A common plant found in the forested areas of Western Pennsylvania is the wild grapevine.

These grapevines can be beneficial in the forest environment. They can also cause a severe loss of timber value and reduce the beauty of a woodland scene if they grow out of control.

The positive contribution of grapevines is to the food and cover available to woodland wildlife.The fruit is a valuable food to many birds and small animals. Deer seem to find the tender shoots of new growth to be palatable and nutritious.Vine tangles provide escape cover especially during the summer.When a wood lot is being managed for multiple benefits, including wildlife, then grapevines will contribute to the satisfaction of wildlife needs.

As grapevines develop in a wood lot, they tend to overtop even vigorous trees.When this occurs, the large grape leaves shady the leaves of the trees.This prevents trees from making enough food to sustain healthy growth.Trees will gradually lose vigor and eventually die under these circumstances.Many acres of woodland in Western Pennsylvania have been ruined as timber-producing acres because grapevines have taken over.

In most cases, where a large percentage of wood lot has not been completely dominated by vines, it is highly advisable to control the vines that are present and prevent great loss of timber value.The work is simple but tedius. All vines must be cut wherever they climb into a tree. The job must be done thoroughly to be effective.The vine cutting can be done along with a light thinning of the trees. However, timber sales or heavy thinning should not be done for at least five years after the vines have been cut.In areas where the shade from treetops is light, the use of a chemical brush killer on cut vine stumps is recommended.Grapevines are intolerant and will die if there is adequate shade. Where the tree cover is sparse, the grapevines will sprout and grow vigorously, resulting in ineffective control.

When landowners decide to control grapevines in woodland areas, they need to consider the above factors.Designated tangles in limited areas should be maintained to enhance wildlife habitat.The edges of these tangles should be patrolled every few years, and spreading vines should be cut.By understanding the values and hazards of grapevines in woodland areas and following a well-planned control program, a landowner can enjoy a pleasant woodland setting, maintain an important wildlife habitat factor and have a timber-producing woodland area.

The Butler Country Conservation District's annual tree seedling sale is now under way. It is time to order seedlings for spring planting.Phone 724-284-5270 for an order form or watch for the advertisement in the Butler Eagle.Ron Fodor is district manager of the Butler County Conservation District.