Getting rid of vines in your garden may not be easy, but there are a number of things you can do to get rid of them. To eradicate them, you can cut down the plant and remove the root system, or cover the plant with mulch. A non-toxic and effective ingredient for killing vines is a mixture of vinegar and boiling water. If the vines are difficult to remove, you can use a systemic herbicide that will attack the roots and kill the vines permanently.
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Method 1 of 3: Manually Removing Vines
Step 1. Cover the skin of the body to protect it from the vines
Some types of vines (such as English ivy) can irritate the skin. Protect yourself by wearing long-sleeved shirts, pants, and shoes to cover your skin when you handle the plant. Also wear thick gardening gloves.
You will also be protected from insect bites and scratches by wearing proper clothing when handling vines
Step 2. Use a flat, sturdy tool to pry up vines attached to trees or buildings
To prevent damage to trees or other surfaces to which the vines are attached, use a long, flat object to pry them apart. Gently slide a crowbar, screwdriver, or other similar object where the vines attach. Gently pull the vines up and away from the surface of the object.
If the vines are attached to the tree, gently remove it so that the bark is not damaged
Step 3. Cut the vines with garden shears or a saw
Cut the vines at a height of about 1 to 1.5 meters. Use pruning shears or a pruning saw (depending on thickness) to trim the plant. This will make it easier for you to handle the roots.
Immediately remove all cuttings of vines because these plants can grow from cuttings of stems
Step 4. Use your hands to dig or pull the base of the vine out of the soil
If the plant is small, you can definitely find the root position. Pull out the plant's roots using your hands, a shovel, or a garden trowel to dig out the entire root system. Remove the roots and tubers so that you can completely eradicate the plant.
- For best results, it's best to do this when the soil is moist and loose during the rainy season. This way, you can dig up more soil, which makes it easier for you to access the plant's root system.
- Remember, you may have to dig up new vines regularly for a few months or years to keep them under control.
Step 5. Cut any vines that run through the ground to make it easier for you to kill them
The creeping vines that cover the ground can be controlled by mowing them with a lawn mower. Use a gas-powered mower as it is powerful enough to cut the stems of the plant, not just turning over it. Do this at least 3-4 times a year to slowly eradicate the vines.
- Electric or rotary lawn mowers will usually only grind the vines, not cut them.
- If you don't want to be too hard on the vines, this method is worth a try, although you'll need to make regular cuts for it to be effective.
Method 2 of 3: Getting Rid of Vines Using Non-Toxic Materials
Step 1. Cover the vines with mulch
Vines need water, light, and air in order to live and grow. Cover the vines with mulch, which can be of any material as long as it covers the area where the vines are growing. Cover the area completely so the plant doesn't get enough light, sunlight, and air. This way, the vines will die within a few weeks.
- Use biodegradable mulch, such as chopped grass, tree bark, newsprint, or leaves so that the mulch can decompose into the soil after the vines die.
- Alternatively, you can use a plastic sheeting to cover the vines. This will deprive the plants of the oxygen they need and create a very hot environment. A few weeks later the vines will die.
Step 2. Spray the vines with a mixture of water and vinegar
Mix 8 parts water and 2 parts white vinegar in a spray bottle or splash. Wet the vines with the mixture. Check condition 2-3 days later, and remove dead vines. Repeat the process if necessary.
Be careful not to let the mixture touch other plants
Step 3. Pour boiling water over the root crown of the vine
Trim the surface of the vines with garden shears and discard. Use a shovel or hoe to dig into the soil until it reaches the roots of the plant. Pour about 1 liter of boiling water directly on the plant's root system, where the roots meet the base of the plant.
Method 3 of 3: Using Systemic Herbicides
Step 1. Use the herbicide triclopyr to kill thick, woody vines
Systemic herbicides will penetrate the vines circulation system through the leaves, which will eventually kill the roots. Choose the herbicide triclopyr (a very strong systemic herbicide) to kill tough, bushy vines. This material can easily penetrate the tough exterior of the vines.
You can buy herbicides at a farm store
Step 2. Use the herbicide glyphosate to kill herbaceous vines
This type of vine can be eradicated with a mild systemic herbicide. Spray the herbicide glyphosate on the leaves of the vine to allow it to be absorbed into the plant's circulatory system. Unlike woody vines, these grassy vines are not very hardy and can be eradicated with a mild herbicide.
Step 3. Spray the leaves of the vines with a systemic herbicide
If you want to eradicate vines in the ground or buildings without killing other plants, spray the vines with a herbicide. Spray enough herbicide until the leaves are completely wet. Do not overuse the herbicide until it drips onto the ground. This can damage the soil and roots of nearby plants.
- Avoid spraying vines that grow on other plants.
- It may take a few weeks or months to eradicate the vines, depending on the density and development of the root system.
- You may have to do several sprays.
Step 4. Cover other plants with a plastic sheet or plastic bag when you spray
Protect your garden from exposure to vines-killing herbicides by covering it tightly with thick plastic. To protect the roots, cover the soil around the plant as tightly as possible. Secure the plastic to the ground with large stones, bricks, or pegs when you spray.
Remove the plastic about 2-3 hours after you spray the herbicide
Step 5. Cut off large vines and treat the stump with herbicide
Large, sturdy vines tend to blend into other plants or stick firmly to buildings or trees. Use a saw or garden shears to trim the vines until they leave a stump about 8-15 centimeters high. Apply the pure triclopyr herbicide directly to the stump you just cut.
