How to Get Rid of Trumpet Vines

Blooming trumpet vines are beautiful, and they are fast-growing foliage that seems to magically spread to incredible heights overnight. They are ideal for embellishing the branches of dead trees, telephone poles or sturdy trellises, but these eye-catching trailing plants can become an overbearing nuisance to some. Spent blooms end up all over driveways, sidewalks and lawns, and new shoots pop up everywhere, especially in areas where they are not wanted. If trumpet vines are out of control, consider the following ways to get rid of them. Since trumpet vines spread in three ways it will not be easy, but in time it is possible to get rid of trumpet vines once and for all.

Cut it Down at the Base

When trying to get rid of trumpet vines do not use chemical herbicides. First of all, chemical products will kill any foliage it touches. Secondly, chemical herbicides alone do not work well to get rid of trumpet vines. Begin by cutting it down at the base, and dispose of the foliage as allowed. Next, be sure to pick up any blooms and dead heads left on the ground. This will help prevent the plant from reseeding. However, this will not prevent the root base from growing or the roots underground from developing new shoots. This is only the first step when trying to get rid of trumpet vines.

Dig it Up at the Roots

As previously mentioned, chemical herbicides will not work to get rid of trumpet vines. For best results, dig up the mother plant at the base, and make sure to get as many of the roots as possible. This will not be an easy task if the plant is old and well-established. The root system will be deeper and stronger, but a pointed shovel and muscle power will help get rid of trumpet vines at the source. Once removed, pour a gallon of cheap white vinegar into the hole. The application of vinegar is a natural method to get rid of trumpet vines, weeds, or any other unwanted foliage, and it will help kill any live roots left behind. Best of all, unlike chemical herbicides, vinegar will not harm the environment.

Dig Up New Shoots

After removing the main plant when trying to get rid of trumpet vines, do not be surprised if new shoots emerge from the ground. Trumpet vines have extensive underground root systems, and this is what makes them invasive and undesirable to many. Also, fallen seeds will continue to implant themselves beneath the soil and grow into new plants. As new shoots emerge, dig them up with a narrow spade or a weeding tool.

Cover the Ground to Prevent Newly Emerging Shoots

To get rid of trumpet vines as quickly and as effectively as possible, remove all existing grass or foliage from the area, and cover the ground with weed-proof landscaping cloth. If the emerging trumpet vines cannot find light they will not be able to grow. Cover the cloth with lava rock or other decorative stone. Embellish the area with containers of flowers and/or a beautiful fountain, cement yard décor, or a large bird bath. It can take years to get rid of trumpet vines, but this is by far the best way to get rid of them quickly and prevent them from ever coming back.