Vine Weeds 

Vines such as convolvulus, old man’s beard, honeysuckle and banana passionfruit can be weeds in gardens, agriculture and forests. Such vines smoother trees and other plants and could eventually cause forest canopies to collapse.

Prevention

The best way to stop vines becoming weeds is to prevent them from establishing in the first place. Be careful about what you do with your garden waste. By dumping garden rubbish in the wrong place, you may encourage new weed infestations. Destroy garden waste by composting completely, disposal in council green waste or, where permitted, burning.

If you see any suspicious-looking plants in natural areas note the precise location of the plants and tell your local DOC or regional council.

Control

Single vines - For single vines or small infestations cut and paint stumps with Weed Weapon Invade Gel.

1. Cut the stems at ground level, leaving the cut vines up the tree to wither and die well above the ground.
2. Immediately paint Weed Weapon Invade Gel onto the cut of the stump. For best results Invade gel should be applied within 15 seconds of cutting.

• Or pull the vines down to the ground, roll the vine in a ball and spray with Weed Weapon Extra Strength (the addition of Dye & Stick can help ensure complete coverage and improved control).
  Don’t pull cut vines down if you might damage the trees the vine is growing over.

Large areas - Cutting, waiting and spraying regrowth is best for large areas of vines, and requires a two-stage approach.

1. Cut all the vines. Leave the cut vines hanging in trees to die off. Some vine species left on the ground may re-sprout.
2. Later, when the regrowth is a metre long, spray the new foliage with Weed Weapon Extra Strength (the addition of Dye & Stick can help ensure complete coverage and improved control).

David Brittain
Kiwicare