Q&A for How to Kill Kudzu

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  • Question
    Does bleach kill kudzu?
    Lauren Kurtz
    Professional Gardener
    Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.
    Professional Gardener
    Expert Answer
    Bleach kills kudzu, but you shouldn't use it as a method of weed control. Because chemicals like bleach aren't designed to be dumped into the environment, they can cause environmental harm. If you want to go with a chemical method for weed control, stick to using herbicides.
  • Question
    Can you cover kudzu with a trap and effectively smother it?
    Lauren Kurtz
    Professional Gardener
    Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.
    Professional Gardener
    Expert Answer
    This may not work very well. Since kudzu is a vine, it can grow underneath the trap to reach the sun. That being said, this method might be effective with small infestations. Try mowing down the kudzu first and then covering it.
  • Question
    Someone suggested that spraying salt water on kudzu will kill it. Is this true? If so, what would be the salt to water ratio?
    Community Answer
    Salt water might work, but it will render the soil that’s treated useless for years to come I believe.
  • Question
    Is it effective to cut kudzu vines and apply the herbicide directly to kill the root?
    Community Answer
    This method is unlikely to kill the root. The best way is to cut the vines to the ground and place a black plastic sheet over the infested area. This will bake the roots and any seeds in the soil by trapping heat from the sun while blocking light for anything that sprouts up. Remove the fabric after a season and plant whatever you want.
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