Invasive vines can smother and strangle trees, killing the tree and leaving a dead tree as a possible hazard. And, if the tree needs to be taken down to avoid danger or damage, it can be very expensive. We should all tour our yards on one of our lovely spring days to look for these potential dangers.
Six of the most common invasive vines that smother and strangle trees in Northern Virginia are:
For help identifying the invasives, search invasive tree vines NOVA or go to https://www.plantnovatrees.org/tree-killing-vines. Be careful not to remove native vines such as Virginia Creeper, which do not harm trees and are important food sources for wildlife. The Plant NOVA Trees site is a great resource for identifying harmful invasive vines as well as the beneficial native vines that we want to keep.
Invasive non-native plants grow prolifically in many conditions and can quickly overwhelm a tree along with our desire to remove them. When the task seems overpowering, you can buy time by clipping the vine to halt growth until the larger job can be tackled. Cut the vine close to the root and again higher up on the trunk and remove that “window” of vine in between, this will stop growth, and the vines higher up may be left to die and fall off on their own. Gradually, the root can be dug out and pulled to eliminate it altogether.
The Tree-killing vines webpage has a colorful guide with specific advice for each non-native invasive with pictures, growing habits, control techniques, and native look-alikes. Be sure to note advice such as “do not compost” for many, as they can re-root from cuttings, or grow from fruits. Likewise, most of these undesirables will resprout from roots that are not completely removed.
Happy spring hunting and an invasive vine-free summer and fall to all!
I pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to enliven us in our efforts to be open to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor and, as taught by Pope Francis, to act together to sustain a livable world for all. May Francis rest in the peace of Christ.
Six of the most common invasive vines that smother and strangle trees in Northern Virginia are:
- Porcelain Berry
- English Ivy
- Asian Wisteria
- Oriental bittersweet
- Wintercreeper
- Japanese Honeysuckle
For help identifying the invasives, search invasive tree vines NOVA or go to https://www.plantnovatrees.org/tree-killing-vines. Be careful not to remove native vines such as Virginia Creeper, which do not harm trees and are important food sources for wildlife. The Plant NOVA Trees site is a great resource for identifying harmful invasive vines as well as the beneficial native vines that we want to keep.
Invasive non-native plants grow prolifically in many conditions and can quickly overwhelm a tree along with our desire to remove them. When the task seems overpowering, you can buy time by clipping the vine to halt growth until the larger job can be tackled. Cut the vine close to the root and again higher up on the trunk and remove that “window” of vine in between, this will stop growth, and the vines higher up may be left to die and fall off on their own. Gradually, the root can be dug out and pulled to eliminate it altogether.
The Tree-killing vines webpage has a colorful guide with specific advice for each non-native invasive with pictures, growing habits, control techniques, and native look-alikes. Be sure to note advice such as “do not compost” for many, as they can re-root from cuttings, or grow from fruits. Likewise, most of these undesirables will resprout from roots that are not completely removed.
Happy spring hunting and an invasive vine-free summer and fall to all!
I pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to enliven us in our efforts to be open to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor and, as taught by Pope Francis, to act together to sustain a livable world for all. May Francis rest in the peace of Christ.