A common plant found in the woods of the region 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 woodlot if they grow out of control.

The positive contributions of grapevines are the food and cover they provide for 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 for small animals, especially during the summer. When a woodlot is being managed for multiple benefits, including wildlife, then grapevines will contribute to the satisfaction of wildlife needs.

As grapevines develop in a woodlot, they tend to overtop even vigorous trees.When this occurs, the large grape leaves shade 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 timber in Western Pennsylvania have been ruined because grapevines have taken over.

In most cases where a large percentage of woodlot has not been completely dominated by vines, it is highly advisable to control the vines that are present to prevent timber damage.The work is simple, but tedious. All vines must be cut wherever they climb into a tree and 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 the 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 vines will sprout and grow vigorously.

When landowners decide to control grapevines in woodlots, 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 wooded setting, maintain an important wildlife habitat factor and have a timber producing area.Annual tree seedling sale under wayThe Butler County Conservation District’s annual tree seedling sale is now under way. It is time to order for spring planting. Phone 724-284-5270 for an order form or watch for the advertisements in the Butler Eagle.Ron Fodor is district manager of the Butler County Conservation District.<B><I> </B></I>