Kudzu: the tree killer
I am alarmed at the growth of Kudzu here in Georgia. I used to only see them along rural highways a few years ago. These days, I see them a mile from where I live. And it’s scary. Kudzu is a wild vine that grows an alarming one foot per week. That totals 52 feet per year! Kudzu not only suffocates trees, plants, shrubs or anything on its path, it also swallows them whole!
The Kudzu vine first appeared at the Philadelphia Centennial Expo in 1876. It was originally intended to be a forage crop and an ornamental plant. From 1935 to the 50s, farmers were encouraged by the Department of Agriculture to cultivate Kudzu in order to reduce soil erosion in the southeastern US. With no known predators and perfect growing conditions, Kudzu proliferated the southeastern US and has now been discovered in Pennsylvania, Oregon, and even in Australia and Italy where it has also become a concern.
Although there are many uses for the Kudzu plant (including food, medicine, animal feed, soaps, lotions to name a few), its destructive properties outweigh its uses. Controlling its growth is tricky — one must destroy its root crown. Cutting off the vines is not effective. Weekly mowing is can be effective but must be done regularly for several years.
I personally fear that the Kudzu is going to invade more communities (both city and suburban) in the years ahead. I seriously hope a biological solution can be found very soon. Before all the trees, plants , and shrubs are killed by this nuisance.
Tags: KudzuRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Nuisances
1 opinion for Kudzu: the tree killer
Lynda Rose
Oct 15, 2008 at 11:10 am
I have been traveling thru the US this past summer and I could not believe what I saw. At first I did not know what the the name of the vine that that was growing everywhere I looked. It was covering trees, posts, signs etc. I believe, like you believe that something should be done as it is killing the trees and we need the trees for our environment. I spoke with the locals and no one knew if anything was being addressed to this problem. I live in Canada and we do not have the weather to grow Kudzu (which I am happy about) I am still concerned about its effect in the states. I believe more information about kudzu and its effect should be brought out to the public so that research or anything can get the ball rolling on rectifying this situation. If left alone it can and will cause major problems.
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: