Quck answer
To kill a vine root system, follow these steps:
1. Cut the vine near the ground using a pruning saw or shears.
2. Dig around the base of the vine to expose the roots.
3. Use a shovel or garden fork to loosen the soil and remove as much of the root system as possible.
4. Dispose of the roots properly to prevent regrowth.
5. Apply a systemic herbicide to the remaining roots or use a natural alternative like vinegar or boiling water.
6. Repeat the herbicide application as needed, following the product instructions.
7. Monitor the area for any regrowth and repeat the process if necessary.
By following these steps, you can effectively kill a vine root system and prevent it from regrowing.
Planting the right vine in the right location can enhance the visual appeal of a landscape. However, some vines are invasive and, if left unchecked, can suffocate trees and quickly dominate desirable plantings. Eliminating an invasive and overgrown vine, along with its root system, is possible but requires persistence, patience, and effort.
Identifying Common Troublesome Vines
There are various types of vines that have the ability to rapidly overtake trees, shrubs, and entire areas. Some types require constant attention to prevent them from invading unwanted areas. When left uncontrolled, certain vines can encircle trees and cover a plant’s canopy, blocking essential air and sunlight and ultimately causing the death of the plant or tree.
While there are numerous problematic invasive vines, several are particularly common offenders. For instance, laurel greenbriar (Smilax laurifolia, USDA zones 7 to 10) can tolerate a wide range of light and soil conditions, producing evergreen growth. The vine has waxy green leaves with thorny stems and, when left unrestricted, it can completely cover the canopy of smaller trees and kill them.
Another example is oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus, USDA zones 5 to 8), which is considered an invasive weed in some Midwestern states. It thrives in various light and soil conditions, but its growth is somewhat limited in leaner soils. This twining vine has 2- to 5-inch circular leaves and produces clusters of greenish-white blooms in late spring to early summer, followed by small fruits that ripen to yellow and split open to reveal scarlet berries. The vine can strangle and suffocate trees, causing their demise.
Controlling Vines through Mechanical Methods
If you only have a few seedling vines appearing in your landscape, you can manually pull or dig them out of the ground, making sure to remove the entire root system. If the root system is left behind, the plant will regrow. For smaller, established vines, you can continuously mow them over. Eventually, the root system will die as it exhausts itself trying to produce new growth.
If you need to cut a vine off at ground level because of its size and it is growing up through a tree’s canopy, avoid attempting to pull the cut portion down. Yanking on the vine could result in broken branches and further damage. The cut sections of vines will eventually wither and die, releasing their grip on the tree.
Controlling Vines with Herbicides
If you are dealing with well-established vines that have wide stems and large root systems, digging or cutting them out may be practically impossible. In this case, you can kill the entire vine, along with its root system, by treating it with a herbicide.
Depending on the size of the vine, you can use loppers or hand clippers to cut the vine close to the ground. Immediately after cutting, apply a full-strength herbicide like glyphosate or triclopyr to the raw cut area, either by painting or spraying it. Be cautious to avoid accidentally getting the herbicide on desirable plants. It may require multiple applications of the herbicide to completely eliminate the vine, so monitor it closely and reapply after a couple of weeks if new growth appears.
Important Safety Precautions for Using Herbicides
Before using any herbicide, it is crucial to carefully read and follow the instructions provided on the label. It is also essential to choose a day with no wind, plenty of sunshine, and no rain in the near future. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that children and pets stay away from the treated area until the herbicide has completely dried. To protect yourself from any potential contact with the herbicide, it is recommended to wear safety eyewear, long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. After applying the herbicide, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly and change into fresh clothing.
