Vines growing on tree trunks create visual interest and sometimes a temptation to swing. However, vines threaten trees by competing for light and adding weight to their canopy. Swinging is dangerous, as it may bring down dead branches, break other branches, and the vine itself.

Vine control involves the removal of a section of vine at the tree base, or at least cutting so the vine cannot reconnect and heal.  Don’t tug the vine; that may pull off tree bark. Instead, cut and gently remove a section of vine at the base of a tree, careful not to cut the tree bark. Then, pull out the vine’s shallow roots to create a vine-free zone. This area is easily monitored for new vine growth. Let the remaining vine wither and loosen. A year or two later, attend to loose vine removal with caution.

Many vines growing on trees are invasive species. In particular, English ivy (pictured here), Oriental bittersweet, and Oriental honeysuckle threaten trees. Poison ivy, a native, can also grow thick vines on a trunk. Make sure you know how to recognize it.

For more information: https://extension.psu.edu/is-that-vine-damaging-my-tree