It seems that everywhere you go within our region, you are within sight of a woodland that is being overrun by vines. 

Many of these vines are exotic invasive species that have spread throughout our region.  With a lack of natural predators and other controls, such as disease, these vines aggressively spread and overtake our natural areas.  Native plant and shrub species are choked out, to the detriment of our resident wildlife.  In time, these vines can overtake and kill mature trees, often by becoming so heavy that the tree is unable to support the extra weight.

In order to protect our woodland habitats, it is necessary to control or eliminate invasive vines.  When vines are young and just beginning to establish in your woodland, they can be pulled out by the roots.  However, with this method it is important that the plant material removed be bagged and disposed of properly, particularly if seeds are present.  Larger infestations can be treated with a "cut and paint" approach.  Simply cut the vine in two places-- at eye-level and close to the ground.  To prevent re-sprouting, you should "paint" the ground-level cut stem with concentrated glyphosate (e.g., RoundUp).  The autumn months are the most effective time of year to employ this technique, as the plants are drawing energy into their roots to endure the winter months.  As a result, the glyphosate will be quickly transported into the root system, increasing chances of mortality. 

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