Natural Control of Trumpet Vine

Trumpet Vines

• Trumpet vines feature red or orange blooms in the shape of a trumpet, hence the name. They are a climbing shrub that can reach up to 30 feet in height and attract a wide array of wildlife including birds, butterflies and hummingbirds. If kept under control, trumpet vines make a stunning addition to any landscape. Trying to control or remove trumpet vines can be a difficult process that requires multiple applications before you have successfully dealt with this aggressive plant.

Physical Removal

• Physically removing the unwanted trumpet vines will help reduce the number of plants in the area. You can use it as a method on its own or in conjunction with other natural control methods. While wearing work gloves, grasp the vines and forcefully remove them from the soil. After you have removed all of the above-ground trumpet vines, begin digging the dirt around the remaining plant with a shovel. Dig up as much of the root system as possible. This will reduce the chance of the vines returning. Do not discard the plant on the ground. Instead, place them inside a garbage bag where their seeds cannot re-infest the ground.

Boiling Water

• Boiling water will scald the trumpet vines, killing them naturally with multiply applications. Furthermore, the boiling water will not leave traces of chemicals in the ground, which can affect other plants. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. After it begins to boil, use oven mitts to carefully remove the pot from the stove and pour it 3 feet from the trumpet vines' base. Repeat the process daily until the trumpet vines are no longer present.

Vinegar

• The acid found in vinegar will burn the trumpet vines naturally without using toxic and dangerous chemicals. When applying vinegar, wait until a warm day, and mist the vines -- as well as the blooms and leaves -- thoroughly with pure, undiluted white vinegar. The sun will beat down on the vinegar and increase the burning process. Reapply the vinegar every day until the trumpet vines wilt and die. Once the plant dies, physically remove it, and place in a garbage bag.