Many gardeners love planting goldenrod for that gorgeous pop of late-season color. It’s hard to beat those bright yellow blooms that keep the backyard glowing well into October. But there’s a catch: goldenrod is a fast mover. It spreads quickly and can easily crowd out your other favorite native plants. Once it takes over, getting it back under control is definitely a challenge.
A Battle on Two Fronts
The best way to keep goldenrod from taking over is to make sure you don’t have large patches of bare soil where it can easily set up shop. Once it’s established, the real work begins. That’s because this plant doesn’t just rely on seeds to move around—it has a secret weapon underground.
It’s All About the Rhizomes
While the seeds are the obvious problem above ground, the plant is also busy spreading through its root system. It uses rhizomes to creep through the soil at its location, claiming more territory every year. To really kick goldenrod out of your garden for good, you have to get down into the dirt and deal with those roots.
Tilling and Digging Can Be Tough on the Soil
Technically, you can get the upper hand by aggressively digging it out or using a tiller. Some folks even cover the area with a tarp afterward to smother any leftovers. The downside? This “scorched earth” approach kills off everything else, too. It’s pretty hard on the soil biology, so it’s usually not the first thing I’d recommend if you want to keep your garden healthy.
The Radical Pruning Strategy
Instead, try a more targeted approach with some heavy-duty pruning. You’ll want to cut the plants all the way down to the ground twice a year. Here’s the trick: that first cut actually encourages the plant to send up new shoots. If you hit it a second time—right before it starts to flower—you’ll prevent it from dropping any new seeds. Since goldenrod is one tough customer, you’ll likely need to keep up this routine for a few years to fully exhaust the plant and reclaim your garden.
