Virginia Creeper climbing a pine tree

Question

Is it a parasite, sucking the sap and killing the pine tree, or is using the tree only for support,

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Answer 1

Virginia creeper does not dig into tree bark so it does not directly harm the plant. If it is allowed to grow unchecked, there are 2 potential problems. The leaves may block sunlight to parts of the tree which may cause shaded needles to decline; and a large creeper vine can girdle the trunk but this is not common. Cutting the vine every few years will keep the size manageable and safe.