Neighbor’s vines creeping into your yard can be very frustrating. Most times, the vines are not something you want in your yard. Worse if the neighbor doesn’t take care or trim his fence.
You wonder why you should be the one trimming and cleaning, and the vines don’t even belong to you.
Dead leaves that fall on your yard from the overhang vines will make your compound look dirty. The vines may cause damage to your fence, gutters, or roof if they are tall enough. Who should be responsible for the cost of repairs?
There are enough reasons to want to keep your neighbor’s vines from your yard.
Your biggest worry is whether there are legal repercussions from getting rid of the vines. There are no legal repercussions, but that doesn’t mean you should destroy your neighbor’s vines.
How Do I Stop My Neighbors’ Vines From Growing on the Fence?
One of the ways you can stop your neighbor’s vines from growing on the fence is by talking to your neighbor. Invite them for a cup of coffee and politely request them to trim the vines, so they don’t overhang on your fence.
Maintaining positive relationships with your neighbors is admirable, but don’t forget to keep your property in good repair. If your neighbor refuses to comply with your request, there are other options for controlling the vines.
Physical approaches are available, as well as chemical methods. It’s important to remember that no process should entirely damage the vines unless you have your neighbors permission.
How to Get Rid of Vines on a Fence?
There are various methods for removing vines from a fence, and we’ll go over a few of them.
Physical Removal
You can start by cutting the vines on your fence or the ones that have touched your house. You can use the TABOR TOOLS GG12A Anvil Lopper.
Remove the vine roots that are underground by digging or pulling. The best time to do this is when the soil is moist. Remember to wear protective gloves.
Using this method requires some stamina and strength. You can hire someone to do it, but it’s not a one-time job. Physically removing weeds will have to be done often.
Use of Herbicides
Another way you can get rid of vines growing on your fence is by using herbicides. You have to be extremely careful with herbicides because some will kill any plant you spray on. If you had not agreed with your neighbor, this might cause you problems.
Spraying on the foliage only without spraying on the roots will kill the vines. However, don’t overspray to prevent the herbicide from getting to the other plants.
Once you spray on the leaves, the chemicals travel to the roots killing the vine. That’s why using a herbicide without your neighbor’s permission is not recommended.
How do you stop neighbor’s vines from spreading further?
If you have not managed to convince your neighbor to get rid of the vine completely, here is what you can do :
- Change your fence; Some fences make it easier for the vines to spread to your yard. A chain-link wall has holes that allow the vines to cross over faster.
A panel or a custom-built fence will go a long way in stopping your neighbor’s vines from spreading further into your yard.
Will vinegar kill vines?
If you want a non-toxic alternative to herbicides, vinegar is one. It is also a cheaper method considering you probably have some in your home for domestic use.
The acid in the vinegar will dry up moisture in the vines, eventually killing them. Mix 20% of vinegar and 80% water in a spray bottle.
The spray bottle should have a nozzle set to stream, not wide spray. Spray on the vine leaves and wait for a few days. Collect the dead vines and dispose of them. Keep on repeating this procedure until all the vines are gone.
Spraying the vinegar mixture onto the other plants will kill them. You need to be cautious when spraying and aim at the vines only. We recommend this vinegar from Amazon Calyptus 45% Pure Super Concentrated Vinegar.
Will bleach kill vines?
Bleach is another non-toxic substance that you can use to kill the vines. Bleach contains chlorine which in high quantities kills the vines.
Put some household bleach and liquid detergent in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray the mixture on the weeds while avoiding the other plants and flowers.
After three days, if the mixture is not too diluted, start pulling out the dead weeds. If you had diluted the mixture too much, you might need to respray your vines.
Bleach lowers the soil’s pH level, preventing anything from growing on it. It kills anything that you spray. That’s why you should avoid other plants. Avoid spraying on the soil if you plan to replant.
However, if you accidentally spray and need to replant, add fertilizer and manure to the soil. Manure and fertilizer will help neutralize the soil pH level. Our recommended bleach is Clorox Liquid Bleach.
What kills vines permanently?
Herbicides will kill vines completely. However, before using it, request your neighbor to allow you to use it. They may not want the whole plant dead, and killing it may create frosty relations.
When your neighbor agrees that you can kill the vine permanently, use the following herbicides:
- Glyphosate: This is a powerful chemical and can kill all plants, so you must be cautious when using it. For glyphosate to work, it needs to be absorbed into the plant’s tissues and roots.
It may take two to four days for absorption to occur, so you need to be a bit patient. Vine-killing herbicides take time to absorb the plants and break down the soil.
Pour enough to kill the vines only. Too much glyphosate may be absorbed fully into the soil preventing new plant growth. One of the best herbicides with glyphosate is Compare-N-Save 75324 Herbicide, 1-gallon, white.
- Triclopyr: Triclopyr is another herbicide that can permanently kill vines. It is best applied when the vines have started growing. Cut off the vines as much as possible, then spray on the remaining foliage.
It is a bit friendly because it will only kill vines and bushes without harming the other plants. You can find Triclopyr 4 EC Compare on Amazon.
- Combine physical and herbicides: You may come across some stubborn and too wild vines. One method may not work; therefore, apply the two. These two methods will work well for underground vines and vines you want to prevent regrowth.
You need to cut off the vines until you can no longer see them. Apply a herbicide absorbed by the soil to reach the underground vines. You may need to till the ground to dig out the dead vines.
Some homemade substances you can use to kill vine completely are vinegar and bleach. We have just discussed how they work in the previous section.
How do I stop vines from growing on my fence?
There are other ways you can stop vines from growing on your fence.
1. Use Tarps or Plastic
This method prevents sunlight from getting to the vines. Plants need sunlight to grow. Use an opaque heavy black tarp or plastic. Cover the vines on the fence by hanging them on both sides of the fence. The vines will dry up, and you can pull the remaining parts or apply a herbicide.
2. Advise your neighbor
If you realize your neighbor is approachable but insists on having a garden in his yard, be proactive. You can talk to him to not grow anything near the fence or grow shrubs that grow slowly and in a controlled manner. He can also plant vines that don’t spread.
3. Use boiling water
Before using this method, you must ensure kids and pets are not around. It can be hazardous. Ensure also there are no animals like moles that are living underground. Boil water and slowly pour onto the main stem or roots. The vines will stop growing and die.
4. Edging
Edging is another method you can use to prevent vines from growing on your fence without having to pull the weeds by hand. You can dig a simple trench to prevent weeds from encroaching on your fence.
Burying a wood board or stone wall at least six inches deep will provide you with a weed-free barrier. Vinyl barriers can also be used for edging but will need to be buried six inches down to prevent weed growth from underground.
Conclusion
There are so many ways of keeping neighbor’s vines out of your yard, as you have read. However, apply the method that will not get you into trouble with your neighbor.
You can physically remove the vines or use herbicides. Herbicides are faster to react and, in most instances, will be permanent. If you want non-toxic solutions, you can use bleach or vinegar.
If you have a chain-link fence, consider changing to a panel or custom-built one. You can then trim the vines that overhang to your side of the fence.