Kudzu – Control tips

I must confess that my grandfather, Walter Cowart, was a hearty promoter of kudzu in its heyday. But where this noxious vine is concerned, I decline to honor my elders. If kudzu had been around during the Civil War, Atlantans could have planted it on the approach routes to the city and handily tripped up Mr. Sherman and his troops.

Fall is a great time to spray herbicide on kudzu. The leaves are much more apt to take the chemical deep into the vine’s root system.

Triclopyr (click for sources) and glyphosate (click for sources) are very effective on kudzu and other vines like honeysuckle and wild blackberry.

February is another good time to chop down all kudzu vines on your property so you can gain access to every part of its range in May. Spray the leaves when they are the size of your hand, then respray the resprouts in September.

How to Grow Kudzu

Kudzu recipes

The Amazing Story of Kudzu Documentary

Origin of kudzu and privet in the U.S.

Photos of kudzu covered houses

Using kudzu to produce energy

Growing kudzu as a farm crop – USDA 1923

Using kudzu in the landscape!

Kudzu leaf

Kudzu flower

“Move to Campbell County and grow kudzu for hay!” Walter Cowart, my grandfather