How to Kill Oriental Bittersweet Vine
An invasive plant with a rapid growth rate, Oriental bittersweet vine is a woody perennial vine or trailing shrub with stems that can grow up to 4 inches in diameter. The leaves of this vine are glossy and round, with toothed edges. Its growth can damage other vegetation by girdling stems and preventing the uptake of water and nutrients. Control of small occurrences may be achieved by pulling or cutting but often herbicide treatment is necessary to kill larger occurrences of Oriental bittersweet. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Manual
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Cut vines as close to the root as possible using a hand saw. Manual removal is more effective if done before fruiting occurs.
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Dig out any portions of root remaining in the ground using a garden trowel.
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Discard all plant parts either in the garbage or allow them to sit in black bags outside in the heat to kill remaining seeds.
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Repeat cutting two weeks later and continue cutting and pulling at two-week intervals until autumn to prevent seed production and to exhaust the root, which eventually kills the plant.
Stump Herbicide Treatment
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Cut the stem of the vine to about 2 inches above the soil using a hand saw.
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Apply a solution of 25 percent glyphosate to water on the cut section of stem. This can be effective when applied in temperatures as low as 60 degrees Fahrenheit as long as the ground isn't frozen.
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Repeat treatment if new growth appears.
Foliar Spray Treatment
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Mix a 2 percent solution of glyphosate or triclopyr and water and add 0.5 percent non-ionic surfactant in a sprayer. The surfactant aids in the herbicide penetration of the foliage. Glyphosate is non-selective, meaning it may affect nearby desirable plants. Triclopyr is selective and will not harm grasses, sedges, and liliaceous plants.
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Apply this solution to the foliage thoroughly so that they are wet but the herbicide is not dripping from the leaves.
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Repeat application every two weeks or as new growth occurs.
Basal Bark Treatment
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Remove foliage in a band about 2 to 3 feet from the ground using a hand saw.
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Apply herbicide to the cut vine stems. Avoid applying herbicide to nearby plants and trees.
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Repeat application biweekly throughout the growing season or until new growth no longer occurs.
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Tips & Warnings
Herbicidal treatment is most effective if the stems are cut first.
Applying herbicides in fall and winter minimizes the impact to native plants and animals but treatment can be applied at any time of year as long as temperatures remain above 55 degrees Fahrenheit for several days and rain is not forecast for at least 24 hours.
Read herbicide labels to ensure that nearby plants won't be affected by application, as well as to verify concentration rates. Follow all precautions and restrictions listed on the herbicide's packaging.
