Grand River Conservation Authority officials say farmers who have planted shelterbelts and windbreaks should be on the lookout for vines growing up their trees.
Wild cucumber and grape vines have the potential to reduce the effectiveness of the plantings, says Mark Funk, a forestry specialist with the GRCA.
He explained that if the vines get too large, they can smother the needles and leaves of the trees, causing them to die.
Then, in late fall, when the vines lose their leaves, the stripped trees may not do their intended job of blocking the wind during the winter.
The easiest way to deal with the vines, Funk said, is to take out a two- to four-foot section of the vine near the base before it goes to seed at this time of year.
Farmers could apply a herbicide to the vine’s stump but should take care that they don’t damage the trees as well, said Funk.
He pointed out that both plants are native species and are found in many natural areas. He said he has heard from some farmers that the vines may be more common this year, perhaps because of the higher rainfall in the spring and early summer.
Funk works with community organizations, such as Trees for Mapleton and Trees for Woolwich, to encourage farmers to plant trees on under-used land, or in windbreaks and shelter belts.
These plantings can help reduce soil erosion and heat loss from farm buildings and homes during the winter.
For more information on GRCA tree programs, contact Mark Funk, forestry specialist, at 519-621-2763, ext. 2259 or at mfunk@grandriver.ca.
