer
Noninvasive native plants

Instructions

- 1
  Dig or pull cotoneaster in spring when the soil is moist and the fruit hasn't yet ripened. If the plants are too large to pull or dig, a backhoe may be needed. Be sure all roots and stumps are removed to prevent resprouting, and then replant the area with noninvasive native plants to prevent cotoneaster from re-establishing.
- 2
  Smother young cotoneaster seedlings by covering the area with a double or triple layer of plastic sheeting. Extend the plastic sheeting at least five feet beyond all sides of the problem area, and then leave the plastic in place for a minimum of two years. Once the plastic is removed, plant a noninvasive ground cover.
- 3
  Spray cotoneaster with a herbicide such as glyphosphate if other removal techniques fail to eradicate the plant. Apply the product strictly according to the manufacturer's directions on the product label. Spray only on a quiet day, as spray drift is harmful to nearby plants and people.

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