Kudzu Can Be Eradicated - But It Takes Time
Kudzu vines (Pueraria montana) are notorious in the South for growing rapidly and overtaking everything in their paths from plants, to bridges, trees and even buildings. If you have ever tried to kill the semi-woody, perennial vine, you have found out that it's not as easy as one would think. Although it takes some time, you can successfully kill kudzu.
Instructions
1. Depending on how overgrown the kudzu is, the first step is to remove as much of it as possible with pruners, loppers or a tree saw, depending on the thickness of the vine. This can take some work, since kudzu often grows up into trees.
2. Follow the vine back to the roots. Cut it off near the ground. Dig up as much of the roots as possible. Kudzu has a large root system -- taproots can weigh as much as 400 lbs., according to University of Florida's Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants -- it is unlikely you will be able to remove the entire root system.
3. Discard all cuttings and roots -- do not compost.
4. Next, spray the ground with a weed killer that contains gyphosate, chlopyralid, metsulfuron or aminopyralid. According to University of Florida, metsulfuron and aminopyralid are the most effective on kudzu.
5. Monitor the area regularly. At the first sign of kudzu regrowth repeat the above steps. Some kudzu will grow back, but with repeated close cutting, digging and herbicide application, the vines should be gone in two growing seasons.
Tags: metsulfuron aminopyralid, root system, University Florida