Eradication Guide

Eradication Services

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A Precurser to our Program
Successful kudzu eradication through following this program is based mainly on thorough inspections, thorough herbicide applications, and persistence. The first application weakens the kudzu and stops further spread. The kudzu is further weakened and killed back in subsequent applications. As the program progresses, more and more of the kudzu is killed, ultimately leaving an area free of kudzu.

Herbicides for use with our Program
Kudzu-Free Communities suggests using herbicides with the active ingredient Clorpyralid and Triclopyr in this kudzu eradication program.  Clorpyralid is taken up by the plant through the foliage, and Triclopyr is taken up by both the foliar application method and the cut stem method as explained below.

Certain products with a mode of action that allows for their uptake by the kudzu roots have been shown to be more effective at killing kudzu than the products containing the active ingredients just mentioned.  Unfortunately, these products can be harmful to desirable trees and/or plants when their roots are in the same area as the kudzu being treated. Products such as these are best for use in open areas, far from the roots of desirable trees and plants.  Because kudzu is usually growing among desirable plants, herbicides with this mode of action are not practical for use in most urban and suburban type settings where kudzu exists.

Outline of the Kudzu Eradication Program
Before performing any kudzu eradication work, all areas where kudzu exists are located and boundaries are established for each area. Any sources of water (ponds, streams, etc.) are noted.

Kudzu growing over tall trees:  Kudzu vines that are growing into or over tall trees are first severed as close to ground level as possible (Sheers and pruning saws work well on young or sparse stands and gas powered pole saws and brush cutters work well on mature or thick stands). An herbicide labeled for applying to the cut kudzu stems is then applied as quickly as possible after the kudzu vine is severed (cut stem method). A spray bottle will work well for applying herbicides to the cut stem.  Products with the active ingredient Triclopyr such as "Garlon 3A" and "Brush Be Gone Concentrate" are recommended for this use (Brush Be Gone Concentrate is available for home owners in small quantities at many garden centers).Garlon 3A can be purchased Mail order from Red River Specialties, Inc. at 229-924-9458. You may find other suppliers for these products as well.

This procedure is followed before the initial spray application. For best results, cut stem applications should be made Summer, Fall and Winter. Mix herbicides used for cut stem procedures at a rate of 25% product to water.

After the cut stem application is made, a section of the severed vine is then cut out from the tree it is hanging in.  This cut is made six feet or more from the ground. By removing a section of vine, future kudzu vines will not have a path or bridge to climb up into the tree.

Kudzu growing along the ground and over low objects:  A foliar spray application is made using a product with the active ingredient Clorpyralid such as "Lontrel (r) Turf and Ornamental Specialty Herbicide" and "Transline". These herbicides are classified as being "Selective Herbicides", meaning they will only control certain plants or weeds. Lontrel and Transline are products that control plants in the Legume Family, such as kudzu. These products are effective at controlling kudzu, while at the same time not harming most other desirable plants that they may come into contact with.   These products are instrumental in this program because they can effectively be used to kill kudzu without harming most other plant life.  Always read the label before using.  Lontrel can be purchased in a one quart container and is available to home owners mail order through Lesco at 770-475-4403 or Helena Chemical Co at 770-586-0402.  There may be a location near you for pick up.  Transline can be purchased mail order in .5 and 2.5 gal. containers from Red River Specialties, Inc. at 229-924-9459. You may find other suppliers for these products as well.

Products with the active ingredient Clorpyralid are not labeled for aquatic use and therefore cannot be used on or near water. For best results, foliar applications can be made from late June through early October. Give kudzu plenty of time to leaf out before applying a foliar application. Studies suggest the best time to make foliar applications is when kudzu is blooming ( July, August, September).

A "Non-Ionic Surfactant" labeled as a "Spreader-Sticker" is added to the herbicide mix for foliar applications when the herbicide being used does not already contain one. The use of a Spreader-Sticker will significantly improve the results of the foliar application. Spreader-Stickers come in many brand names and can also be purchased at Lesco and Helena Chemical Co.  Follow the Manufactures Directions for rates.

A back pack sprayer or electric powered sprayer can be used to treat individual plants and small, young stand of kudzu.  For larger or mature stands, the use of a gas powered sprayer is the only practical way to obtain thorough coverage of the layered kudzu foliage.

Kudzu growing near water:  In areas where kudzu is growing near water (along the banks of ponds, lakes, streams and rivers), only herbicides labeled for aquatic use can be used. "Renovate 3" and "Garlon 3A" are labeled for such use and contain the active ingredient Triclopyr. These herbicides can potentially damage or kill desirable broad leaf plants.  Care should be taken not to allow these products to come into contact with desirable broad leaf plants.

This is an uncomplicated program with persistence being the key to success. Thorough inspections and treatments are a must. When this program is properly carried out to its conclusion, complete eradication of all kudzu in the target area(s) is achievable. It may be possible to achieve complete eradication before the fifth year with younger stands of kudzu. To be sure that all kudzu has been eradicated, inspections must still be made through the fifth year.

If kudzu is present on bordering properties, the encroaching kudzu will have to be sprayed back each year, indefinitely. In addition, kudzu seeds may be viable for many years, therefore the treated area should be inspected for seedlings each year, long after the program is completed.

If you would like more information on eradicating kudzu, or if you would like to have a kudzu eradication program performed for you, please give us a call or send us an email.