Gardening with Gary

Gardening Advice from an Expert

Vines

Q. I have unwanted vines growing on my brick fence. How can I get rid of the vines?

A. My best recommendation is to treat monthly with Roundup, available at most fine nurseries or garden centers. It is an herbicide which will kill what it is treating. Follow the label directions quite carefully and wear plastic or canvas gloves when handling this and any other chemical, just to be sure.

The other option is much more work, but you may choose to combine it with the above spraying. Take a sharp pointed shovel and spade deeply up against the stems of the vines where they arise from the ground. Go down as deep as you can, angling into the plant. This will sever the root, especially the tap root which is the main artery of the plant. Cutting off water will help kill them. Remove all cut vines and put into your garbage, and not a compost pile where they will thrive.

Also, cut the vines off at the soil line and bag them up and discard. This procedure is hard work and must be done frequently to kill off any new growth as it appears in order for you to have success!