Virginia Creeper growing up live trees - Ask Extension
Will Virginia Creeper that is growing up live trees hurt or kill them? Anywhere from 1/2 to all of the circumference of the 40 year old white pine tr...
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Virginia Creeper growing up live trees #410149
Asked June 27, 2017, 10:59 AM EDT
Will Virginia Creeper that is growing up live trees hurt or kill them? Anywhere from 1/2 to all of the circumference of the 40 year old white pine trunk is covered with multiple vines to abut 10-12 feet up from the ground. If it does hurt the tree, can I simple cut the vines at the base of the tree with a knife or do I have to remove the vines too (a much bigger job)? We want to keep this wonderful native plant growing on the ground. And it looks fine on the trees. We just don't want to hurt the trees. THANKS!
Carroll County Maryland
Expert Response
It is probably best to stop the Virginia Creeper from climbing the pine.
You can just cut the bases of the vines and let them dry on the tree and eventually fade.
If you want to keep the Virginia Creeper, you'll have to monitor it every now and then because it will climb whatever it meets. It is a great native, especially for that fall color!
If you don't want it, you can pull it out or treat the cut stumps with glyphosate herbicide.
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You can just cut the bases of the vines and let them dry on the tree and eventually fade.
If you want to keep the Virginia Creeper, you'll have to monitor it every now and then because it will climb whatever it meets. It is a great native, especially for that fall color!
If you don't want it, you can pull it out or treat the cut stumps with glyphosate herbicide.
cm
