Naturally Controlling a Virginia Creeper

Remove by Hand

• You can pull up Virginia creeper seedlings by hand before they spread. If Virginia creeper has grown into a small vine, you can dig it up with a shovel or hoe. The vine will grow back from stems and roots left in the soil, so you should make sure you remove all the roots when you remove the weed. The best time to pull up the weed is in the spring or fall when the soil and roots are moist.

Sanitation

• You can prevent Virginia creeper from overtaking your yard or garden by preventing its introduction in the first place. For example, you can ask for certified weed-free soil, seeds and mulch when you buy garden supplies. To prevent spreading Virginia creeper to unaffected areas of your yard, clean clippers, mowers and other lawn and garden equipment after every use.

Nutrients and Water

• Like other weeds, Virginia creeper needs nutrients and water for seed germination and growth. Bark mulch is a low-nitrogen soil amendment that improves drainage but does not promote weed growth. Compost, on the other hand, often has high levels of nitrogen and may promote seed germination and weed growth. Some watering methods can help prevent Virginia creeper growth. For example, drip irrigation can target desirable plants while keeping water away from others.

Considerations

• You must monitor your yard and garden for Virginia creeper seedlings to prevent the weed from spreading and climbing shrubs or trees. If the vine becomes entangled in another plant, you will probably not be able to cut away the whole vine. Virginia creeper is difficult to control without herbicides at this stage. Proper soil, water and fertilizer for your lawn or garden will help desirable plants compete with Virginia creeper and prevent the weed from becoming established.