So how do I kill it in the tree. It is too high for me to reach. I tried
cutting it at the base, but that had no effect, unless I missed a stem
somewhere. How is it staying alive.

It looks like it is rooted in the tree.

I was going to have the tree cut down, but at the last minute I decided to
keep it. I wonder if that was a mistake.

"David Ross" wrote in message
...
GreenG wrote:

Hello,

I have a creeping fig vine that is a little out of control in my back
garden. It is choking a shade tree, robbing it of sunlight. The vine
is
very vigorous and the tree is having a hard time keeping up. It's a
real
job keeping it off the house and pavement as well.

I tried to kill it by cutting the vine near the base, but that had no
effect.

Is this vine parasitic, living off of its host? It seems well attached
to
the tree, so I don't think it will be easy to control or get rid of.
Any
suggestions?

I live in Northern Florida, USA.

I believe 'creeping fig' and 'strangler fig' are just two
different names for Ficus pumila. This is not a parasite.
However, as the plant matures, it can be quite destructive,
damaging walls and buildings and impairing the growth of even
vigorous trees. Even the roots are invasive.

If you want to keep it, cut it down to the ground every few
years. The immature new growth is far less problematical than
mature growth. Once a stem comes out that appears it will flower
(not conspicuous) and fruit (large), you are in trouble.

If you want to eliminate it, cut it down and then treat the new
growth with an herbicide (e.g., Roundup). Mix the herbicide
slightly less strong than indicated on the label to ensure it
translocates to the widespread roots before the top growth dies.
Otherwise, root suckers may become a problem. Repeated doses of
herbicide might still be required.

--

David E. Ross
http://www.rossde.com/

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