Preserving trees is just as important as planting trees and invasive vines pose a major threat to the health and survival of trees. Research has shown that trees near a forest edge with a vine in their crown grow more slowly and are twice as likely to die as those without a vine in their crown.
How to Remove Vines from Trees
- Cut the vine from the tree a few feet above the ground.
- Pull the vine off the tree trunk, from the cut down to the ground, taking care not to damage the bark of the tree.
- Pull the roots out of the ground at the tree base, if possible. If you can’t get the entire root out, cut it as far from the tree as possible.
- Do not try to pull the vine down because this could cause injury to you and the tree. The vines remaining in the tree will die and eventually fall off.
Use These Tools
Smaller vines: loppers, pruning shears, or pruning snips
Larger vines: pruning saw, hand ax, or chain saw
English Ivy: In addition to the tools above, a large screwdriver or forked garden tool may be helpful for prying the vines away from the tree trunks. Do this carefully so you don’t damage the bark.
