By Ted Farnworth
Picked DSV in early June 2017
Most years we spend a lot of time battling Dog Strangling Vine (DSV) at the FWG. Over the years, we have developed many techniques. The most labour intensive method is “just pulling the plant.” This very low tech activity is ideal for many people because it can be done at any time during the growing season, it can be done by an individual or a group, and depending on how long you pick the DSV, you can quickly see the results of your labour.
For other people the idea of picking individual DSV seems to be a make work project given to volunteers when there is nothing better to do. When you start pulling DSV and look around and see so much of it growing, it can be very discouraging. Surely, clearing a patch of the garden of DSV can’t be effective.
But what we are finding is that sometimes nature just needs a little help. Some plants can compete with DSV if they are given a chance. Wild raspberry is one plant that seems to be able to grow quickly enough to take over ground that has been cleared of DSV.
Wild raspberry plants growing in same location as cleared DSV in June 2017
We obviously don’t want to have the FWG overrun by wild raspberry. However, by giving native plants a little help, we may be able to find effective ways to control and even eliminate our most challenging invasive species – DSV.
I understood that pulling this plant in effect just stimulated it to produce multiple shoots where every one had existed. I have been told to cut it at ground level or to dig out the entire root.
What have you found after simply pulling? Does it not just grow back with avengance?
Getting as much of the root as possible is for sure best method. Early in the year when the soil is moist, pulling quite often gets enough of the root to end the plant’s growth. As the season progresses, getting most of the root becomes more of a challenge. In this situation we are happy just to get enough of the stalk picked to prevent seeds from setting. The root may be still in place, but a season’s seeds have been prevented.
I have had success with weekly pulling of all new growth. It takes commitment and several years, but will eventually exhaust the rootstock. You will see it come back less vigorously and farther between pulling a, but don’t let it recharge the root system with new growth for too long Keep pulling! =)
Hello! We aee joining you with 100 acres in Norwood in which DSV has reached every corner. If i cut off plants just below the soil level will these plants come up and flower this season?
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