Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is a fast-growing perennial vine that can quickly take over your garden, fence, and even home. Known for its attractive foliage that turns red in the fall, it’s often mistaken for poison ivy. But unlike poison ivy, it has five leaflets instead of three.
While you may enjoy its color-changing appearance, it can become invasive and difficult to control if left unchecked.
Whether you’re looking to use organic solutions or chemical methods, this guide will walk you through detailed strategies to remove Virginia creeper effectively and safely.
Organic Methods to Get Rid of Virginia Creeper
If you prefer an environmentally friendly approach or want to avoid using harsh chemicals around pets or children, several organic methods can offer effective control.
These methods include:
1. Manual Removal
Hand-pulling is one of the most effective organic methods, especially for small infestations. By pulling, you remove the plants from the roots which prevents regrowth.
Here is what to do:
- Wear gloves and long sleeves to protect your skin (some people experience skin irritation).
- Use pruning shears or loppers to cut the vines at the base.
- Follow the vine to its roots and dig out as much of the root system as possible.
- For vines climbing trees, cut them at the base and allow the top portion to die off naturally.
- Repeat this process regularly, especially when new shoots appear.
The best time to pull is after rainfall when the soil is moist as the roots are easier to pull. Ensure to remove all plant fragments since Virginia creeper has a strong root system and will regrow if any fragments are left behind.
2. Vinegar and Soap Solution
Vinegar and soap solution as a homemade herbicide is a viable option for young, tender growth. However, for the best results, you may need to use industrial-grade vinegar.
Here are the simple steps to mix and apply the solution:
- Mix white vinegar (20% acetic acid) with a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle.
- Spray directly onto the leaves on a hot, sunny day.
- Avoid contact with desirable plants, as vinegar is non-selective and will kill anything it touches.
The solution may be readily available but it may not kill the weeds to the roots. Additionally, despite multiple applications, its effectiveness decreases in shaded or moist environments.
We recommend following it up with other methods like manual root removal for effective control.
3. Cutting and Smothering
Also known as sheet mulching, this method is ideal for starving ground infestations of sunlight, eventually killing them.
How to do it:
- Cutting the vines at ground level.
- Cover the area with cardboard or several layers of newspaper.
- Place a thick layer of mulch (3-6 inches of wood chips, straw, or leaves) on top.
- Ensure edges are weighed down or tucked in to prevent regrowth.
- Leave the covering in place for an entire growing season.
This method may take several months but it will prevent sunlight from reaching new shoots, killing the weed, and improve soil quality over time.
Non-Organic (Chemical) Control for Virginia Creeper
For larger infestations or if organic methods aren’t effective, chemical herbicides can provide more aggressive control. These methods include:
1. Herbicides
For stubborn or widespread infestations, consider using herbicides like glyphosate or triclopyr to get rid of the weed.
Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide that works best on young, actively growing vines. Triclopyr is more selective and is especially useful around grasses and trees.
Application tips:
- Cut the vine near the base and apply herbicide directly to the freshly cut stems.
- Avoid treating the weeds near desirable plants.
- Repeat treatment as needed.
As always, with herbicides, ensure that you read the label and follow the application instructions for the best results.
2. Brush Killer Concentrates
A Brush Killer Concentrate is another version of a herbicide that you can use directly or mix with water. Many commercial brush and vine killers contain a mix of triclopyr and other active ingredients.
How to use a brush killer:
- Mix according to label instructions.
- Apply directly to foliage or cut stems.
The formulas are typically rainproof so you don’t have to worry about loss of effectiveness or drifting to nearby vegetation.
Lead Editor for Insight Weeds.