What kind of vine is this and how do I stop it. - Ask Extension
These vines are caking over my yard.
How can I stop them
They are getting in my trees .
The leaves look like grape vines but neve produce any fruit...
Knowledgebase
What kind of vine is this and how do I stop it. #864882
Asked April 17, 2024, 2:37 PM EDT
These vines are caking over my yard.
How can I stop them
They are getting in my trees .
The leaves look like grape vines but neve produce any fruit.
Cheboygan County Michigan
Expert Response
My best guess with just the bark is that this is riverbank grape (Vitis riparia) or another grape species. Grapes won't always produce fruit; sometimes this is due to the growing conditions, sometimes it is because you only have male or female plants, but not both. Some grapes are dioecious, meaning the male and female flowers are produced on different plants. I personally did not know that before today, so that's a fun tidbit for me :) You can check out a little more detail on https://climbers.lsa.umich.edu/vitis-riparia/
Grapes can be removed physically by digging them up, but they often have a large root system, so this can be challenging. Cutting them down as close to the base by itself can be effective, but you'll need to go back and look for new sprouts. If it is not very shady, this tactic will be less likely to work. One source suggests smothering the remaining portion of the cut stem and surrounding area to deter regrowth.
If you're open to using herbicides, control for most woody vines is pretty similar. The best course of action for vines usually is to cut them at the base, drill a few holes in the stump (if it is large enough around) and pour concentrated herbicide designed for brush and vine control into the holes or paint it on the cut. This needs to be done within a few minutes of making the cut/holes. An example of such a product is Roundup Weed and Grass Killer Super Concentrate (active ingredients: triclopyr, fluazifop, diquat dibromide), though there are many others available. You can find "to kill stumps" treatment instructions on the label (Label- Roundup Weed & Grass Killer Concentrate) . Be sure to read and follow all labeled instructions.
When using products herbicides there are a few important points to consider. First, as with any pesticide, remember to read and follow all labeled instructions. Second, the product mentioned above is a broad-spectrum herbicide, meaning it will injure or kill other plants contacted during application, so care is needed to avoid green plant material, exposed roots, and injured bark of desired plants. Third, check the label to see if there are any restrictions on replanting in the area. Fourth, some herbicides can take up to 14 days or more to show full activity under ideal growing conditions. Retreatment of the area may be needed depending on the degree of infestation. Herbicides most effective for perennial control in the fall but can be applied anytime the plants are actively growing (temperatures consistently above 50F). For woody plants, periods of heavy sap flow in the spring should be avoided. Finally, if using a different product, be sure it is appropriate for your area and future intentions. Also, read to see if there are any advisory statments precluding you from using it near waterways, etc. If you have questions, be sure to ask before purchasing the product and don't rely exclusively on store help as it is not always something with which they are familiar.
Please feel free to reach out to me with additional questions. You can contact me directly at <personal data hidden>.
Grapes can be removed physically by digging them up, but they often have a large root system, so this can be challenging. Cutting them down as close to the base by itself can be effective, but you'll need to go back and look for new sprouts. If it is not very shady, this tactic will be less likely to work. One source suggests smothering the remaining portion of the cut stem and surrounding area to deter regrowth.
If you're open to using herbicides, control for most woody vines is pretty similar. The best course of action for vines usually is to cut them at the base, drill a few holes in the stump (if it is large enough around) and pour concentrated herbicide designed for brush and vine control into the holes or paint it on the cut. This needs to be done within a few minutes of making the cut/holes. An example of such a product is Roundup Weed and Grass Killer Super Concentrate (active ingredients: triclopyr, fluazifop, diquat dibromide), though there are many others available. You can find "to kill stumps" treatment instructions on the label (Label- Roundup Weed & Grass Killer Concentrate) . Be sure to read and follow all labeled instructions.
When using products herbicides there are a few important points to consider. First, as with any pesticide, remember to read and follow all labeled instructions. Second, the product mentioned above is a broad-spectrum herbicide, meaning it will injure or kill other plants contacted during application, so care is needed to avoid green plant material, exposed roots, and injured bark of desired plants. Third, check the label to see if there are any restrictions on replanting in the area. Fourth, some herbicides can take up to 14 days or more to show full activity under ideal growing conditions. Retreatment of the area may be needed depending on the degree of infestation. Herbicides most effective for perennial control in the fall but can be applied anytime the plants are actively growing (temperatures consistently above 50F). For woody plants, periods of heavy sap flow in the spring should be avoided. Finally, if using a different product, be sure it is appropriate for your area and future intentions. Also, read to see if there are any advisory statments precluding you from using it near waterways, etc. If you have questions, be sure to ask before purchasing the product and don't rely exclusively on store help as it is not always something with which they are familiar.
Please feel free to reach out to me with additional questions. You can contact me directly at <personal data hidden>.
