by Cecily Cooper

Created on: May 19, 2008

Three Great Tips for Kudzu Control

Kudzu, the rapidly growing vine, covers over seven million acres below the U.S. Mason-Dixon Line. Anyone who has ever been fascinated by its reproductive speed knows it does indeed seem to grow overnight. In fact, one poet glorified its fast growing pace in a verse dedicated to the plant. In one line, he recommends closing one's windows at night or you might wake up wrapped in green leaves.

Residents in the southeastern United States are generally divided into four groups when it comes to kudzu:

The first group loves the thick green blanket of the wild invasive vine. They view it as a unique southern attraction, like magnolia trees, mosquitoes, pecans and humidity. They optimistically and affectionately find great value in a variety of uses for the plant.

The second group, consisting of southern natives and transplants alike, all wonder what kudzu is. And why would anyone care? The third group, very much aware of what kudzu is, have no opinion whatsoever. They claim they hardly notice the stuff- except maybe during out-of-town road trips. When it starts to creep into their own backyards, they usually become a member of one of the other three groups.

Lastly, in the fourth group are those with an intense dislike for the wild botanical invader. This group will do anything and everything possible to eradicate it.

If you are not a member of the fourth group, you may find this article little more than amusing. However, if you are passionately intent on destroying the weed, you may find this information quite helpful.

Many kudzu scientists and theorists believe it is nearly impossible to destroy. Others suggest the use of herbicides as an effective means of control. If you're afraid to leave the windows open at bedtime, these remedies may be worth a try:

Although the good folks at Scott's Miracle Gro call kudzu a "growing machine," they recommend repeated treatments of Ortho Max Poison Ivy & Tough Brush Killer or Roundup Poison Ivy Plus Tough Brush Killer. They also suggest looking for the knotty section at the top of the root and cutting it off to prevent further growth.

The Crop Science division of Bayer Advanced says one application of Brush Killer Plus Ready-to-Use will do the trick in one to six weeks. Expect the kudzu leaves to begin to wilt and turn yellow, a good sign that the product is working.

When the kudzu growth poses a more serious problem like threatening to overgrow utility poles, other measures and herbicides may be deployed. A study conducted by an associate professor at Clemson University's Department of Forestry found the chemical, Tordon 101 Mixture and Tordon K helpful. The drawback is that the chemicals are classified as "restrictive use pesticides" and the user must be certified. Determined kudzu-killers can find out more about the exam requirements and certification process at their local County Extension Office.

If these methods fail and you find yourself stuck with the rambling vine, you may want to reconsider joining the crowd of southern kudzu lovers. They say it makes a wonderful cup of tea.

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