A common plant found in the forested areas of Western Pennsylvania is the wild grapevine. These grapevines can be beneficial in the forest environment, but they can also cause a severe loss of timber value and reduce the beauty of a woodlot if they grow out of control.

BenefitsThe positive contribution of grapevines is the food and cover they provide wildlife.The fruit is valuable 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 woodlot is being managed for multiple benefits, including wildlife, then grapevines will help.DamageAs grapevines develop in a woodlot, they tend to overtop even vigorous trees.When this occurs, the large grape leaves shade the tree leaves. 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 woodlands in Western Pennsylvania have been ruined as timber-producing acres because vines have taken over.Control MeasuresIn most cases, where a large percentage of woodlot has not become dominated by vines, it is highly advisable to control the vines that are present to prevent future problems.The work is simple but tedious. All vines must be cut wherever they climb into a tree. The job must be thorough to be effective.The 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 the treetops is light, the use of a chemical brush killer on cut vine stumps is recommended.Grapevines are intolerant and will die without sunlight. Where the tree cover is sparse, the grapevines will sprout and grow vigorously.Planning is keyWhen landowners decide to control grapevines in woodlands, 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 cut.By understanding the values and hazards of grapevines in the woodlands and following a well-planned control program, a landowner can enjoy a pleasant woodland setting, maintain an important wildlife habitat and have a timber-producing woodlot.Ron Fodor is manager of the Butler County Conservation District.