Q.Cocculus carolinus
I have this vine in my flowerbeds and have been trying to get rid of it for a few years…I am not physically able to dig all of the vine out of the flower beds… I have tried cutting the plant stems and painting with herbicide ( Remedy Ultra) and even that doesn’t seem to work… do you think boiling water would work?
Try to find a herbicide preparation which contains a high concentration of triclopyr. Ortho Max Poison Ivy and Brush Killer is a good choice, it has 8% triclopyr. You should be able to find it.
When you get the herbicide also get a disposable foam brush or two. Then go to the bases of the vines a few inches from the ground and cut the vine. Immediately paint the remaining cut end of the vine with the herbicide. Also paint the stem to the ground. There is no need to pour herbicide on the ground. If done as soon as you cut the vine, it is rapidly absorbed into the circulation of the vine stub and will be sent to all of the roots connected to that vine. If you wait 15-20 minutes after cutting the vine before painting it, there may be some congealing of sap and there will be a reduced rate of herbicide absorption.
Those vine roots not attached to the treated ones may send up new sprouts so you will need to retreat the new ones. Stay after it and you will be successful. This is the best approach to the treatment of any vine and many shrubs. There is nothing you as a homeowner can buy that is more effective.
