Vine weeds can ruin a beautiful lawn. They try to outcompete the grass for nutrients and take over aesthetically. They can spread rapidly and become difficult to manage if not controlled early.
You can get rid of vine weeds from your lawn in the following ways:
1. Removing Vine Weeds Manually
One way to get rid of vine weeds is to dig them up. This method is effective for young weeds without hardened stems.
You may have to wet the ground or wait until it rains to pull out vine weeds easily.
To dig up vine weeds manually:
- Grab one vine at a time at the base.
- Hold it firmly, then pull it out of the ground.
- You may have to use any digging tool, such as a garden fork or garden weeder, to remove the remaining parts from the soil should the vine break when pulling.
- Ensure to completely remove the plant to prevent it from growing back.
2. Spray Weed Killer on the Infested Area
A herbicide is more effective when eliminating vine weeds from a large area.
The most effective herbicides contain glyphosate, such as Roundup, Spectracide Weed Stop, and Erase. However, for woody vines, you may have to use herbicides that contain triclopyr.
NOTE: Herbicides aren’t recommended when vines are growing among desirable plants. If you have to, cover your plants with plastic sheets to prevent the herbicide from coming into contact with their leaves.
To eliminate weeds using a herbicide:
- Cover any desirable plants with a plastic sheet.
- Pour the herbicide into a spray bottle and mix according to the instructions.
- Apply the herbicide directly on the leaves and stems of the vines.
- Let it sit for about 24-48 hours. The vines should wither during this period.
- You may remove the dead vines.
3. Cut Stump Method
It is difficult to use herbicides without killing desired plants. Therefore, the cut stump method is the best method to use if you have desired plants or grass around the vines.
How it is done:
- Cut the vine a few inches above the ground
- Treat the freshly cut stem with undiluted triclopyr
Triclopyr will prevent the stem from sprouting again. If you notice a regrowth, cut trim the stump and apply a second round of triclopyr.
Ways to Prevent Vines From Growing on Your Lawn
Now that you’ve managed to get rid of existing vines, how about preventing new ones from growing on your lawn? You can use any of these methods:
Enhance the Health of Your Lawn
Ensure your lawn is healthy by incorporating a maintenance regime for your lawn. Consider the following:
- Fertilize your lawn regularly and properly. Make sure to get the right fertilizer for your soil type.
- Overseed bare areas to promote grass growth and limit the chances of weeds growing.
- Aerate and feed the lawn using various tools such as a garden fork and a rake.
Mowing
According to Iowa State University, persistent mowing eventually exhausts the root system and kills the vine with time. It works best when the vine is not allowed to regrow.
Though consistently mowing whenever you spot new growth can be quite daunting, it is necessary to do it regularly to keep weeds at bay.
IW’s Chief Editor and a lover of green spaces.