How to Kill Kudzu

Please note: The WHO considers glyphosate to be a probable human carcinogen. Its use is prohibited in some states and countries. Please check with your local laws and use caution if handling this chemical.

1. 1
   Choose the right herbicide for your needs. There are a variety of different herbicides on the market. Make sure you select one specifically designed to get rid of kudzu plants. You want something with the active ingredients glyphosate and triclopyr, as these chemicals are effective at killing kudzu. The following commercial products have been proven effective for the treatment of kudzu:

   • Bayer Advanced Brush Killer Plus Concentrate
   • Ortho Max Poison Ivy and Tough Brush Killer Concentrate
   • Roundup Concentrate Poison Ivy Plus Tough Brush Killer
   • Roundup Pro
   • Roundup Pro Concentrate
2. 2
   Use protective gear when applying herbicides. Herbicides can be dangerous to the bare skin. Make sure to wear protective gear, like safety goggles and protective gloves, before treating kudzu with herbicide.

   • You should also read the instruction manual on any herbicide you purchase. Some herbicides must be diluted in water before use. The instruction manual will also provide you with useful information on how to safely apply your chosen herbicide.
3. 3
   Apply herbicide in the spring and late summer. Spring is a great time to apply treatment because kudzu will be vulnerable from its winter dormancy. Treat the kudzu again in the late summer, and repeat the two treatments annually until the plant is dead.

   • Keep in mind that the plant won’t die from a single treatment.
4. 4
   Spot spray small outbreaks. You may have a small kudzu outbreak. A tiny amount of kudzu may be creeping up on a fence, for example. As you want to limit the use of herbicide as much as you can, do not aggressively treat small outbreaks. Instead, spot spray with a backpack sprayer. Spray towards the ground from which the kudzu spreads.

   • You can also use spot treatment as a follow up treatment after you've targeted large patches of kudzu.
5. 5
   Spray open patterns in a crosshatch pattern. In the event you have large patches of kudzu growing on the ground, you'll want to spray in a crosshatch pattern. A crosshatch pattern is marked by a series of intersecting parallel lines.

   • Spray roughly half the solution in one direction in straight lines. Then, spray and half the solution in the other direction in lines perpendicular to the first.
6. 6
   Do follow up treatments. Kudzu is rarely eradicated with a single treatment. In order to completely destroy kudzu, you need to do several treatments. There is no herbicide available that will successfully remove kudzu in a single treatment. For younger, smaller roots, a few rounds of treatment may be enough to eliminate kudzu. For larger, older plants, you may need to treat kudzu several times a year for a few years to eliminate the plant.
7. 7
   Do not use herbicides on kudzu invading trees or other plants. Kudzu often creeps up trees or individual plants. You should limit herbicide treatments to kudzu growing on level ground, or creeping up a manmade object like a fence. If you spray herbicide on a plant like a tree, the herbicide will end up harming this plant as well as the kudzu.
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1. 1
   Remove kudzu during the correct times of year. Regardless of the method you use, you want to make sure you remove kudzu at the right times of the year. Kudzu should be treated several times throughout the year.

   • In late spring or early summer, begin your kudzu treatment once the leaves have fully expanded.
   • New kudzu will usually emerge from the first kudzu plants. This should be treated again in later summer or early fall to prevent a reoccurrence.
2. 2
   Use herbicide conservatively. If you choose to use herbicide to treat kudzu, be careful. Only use herbicide in select areas and only apply the recommended amount. Read instruction manuals that come with your herbicides carefully, especially the safety instructions.

   • Keep away from animals and children. Chemicals in herbicide can be toxic if ingested or touched.
3. 3
   Make sure to use mild herbicides in residential or environmentally sensitive areas. If you're working in residential areas, make sure you choose mild herbicides. You also want to make sure use of herbicides is permitted in any area you choose to spray. You can contact your local Department of Natural Resources for more information.
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