How do you kill ground covering without killing your bushes?

Answer 1

On this question it will depend on the ground cover of which you speak. Pachysandra is very hardy, I should know. Pulling is difficult at best since if the root is not all gotten it returns. Others can be handled with pulling or if you are really careful you can use Roundup for broad leafed plants or Otho for that matter. But you will have to be very cautious and not get the spray on your bushes you want. This can be done by creating a cardboard wall so when you spray it only hits the desired plants. Round up I say would be best since it does not stay on the soil or when it comes in contact with soil it becomes inactive. Spray the ground cover and give it a few weeks. Pick a day when it is quite warm and the plants are actively growing. Of course you can use a paint brush and do each leaf but that too is very time consuming. Give the cardboard wall a try it should work well. Also watch for drift of the spray if picked up by the wind, the less wind the better I say. Happy planting.

Answer 2

Roundup is a non selective herbicide however it only works when in contact with the green growth of plants. Thus, if you spray the ground cover and do not get it on the green growth of your shrubs - you'll be good to go.
BTW: Use a large piece of card board to protect the shrubs from spray drift.

Answer 3

Put down 7 to 9 layers of newspaper over the ground cover, put mulch on top of the paper, or something to keep the paper in place. In about a week ground cover will die.

Answer 4

Either pull out by hand i know that sux or paint on glyphosate directly on to the plant, or cut the plant right back and paint the weed killer on the base