Winter provides an opportunity to examine the landscape in its raw state. The bare trees allow light into what would be the dark shaded perimeter areas. Take a closer look at these wooded areas, trees, fence lines and transitional spaces.
Start by looking for vines both big and small climbing the trunks of trees, draping over plants or climbing fence lines. Our landscape contains a variety of climbing vines; Bittersweet, Porcelain Vine, Wild Roses, Grape vines, Mile A Minute, and Poison Ivy to name a few. Start by identifying the vine and examine the best way to remove the unwanted species. If the ground is frozen I recommend cutting the vine two or three feet above the base of the tree; remove the vines going up the trunk. After significant rain or during a winter thaw you can then go back and pull up large masses of the invasive vine root system. The two or three feet of vine you left at the base of the tree or shrub will provide leverage, making large portions of root to be easily removed. You can get a reaction from poison ivy vines and roots. Identification and protective clothing are recommended.