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To get rid of an asparagus plant, you need to remove the entire crown and root system because the plant will keep sending up spears if any part of the crown survives.
Asparagus is a perennial that can live for 20 years or more, so getting rid of an asparagus plant takes patience and persistence.
If you’ve been wondering how to get rid of asparagus plants for good, you’re in the right place.
In this post, we’ll cover why asparagus plants are so tough to remove, the best ways to get rid of an asparagus plant, and how to make sure it never comes back.
Let’s dig in.
Why Asparagus Plants Are Hard to Get Rid Of
Asparagus plants are hard to get rid of because their underground crown stores energy and keeps producing new spears.
Understanding why they’re so persistent is the first step in learning how to get rid of an asparagus plant effectively.
1. Deep, Extensive Root System
An asparagus plant develops a thick crown with long, fleshy roots that can spread several feet underground.
These roots store energy, which is why simply cutting the spears won’t kill the plant.
Any piece of the crown left behind can regrow, making it tricky to get rid of asparagus completely.
2. The Crown Keeps Regenerating
The crown is the heart of the asparagus plant.
Even if you remove the visible spears, the crown stays alive and sends up new growth.
That’s why getting rid of an asparagus plant means removing the crown entirely, not just the top growth.
3. It Spreads Over Time
Asparagus plants can self-seed and spread if the female plants produce berries.
Birds and wind can carry those seeds, so an asparagus patch can quietly expand.
This is another reason why knowing how to get rid of asparagus plants early saves you a bigger headache later.
How to Get Rid of an Asparagus Plant
There are several ways to get rid of an asparagus plant, and the method you choose depends on how much time and effort you’re willing to put in.
1. Dig Out the Crown Manually
The most reliable way to get rid of an asparagus plant is to dig it out by hand.
Start by cutting back all the spears and foliage to ground level.
Then use a sharp spade or garden fork to dig around the crown, going at least 12 to 18 inches deep.
Lift the crown carefully and remove as much of the root system as possible.
Sift through the soil to catch any broken root pieces, because even small fragments can regrow.
This method works best when the soil is moist, so water the area a day before you dig.
2. Smother the Area with Mulch or Cardboard
If digging isn’t practical, smothering is a solid way to get rid of asparagus plants over time.
Cover the patch with a thick layer of cardboard or several inches of mulch.
This blocks sunlight and prevents the asparagus from photosynthesizing.
Without light, the crown eventually exhausts its energy reserves and dies.
Keep the covering in place for several months, and check periodically for any spears poking through.
3. Use Herbicides Carefully
Herbicides can help you get rid of an asparagus plant, but they require caution.
Apply a non-selective herbicide directly to the cut spears or foliage.
The plant absorbs the chemical and carries it down to the crown.
You may need several applications over a few weeks to fully kill the crown.
Always follow the label instructions and protect nearby plants you want to keep.
4. Repeated Cutting to Starve the Crown
If you prefer a low-effort approach, cut every spear that emerges as soon as you see it.
This starves the crown because the plant can’t produce energy through photosynthesis.
It takes time, sometimes a full growing season or more, but it can work.
Combine this with smothering for faster results.
Tips to Make Sure Asparagus Doesn’t Come Back
Once you’ve removed the asparagus plant, the job isn’t done.
Follow these tips to keep it from returning.
1. Monitor the Area Regularly
Check the spot every week or two for new spears.
If you spot any, dig them out immediately before they can rebuild the crown.
Staying consistent is key to getting rid of asparagus for good.
2. Improve Soil and Plant Competitors
Asparagus thrives in loose, fertile soil.
Planting vigorous ground cover or other crops in the area can crowd out any remaining roots.
Healthy, dense plantings make it harder for asparagus to reestablish.
3. Avoid Composting Asparagus Roots
Don’t toss asparagus crowns or roots into your compost pile.
They can survive and spread the plant to wherever you use that compost.
Bag them up and dispose of them instead.
So, How Do You Get Rid of an Asparagus Plant?
You get rid of an asparagus plant by removing the crown and roots completely, or by smothering, cutting, or using herbicide to starve it out.
The key is persistence, because asparagus is built to survive.
If you stay on top of new growth and remove every piece of the crown, you’ll successfully get rid of asparagus plants and reclaim your garden space.
With a little patience and the right approach, that stubborn patch will finally be gone.