**Cut Invasive Vines to Save Trees

Cut Invasive Vines to Save Trees

Montgomery County has long had a problem with invasive vines killing trees. Invasive vines crawl up a tree, taking over the tree's resources and eventually strangling branches until the tree is dead.

As a property owner, or renter with permission from your landlord, you can fairly easily cut vines on trees on your private property. The vine should be cut at the base of the tree and then again at shoulder height, to prevent it from regenerating. Be careful not to cut the tree or its bark. There is no need to pull the vine down. Once the vine is cut, it will dry up and eventually fall off the tree. Pulling a vine is a safety hazard and can bring down tree branches. It is important that residents use gloves, as some vines like poison ivy, can cause rashes if touched. Additionally, properly dispose of the cut portion of the vine in the trash as it may regenerate if left on the ground.

Learn more and watch a video on how to cut vines on MCDOT's webpage.

If you see vines on trees within the County's right-of-way, please call MC311 by dialing 311 (or 240-777-0311) and MCDOT will send an arborist to cut them.