How to Destroy Strawberry Plants

Overview

Strawberries are a lovely fruit to enjoy on a spring or summer day, but the plants themselves can be very invasive. Since the mother plants send off so many runners--even in ideal growing conditions--strawberries can take over your garden. Not only are cultivated strawberries a problem, but also wild strawberries often grow naturally across the U.S. and invade gardens and lawns. If you have a problem with invasive strawberries in your yard, destroying the strawberry plants may be the only answer.

Step 1

Test your soil's pH. Strawberries grow best in acidic, sandy soil. If your soil is acidic and sandy it is no wonder the strawberry plants are invading it.

Step 2

Pull the strawberry plants up by the roots or mow over them with a lawn mower. This will not completely destroy them, but they will be out of your hair for a moment.

Step 3

Apply lime to your soil. Add 30 lbs. of lime per 100 square feet of soil.

Step 4

Mix the lime into your soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. Add more lime to decrease the acidity further. Once the soil is no longer acidic the strawberry plants should die out.