Cut mint to ground level
Cut it down to ground level with a string trimmer, hedge trimmer or hand clippers. Cutting alone will not eliminate mint as it will regrow from its roots but this is an important first step.
Pull mint out from the roots
Small and young mint plants can be pulled out from the roots. This is easiest when the soil is soft and wet.
Dig out the roots
Use a pickaxe or shovel to dig out the roots. Mature mint roots can grown as deep as 3 feet downward.
Be careful of spreading cuttings
Do not leave even small cuttings of mint on the ground. The cuttings will take root and sprout a new plant. It is very important to take the plant to a disposal facility or bag it in a plastic bag so further spreading does not occur.
Mowing
An alternative to pulling or digging out the roots is to mow the area regularly. If the area is flat enough to mow this is an effective method. Mint grows very quickly so the area will need to be mowed weekly in order for it to be effective.
Herbicide
Be sure to read and follow all the instructions on your herbicide label. It is best to have a licensed professional apply herbicide. Natural methods such as vinegar will not kill mint. The only effective mint killer is a herbicide. Herbicide can be applied to the foliage 1-2 months before cutting.
Covering
Cut the mint to ground level. Cover the area in an opaque tarp or sheet of plastic. It is very important no light can pass through the covering. This will prevent the mint from photosynthesizing and the plants and root system will eventually die after one year or more of being covered.
What is mint?
Mint is an ornamental and edible plant that has invasive properties. Mint forms dense thickets that rapidly expand in size. Mint patches grow an extensive root system that spreads rapidly and creates new plants that spread outward.
Why is mint invasive?
- Mint spreads and forms large patches that can take over an entire garden
- Plants produce an extensive root system that spreads and sprouts new plantsconstantly
- Mint has extremely vigorous and resilient growth that re-grows after cutting
- Can spread into fields and agricultural land
Why is it crucial to remove mint?
- A single mint plant can spread forming large patches that cover several acres of land
- Mint infestations will get worse over time
- Mint can take over your garden beds
- Rodents nest in mint patches
- Mint can harm natural waterways
- Mint crowds out native species
- Mint roots can destroy septic fields
- Mint can spread to neighbouring property
Permanently removing mint
We remove all the above ground stems and mint material with gas powered cutters, the cut material is cleaned up and hauled away. We then dig out the root material.
The use of a herbicide is often a necessary measure to completely eliminate mint. With this method,the foliage will be treated with herbicide. The root system will die over the following 1-2 months. The dead mint will be cut to ground level and hauled away. Our herbicide will not kill other plants and has no soil activity or run off.
Ascent Yard Care has permanently removed hundreds of mint infestations since our business was founded in 2017. We carry a license from the province of BC for landscape herbicide application.
Mint removal cost
Contact us for a free in-person quote in Victoria, BC and Jake will provide an exact work order and quote.
Won’t the mint just grow back?
In the worst infestations up to 2 follow up visits may be necessary to completely eradicate re-growth. Most mint patches we service are completely and permanently removed in one visit.
Expert Help:
We care intensely about the success of each project. Contact us for a free in-person quote in Victoria, BC.
FAQs
If you don't feel comfortable using chemicals to kill mint, your only option may be to get a good shovel and dig it all up. Be sure to get under the plant's main root system, then bag it up and dispose of it or relocate the mint in a suitable container. Mint is well known for getting out of hand in the garden.
How do I permanently get rid of mint? ›
If you don't feel comfortable using chemicals to kill mint, your only option may be to get a good shovel and dig it all up. Be sure to get under the plant's main root system, then bag it up and dispose of it or relocate the mint in a suitable container. Mint is well known for getting out of hand in the garden.
What can I do with too much mint in my garden? ›
Steeping some tea is a delicious way to use mint when it's taking over the garden. You can dehydrate the leaves in a dehydrator or low-temperature oven, removing all moisture before stashing them in a glass jar on the pantry shelf for warm cups to sip on when you're feeling the need for a little pick-me-up.
What insects does mint get rid of? ›
Mint deters white cabbage moths, ants, rodents, flea beetles, fleas, and aphids.
What animal does mint repel? ›
Spearmint and peppermint are often noted for their ability to repel flies, fleas, and spiders in the garden. One thing to keep in mind when planting mint is that it is an invasive plant and will spread quickly. It is best to grow mint in containers when you have space limitations.
Are mint plants hard to get rid of? ›
Once it's planted, you can never get rid of it. Mint (and many of its relatives) are notoriously invasive. We've planted it in large pots, but it requires constant vigilance because it keeps trying to escape. It easily roots along its stem, so as it grows and sprawls, it will set roots into any soil it touches.
Will mint grow back if you cut the leaves? ›
You can pick mint's young leaves and shoot tips from spring through to autumn. Mint is a herbaceous perennial, so it dies back over winter, then re-sprouts every spring, living for many years. It is very easy to make new plants by taking root cuttings and by division.
Will mint choke out other plants? ›
While mint is a great companion, it's important to remember its invasive nature. Mint can quickly overtake other plants if not properly managed.
Does mint take over a garden? ›
Mint spreads quickly by underground runners known as rhizomes and can quickly take over a garden bed and out-compete nearby plants. If you want the mint in the ground, plant it in a container with the bottom removed to contain the runners.
How to eradicate mint? ›
It is best to have a licensed professional apply herbicide. Natural methods such as vinegar will not kill mint. The only effective mint killer is a herbicide. Herbicide can be applied to the foliage 1-2 months before cutting.
The answer is in containing it.
The best way to control mint in your garden is to plant it in containers. Begin by purchasing large containers (at least 18 inches deep) with drainage holes. Fill the container up with soil and plant your mint.
Will mint grow back from roots? ›
Mint is a herbaceous perennial, so it dies back over winter, then re-sprouts every spring, living for many years. It is very easy to make new plants by taking root cuttings and by division.
Does mint grow out of control? ›
Mint (and many of its relatives) are notoriously invasive. We've planted it in large pots, but it requires constant vigilance because it keeps trying to escape. It easily roots along its stem, so as it grows and sprawls, it will set roots into any soil it touches. The soil doesn't have to be very good, either.
Why do I keep killing my mint? ›
Wilting and yellow leaves signal water issues or nutrient deficiencies. 🌱 Bright, indirect light and cool temps are mint's best friends. Prevent pests and root rot with regular inspections and good air circulation.
Can too much mint be bad for you? ›
There are calcium and sodium channels in cell membranes throughout our bodies, and that is why we can see systemic toxicity after swallowing or inhaling concentrated amounts of menthol. Serious effects include seizures, coma, and death. Menthol can cause eye and skin irritation.
