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Virginia Creeper

CHRISTINE CANDLINCHRISTINE CANDLIN Posts: 2
in Problem solving
My neighbour has a beautiful hawthorn tree which is on our boundary, it is beautiful and is habitat for many species of wildlife. it was planted over 30 years ago. There is a Virginia creeper, planted about 15 years ago on my side of the boundary at the base of the tree. It has grown very vigorously and has all but smothered the hawthorn. How can we control this? Will it eventually kill the tree? 

Posts

  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    I would not allow this plant smother the tree. Even on a wall they are very difficult to manage if you are not keen on pulling it off and controlling it at least once a year. Unfortunately, you need to deal with the creeping stems to the tree. Or at least control it from getting into the smaller branches.

    Hawthorn trees can be tough when they have established, but in the long run not ideal.
  • CHRISTINE CANDLINCHRISTINE CANDLIN Posts: 2
    Thank you. I think we may leave it until the autumn after the creeper has shed its leaves and then cut at the base. Then control any new growth.
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    edited August 2022
    Is it common for VC to take over trees? I have one that is approaching the base of a large elder tree and am not sure if I should be worried and move it all that is anywhere near the tree. The vine is from next door (a friend) and is conveniently covering their ugly breeze block shed and a plastic fence. The vine seems good for wild life...

    As the plant layers (puts down roots from stems), I wonder if it's more responsible to pull it out rather than have it roam freely across the neighbourhood. It might out-compete the bindweed.
  • SYinUSASYinUSA Posts: 243
    If uncontrolled, I have no doubt that Virginia creeper could kill an established hawthorn. It is a native here, but considered a noxious weed and very difficult to remove. Cut the stems at the ground and paint the stumps with weedkiller. Wait for the vines to wither before pulling them out of the tree. Even with the weedkiller, it will pop up again, so be prepared to pull. Don't let it grow on buildings, either. The vines have sticky pads that cling to surfaces and will damage brick, mortar, and painted surfaces.

    NB - If you have sensitive skin, wear gloves. The sap can irritate skin. It's not urushiol like poison ivy, but something more akin to fiberglass shards. Unfortunately anti-itch creams don't help with that sort of itching. 
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    I was jumping on the thread to find out how likely it is that VG will eat my tree.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    It can be managed .., cut and remove the stems that start to spread out of its allotted area. But you have to be quick and rigorous otherwise the spreading stems and branches will take root and make your task much harder. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • AaronBilAaronBil Posts: 100
    I have Virginia creeper which goes up the house and heads into the boarders. The vines are very tough in the late winter so it’s easy enough to reel it in like load of rope and strip off the wall. Not sure how I’ll feel about do the clear up in another 20 years but for now it’s just another job. Looks great with its autumnal colour for a few weeks at least.
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