Cooperative Extension Service
The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
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Controlling Vines in Ornamentals

Mark Czarnota, Ph.D., Ornamental Weed Control Specialist
Department of Horticulture, 1109 Experiment Street
Griffin, GA 30223

Sometimes common ornamental vines become weeds in the landscape by climbing trees, shrubs, and flower beds. If left unchecked, they can be difficult to control. Some climbing vines:

Some of these vines, like English ivy, crossvine and wisteria (Figure 1), have ornamental value. Other less desirable vines like Virginia-creeper (Figure 2) and Smilax (Figure 3) are important sources of food for wildlife.

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Figure 1. English ivy foliage (Hedera helix)		Figure 2. Virginia-creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)

Figure 3. Greenbrier (Smilax spp.)

In a perfect world, vines would be maintained or removed when they are small plants. Unfortunately, many people buy property that has vines rambling through flower beds and climbing up anything within their grasp. Sometimes problems vines were planted by the previous property owner and allowed to grow rampant. Whatever the reason, if you have a vine you are trying to get rid of, here are a few suggested tactics to help in your efforts.

First, consider trying to maintain the vine you are considering removing. Certain plants, such as English ivy, Virginia Creeper, and Crossvine, can be brought in bounds with a little pruning. Many of these plants have taken years to reach the stature they have achieved! These plants don't become a problem over night, and even the mighty Kudzu can takes years to cover a tree canopy. Before pruning, ask yourself: What will replace the green mass when it is gone? Is the vine really a big problem? Can it be brought down to a manageable size if pruned?

If you are still adamant about removing the plant, you can use one of two methods, and they include physical removal and/or the use of herbicides. The amount of physical effort required to remove the plant will depend on the plant. A well-established Wisteria, for instance, will be difficult to remove, requiring the use of heavy equipment. On the other side, a young crossvine can be easily removed by simply pulling it up.

If you are not opposed to using herbicides, a combination of pulling and chemical application may be the best plan of attack. Some vines, like Wisteria, Kudzu and English ivy, can be controlled by simply cutting the vines a few inches above the ground (Figure 4) and painting the fresh cut stem with a herbicide containing glyphosate (i.e., Roundup, 41 percent active or above) or triclopyr (i.e., Brush-B-Gone) (Figure 5). According to the label, both of these products should be used at full or half strength solutions. Stems and leaves above the cut will die after they are severed.

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Figure 4. Cutting the vine close to ground level.		Figure 5. Painting the fresh cut stem with a concentrated glyphosate solution. Make sure to use a glyphosate that contains at least a 41% active ingredient glyphosate.

The degree of control will depend on the time of year treated (fall applications are generally better) and plant species treated. Some regrowth my occur. If it does, wait until the shoots are 6 to 12 inches long, then treat them with a 5 percent solution of glyphosate (approximately 6 oz of glyphosate/gallon of water, using a product containing 41 percent active glyphosate). This glyphosate solution can be sprayed on or wiped on with a sponge. You can also use the triclopyr product (i.e., Brush-B-Gone). With any postemergent herbicide application, take care to prevent spray solution from contacting desirable plant foliage and stems. Of course, when using any pesticide, always take time to read and follow label instructions. With a little effort, those annoying vines can be controlled.

Attention!

Pesticide Precautions

• It is the responsibility of the pesticide user to observe all directions, restrictions and precautions on pesticide labels. It is dangerous, wasteful and illegal to do otherwise.
• Store all pesticides in original containers with labels intact and behind locked doors. KEEP PESTICIDES OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
• Use pesticides at correct label dosage and intervals to avoid illegal residues or injury to plants and animals.
• Use pesticides carefully to avoid drift or contamination of non-target areas.
• Surplus pesticides and containers should be disposed of in accordance with label instructions so contamination of water and other hazards will not result.
• Follow directions on the pesticide label regarding restrictions as required by State or Federal Laws and Regulations.
• Avoid any action that may threaten an endangered species or its habitat. Your county extension agent can inform you of endangered species in your area, help you identify them and, through the Fish and Wildlife Service Field Office, identify actions that may threaten endangered species or that habitat.

Trade and brand names are used only for information. The Cooperative Extension Service, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences does not guarantee nor warrant published standards on any product mentioned; neither does the use of a trade or brand name imply approval of any product to the exclusion of others which may also be suitable.

Circular 867-1/May, 2004

The University of Georgia and Ft. Valley State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and counties of the state cooperating. The Cooperative Extension Service, the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences offers educational programs, assistance and materials to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex or disability.

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Gale A. Buchanan, Dean and Director