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Garden Pests and Weeds
How to Kill Kudzu Download ArticleExplore this Article methods 1 Using Natural Methods 2 Applying Herbicides 3 Avoiding Pitfalls Regarding Kudzu Removal Other Sections Expert Q&A Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Article Summary Reviewed by Ben Barkan
Last Updated: August 5, 2024 Approved
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This article was reviewed by Ben Barkan. Ben Barkan is a Garden and Landscape Designer and the Owner and Founder of HomeHarvest LLC, an edible landscapes and construction business based in Boston, Massachusetts. Ben has over 12 years of experience working with organic gardening and specializes in designing and building beautiful landscapes with custom construction and creative plant integration. He is a Certified Permaculture Designer, Licensed Construction Supervisor in Massachusetts, and a Licensed Home Improvement Contractor. He holds an associates degree in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 11 testimonials and 82% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 233,743 times.
Kudzu is an aggressive vine that has the ability to grow a foot a day and smother other plant life. The vine grows mostly in the south but has also spread to other areas of the country. If you have kudzu growing on your property, it's important to work to eradicate the vine before it takes over. You can kill kudzu with many commercial herbicides. If you prefer a more natural approach, you can use methods like mowing and cutting. With any method you use to kill kudzu, be consistent. It usually takes several treatments over a long period of time to effectively eradicate the kudzu plant.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 3:
Using Natural Methods
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1 Mow down kudzu. In some cases, kudzu can be controlled by continual mowing. Mowing kudzu can be time consuming, but it is sometimes more effective than pesticides for eradicating the plants. You can use mowers or mechanical clippers to cut kudzu vines down to ground level. During growing season, you should cut down kudzu vines once every month. Eventually, the plant will become exhausted and cease to grow.[1]XResearch source
Once you're done mowing down kudzu, it's important to remove all plant material after it's trimmed down. Kudzu plants can reroot and begin growing again if not removed. You can burn kudzu materials, feed them to local cows or goats, or place them in plastic bags and dispose of them at a local dump.
Be consistent if you choose to cut kudzu root. One or two cuttings will do little to stop kudzu. You must exhaust the plants over a series of months or years for this method to be effective.
2 Dig up and remove the roots. It's also a good idea to dig up kudzu at the root. This is another time consuming, but effective, means of preventing kudzu from regrowing. You do not need to remove the entire root. You just need to remove the root crown, which is the portion of the root that kudzu grows out of.
A shovel or pick axe are the best tools to use when removing the root crown. If you notice there are several smaller root crowns at the base of a kudzu vine, pruning shears may work well.
To find the root crown, follow a kudzu vine until you find where it roots into the soil. If you dig slightly, you should see new buds stemming. This is the root crown. Cut into the soil just below this area to remove the crown.
Make sure you remove all of the root crown. If you don’t, the kudzu can easily grow back where parts of the crown were left.
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3 Cut kudzu vines off of small trees. If you notice kudzu growing on a tree, manually cut the kudzu off using pruning shears. Then, apply herbicide near the kudzu roots, at a safe distance from the sapling. If you're uncomfortable using herbicide, you can also dig up the roots of the kudzu.
4 Allow cattle or goats to graze on kudzu. If you have cattle or goats, you can allow your livestock to control kudzu plants. Cattle and goats should graze on kudzu and it is not harmful for these animals. Much like mowing, continual grazing will wear down kudzu to the point it stops growing.[2]XResearch source
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 3:
Applying Herbicides
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Please note: The WHO considers glyphosate to be a probable human carcinogen. Its use is prohibited in some states and countries. Please check with your local laws and use caution if handling this chemical.
1 Choose the right herbicide for your needs. There are a variety of different herbicides on the market. Make sure you select one specifically designed to get rid of kudzu plants. You want something with the active ingredients glyphosate and triclopyr, as these chemicals are effective at killing kudzu. The following commercial products have been proven effective for the treatment of kudzu:
Bayer Advanced Brush Killer Plus Concentrate
Ortho Max Poison Ivy and Tough Brush Killer Concentrate
Roundup Concentrate Poison Ivy Plus Tough Brush Killer
Roundup Pro
Roundup Pro Concentrate
2 Use protective gear when applying herbicides. Herbicides can be dangerous to the bare skin. Make sure to wear protective gear, like safety goggles and protective gloves, before treating kudzu with herbicide.
You should also read the instruction manual on any herbicide you purchase. Some herbicides must be diluted in water before use. The instruction manual will also provide you with useful information on how to safely apply your chosen herbicide.
3 Apply herbicide in the spring and late summer. Spring is a great time to apply treatment because kudzu will be vulnerable from its winter dormancy. Treat the kudzu again in the late summer, and repeat the two treatments annually until the plant is dead.
Keep in mind that the plant won’t die from a single treatment.
4 Spot spray small outbreaks. You may have a small kudzu outbreak. A tiny amount of kudzu may be creeping up on a fence, for example. As you want to limit the use of herbicide as much as you can, do not aggressively treat small outbreaks. Instead, spot spray with a backpack sprayer. Spray towards the ground from which the kudzu spreads.
You can also use spot treatment as a follow up treatment after you've targeted large patches of kudzu.
5 Spray open patterns in a crosshatch pattern. In the event you have large patches of kudzu growing on the ground, you'll want to spray in a crosshatch pattern. A crosshatch pattern is marked by a series of intersecting parallel lines.
Spray roughly half the solution in one direction in straight lines. Then, spray and half the solution in the other direction in lines perpendicular to the first.
6 Do follow up treatments. Kudzu is rarely eradicated with a single treatment. In order to completely destroy kudzu, you need to do several treatments. There is no herbicide available that will successfully remove kudzu in a single treatment. For younger, smaller roots, a few rounds of treatment may be enough to eliminate kudzu. For larger, older plants, you may need to treat kudzu several times a year for a few years to eliminate the plant.
7 Do not use herbicides on kudzu invading trees or other plants. Kudzu often creeps up trees or individual plants. You should limit herbicide treatments to kudzu growing on level ground, or creeping up a manmade object like a fence. If you spray herbicide on a plant like a tree, the herbicide will end up harming this plant as well as the kudzu.
Advertisement Method 3 Method 3 of 3:
Avoiding Pitfalls Regarding Kudzu Removal
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1 Remove kudzu during the correct times of year. Regardless of the method you use, you want to make sure you remove kudzu at the right times of the year. Kudzu should be treated several times throughout the year.
In late spring or early summer, begin your kudzu treatment once the leaves have fully expanded.
New kudzu will usually emerge from the first kudzu plants. This should be treated again in later summer or early fall to prevent a reoccurrence.
2 Use herbicide conservatively. If you choose to use herbicide to treat kudzu, be careful. Only use herbicide in select areas and only apply the recommended amount. Read instruction manuals that come with your herbicides carefully, especially the safety instructions.
Keep away from animals and children. Chemicals in herbicide can be toxic if ingested or touched.
3 Make sure to use mild herbicides in residential or environmentally sensitive areas. If you're working in residential areas, make sure you choose mild herbicides. You also want to make sure use of herbicides is permitted in any area you choose to spray. You can contact your local Department of Natural Resources for more information.
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Expert Q&A
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Question Does bleach kill kudzu? Lauren Kurtz Professional Gardener Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014. Lauren Kurtz Professional Gardener Expert Answer Bleach kills kudzu, but you shouldn't use it as a method of weed control. Because chemicals like bleach aren't designed to be dumped into the environment, they can cause environmental harm. If you want to go with a chemical method for weed control, stick to using herbicides. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 9 Helpful 14
Question Can you cover kudzu with a trap and effectively smother it? Lauren Kurtz Professional Gardener Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014. Lauren Kurtz Professional Gardener Expert Answer This may not work very well. Since kudzu is a vine, it can grow underneath the trap to reach the sun. That being said, this method might be effective with small infestations. Try mowing down the kudzu first and then covering it. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 5
Question Someone suggested that spraying salt water on kudzu will kill it. Is this true? If so, what would be the salt to water ratio? Community Answer Salt water might work, but it will render the soil that’s treated useless for years to come I believe. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 10
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Video
Tips
It is very important to be both thorough and persistent when trying to kill kudzu. Many people use only half-measures and give up too easily. Remember, it is certainly possible to control and eliminate kudzu if you stick with it. Thanks Helpful 12 Not Helpful 7
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
Warnings
Read and follow all directions when applying chemicals and use with caution. Be aware of risks to flora and fauna. Thanks Helpful 9 Not Helpful 3
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References
↑ http://freeplants.com/kudzu.html
↑ http://freeplants.com/kudzu.html
About This Article
Reviewed by: Ben Barkan Professional Gardener This article was reviewed by Ben Barkan. Ben Barkan is a Garden and Landscape Designer and the Owner and Founder of HomeHarvest LLC, an edible landscapes and construction business based in Boston, Massachusetts. Ben has over 12 years of experience working with organic gardening and specializes in designing and building beautiful landscapes with custom construction and creative plant integration. He is a Certified Permaculture Designer, Licensed Construction Supervisor in Massachusetts, and a Licensed Home Improvement Contractor. He holds an associates degree in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. This article has been viewed 233,743 times. 68 votes - 82% Co-authors: 25Updated: August 5, 2024 Views: 233,743 Categories: Featured Articles | Garden Pests and WeedsArticle SummaryX
To kill kudzu, mow your lawn once a month and remove all the plant material after mowing to prevent the kudzu from taking root and growing again. Alternatively, use a shovel or pickaxe to dig up and remove the roots. If the kudzu is growing on a tree, cut it off with pruning shears before digging up the roots. You can also apply an herbicide containing glyphosate and triclopyr near the roots, since these chemicals are effective at killing kudzu. For more advice from our Horticultural co-author, like how to protect yourself and your other plants from the herbicide, keep reading!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Reader Success Stories
Marce Crowder
Jun 24, 2016
"My backyard had a large section of really healthy kudzu that I mistook for poison ivy (I'm from Boston and had never laid eyes on kudzu). I decided it was time for the vines to go and started hand pulling them. After a few hours in 90 degree temperatures, I decided to take a break and see if I could find any information on this incredibly strong vine I had been battling all morning. I was tremendously relieved to learn that the vines I was pulling were, in fact, kudzu and not poison ivy, as I am terribly allergic. Your article on crown removal was most helpful, as was the suggestion to either dry out the crowns/vines or remove them from the property as they can regrow if pulled up and left to dry on the ground (which is what I was going to do). Thank you for your informative article. You saved me hours of work and blisters."..." more
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Reviewed by: Ben Barkan Professional Gardener Co-authors: 25Updated: August 5, 2024 Views: 233,74382% of readers found this article helpful. 68 votes - 82% Click a star to add your vote
Marce Crowder
Jun 24, 2016
"My backyard had a large section of really healthy kudzu that I mistook for poison ivy (I'm from Boston and had never laid eyes on kudzu). I decided it was time for the vines to go and started hand pulling them. After a few hours in 90 degree temperatures, I decided to take a break and see if I could find any information on this incredibly strong vine I had been battling all morning. I was tremendously relieved to learn that the vines I was pulling were, in fact, kudzu and not poison ivy, as I am terribly allergic. Your article on crown removal was most helpful, as was the suggestion to either dry out the crowns/vines or remove them from the property as they can regrow if pulled up and left to dry on the ground (which is what I was going to do). Thank you for your informative article. You saved me hours of work and blisters."..." more
Arlene Devlin
Aug 8, 2018
"It was in our back yard when I was young (the 40's) in New Jersey. My home in Massachusetts (9 acres) is being attacked. In 14 years I've cut it back, but this wet summer is gaining on me! I really hate helping Monsanto, as most of my lot is wetland (the Earth's lungs) and I have pets. "..." more Rated this article:
Anonymous
Sep 21, 2016
"Very helpful article that breaks down many different methods to give a choice of treatments. I also like the way the instructions are broken down into easy terms for anyone to understand, and I do not need to be a scientist to understand the instructions."..." more
Valerie Hammer
Jul 27, 2017
"I live in a small community in rural Delaware. There is a drainage pond that is surrounded by tall trees. I noticed that one portion of the trees is infested with kudzu. This information will provide an option to eradicate the vine. "..." more Rated this article:
Marge Hiller
Jun 17, 2016
"This was fantastic information. Personally, I hate kudzu, what an awful import. My battle has been going on for 15 years, but this article gave me some new ideas."..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Download Article Explore this Article methods 1 Using Natural Methods 2 Applying Herbicides 3 Avoiding Pitfalls Regarding Kudzu Removal Other Sections Expert Q&A Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Article Summary Reviewed by Ben Barkan 
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Reviewed by: Ben Barkan Professional Gardener This article was reviewed by Ben Barkan. Ben Barkan is a Garden and Landscape Designer and the Owner and Founder of HomeHarvest LLC, an edible landscapes and construction business based in Boston, Massachusetts. Ben has over 12 years of experience working with organic gardening and specializes in designing and building beautiful landscapes with custom construction and creative plant integration. He is a Certified Permaculture Designer, Licensed Construction Supervisor in Massachusetts, and a Licensed Home Improvement Contractor. He holds an associates degree in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. This article has been viewed 233,743 times. 68 votes - 82% Co-authors: 25 Updated: August 5, 2024 Views: 233,743 Categories: Featured Articles | Garden Pests and Weeds Article SummaryX
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1 Mow down kudzu. In some cases, kudzu can be controlled by continual mowing. Mowing kudzu can be time consuming, but it is sometimes more effective than pesticides for eradicating the plants. You can use mowers or mechanical clippers to cut kudzu vines down to ground level. During growing season, you should cut down kudzu vines once every month. Eventually, the plant will become exhausted and cease to grow.[1] 
2 Dig up and remove the roots. It's also a good idea to dig up kudzu at the root. This is another time consuming, but effective, means of preventing kudzu from regrowing. You do not need to remove the entire root. You just need to remove the root crown, which is the portion of the root that kudzu grows out of. 
3 Cut kudzu vines off of small trees. If you notice kudzu growing on a tree, manually cut the kudzu off using pruning shears. Then, apply herbicide near the kudzu roots, at a safe distance from the sapling. If you're uncomfortable using herbicide, you can also dig up the roots of the kudzu. 
4 Allow cattle or goats to graze on kudzu. If you have cattle or goats, you can allow your livestock to control kudzu plants. Cattle and goats should graze on kudzu and it is not harmful for these animals. Much like mowing, continual grazing will wear down kudzu to the point it stops growing.[2] Advertisement 
1 Choose the right herbicide for your needs. There are a variety of different herbicides on the market. Make sure you select one specifically designed to get rid of kudzu plants. You want something with the active ingredients glyphosate and triclopyr, as these chemicals are effective at killing kudzu. The following commercial products have been proven effective for the treatment of kudzu: 
2 Use protective gear when applying herbicides. Herbicides can be dangerous to the bare skin. Make sure to wear protective gear, like safety goggles and protective gloves, before treating kudzu with herbicide. 
3 Apply herbicide in the spring and late summer. Spring is a great time to apply treatment because kudzu will be vulnerable from its winter dormancy. Treat the kudzu again in the late summer, and repeat the two treatments annually until the plant is dead. 
4 Spot spray small outbreaks. You may have a small kudzu outbreak. A tiny amount of kudzu may be creeping up on a fence, for example. As you want to limit the use of herbicide as much as you can, do not aggressively treat small outbreaks. Instead, spot spray with a backpack sprayer. Spray towards the ground from which the kudzu spreads. 
5 Spray open patterns in a crosshatch pattern. In the event you have large patches of kudzu growing on the ground, you'll want to spray in a crosshatch pattern. A crosshatch pattern is marked by a series of intersecting parallel lines. 
6 Do follow up treatments. Kudzu is rarely eradicated with a single treatment. In order to completely destroy kudzu, you need to do several treatments. There is no herbicide available that will successfully remove kudzu in a single treatment. For younger, smaller roots, a few rounds of treatment may be enough to eliminate kudzu. For larger, older plants, you may need to treat kudzu several times a year for a few years to eliminate the plant. 
7 Do not use herbicides on kudzu invading trees or other plants. Kudzu often creeps up trees or individual plants. You should limit herbicide treatments to kudzu growing on level ground, or creeping up a manmade object like a fence. If you spray herbicide on a plant like a tree, the herbicide will end up harming this plant as well as the kudzu. Advertisement 
1 Remove kudzu during the correct times of year. Regardless of the method you use, you want to make sure you remove kudzu at the right times of the year. Kudzu should be treated several times throughout the year. 
2 Use herbicide conservatively. If you choose to use herbicide to treat kudzu, be careful. Only use herbicide in select areas and only apply the recommended amount. Read instruction manuals that come with your herbicides carefully, especially the safety instructions. 
3 Make sure to use mild herbicides in residential or environmentally sensitive areas. If you're working in residential areas, make sure you choose mild herbicides. You also want to make sure use of herbicides is permitted in any area you choose to spray. You can contact your local Department of Natural Resources for more information. Advertisement 
Lauren Kurtz Professional Gardener Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014. 
Community Answer Salt water might work, but it will render the soil that’s treated useless for years to come I believe. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 10