Landscaping: How to Remove Briars and Vines

Removing briars and vines is important for the health of the landscape. Briars and vines compete with grass and ornamental plants for the soil's nutrients and water. When left to take over the landscape, briars and vines impede other plant growth, shade grass, and crowd out other plants. When you remove briars and vines, it is important to use herbicides correctly, so you avoid harming surrounding plants or grass.

Bypass shears
Gloves
Herbicide
Spray bottle
Shovel
Bucket

Instructions

- 1
  Cut vines or briars 12 inches from the soil. Use gloves when handling briars to prevent getting pricked by thorns. Burn or throw away debris. Avoid composting to prevent spreading weed seeds.
- 2
  Add 1 part water to 1 part herbicide concentrate. Use an herbicide that contains glyphosate. Dip a paintbrush into the diluted herbicide, and apply it to the cut portion of the vine or briar. Also apply the herbicide to any foliage on the briar or vine. Wait 10 days to reapply the herbicide if the vine or briar is still alive. Signs of plant death include browning foliage, defoliation and wilting.
- 3
  Press a shovel 6 inches away from the base of the vine or briar and at a depth of 6 inches, to dig out the weed.
- 4
  Spray vines and briars with the glyphosate herbicide on a windless day to prevent herbicide spray drift.
- 5
  Plant bare areas in the yard with grass or other ornamental plants to prevent briars and vines from growing back.

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