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Pachysandra questions...
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Posted by standbyq13 6 (My Page) on Fri, May 12, 06 at 0:33
I have alot of pachysandra growing on slopes from my yard down to a slightly lower driveway. It has also grown up the trunk of a very large tree planted between my house and driveway. It is literally covering the trunk of the tree from ground to at least 8' off the ground. My husband thinks that this is bad for the tree. I told him I didn't think so...
It is beginning to grow up the trunks of my redbud and dogwood (both of which are very old.) Before it really covers these trees I want to know if it is harmful to the trees. Also, what is the best way to keep it from growing up the tree trunks?
On the largest slope I have a problem with a vine growing up through the pachysandra. When we first bought the house and I say this I thought it was poison oak, but have since been told that it is called Virginia Creeper. For the past two summers I have gone into the patch and tried to pull all of this vine out, but it's back even stronger this spring! I want it out of my pachysandra! Can anyone tell me how to get rid of it?
Also, I have another slope that I considered moving the Virginia Creeper too, but I am scared that it will be too hard to control. Have anyone used this as a slope control and had success? The slope is behind my house and I DO NOT want it climbing up the back of the house! |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Pachysandra questions...
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| Well that's a new one! I have never encountered pachysandra with a propensity to climb. In fact, I'd have to question how it manages to do so, as it has no vining tendrils or holdfasts with which to adhere to vertical surfaces. It is generally listed as a low growing (to 1') evergreen groundcover, perhaps a bit aggressive in its spreading habits. Are you sure that's what you have? It can pose a problem growing up trees (if that is indeed the case - obviously something is). Since it is evergreen and rather dense, it can hold moisture against the trunk, promoting rots. Lack of air circulation around the trunk is not good, either. If it is pachy, it should be very easy to remove - just pull it off. Keep it sheared back a reasonable distance from the trunk - a foot or so all the way around. Depending on where you live, Virginia creeper may be a plant to avoid for invasiveness reasons. As it is a true vine, it will want to grow upwards and will do so on any vertical surface it encounters, including the side of your house if it is in its way. |
RE: Pachysandra questions...
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| When we first moved in my mother told me that it was vinca, however it has never flowered (we've been here 2 years this weekend) so I went looking, trying to identify it. It matches the picture of pachysandra. It does seem to be a vine though... The pachysandra does not grow up the house like the creeper, just up the trees. I could try to pull it off, but the vines or branches are pretty large, and I couldn't reach but 1/3 withoug buying a larger ladder than we own. Do you have any other ideas about what it is if it's not pachysandra? |
RE: Pachysandra questions...
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I don't think it is Pachysandra. I have it around several trees and it just creeps along the ground even though it has the oppertunity to go up the trunk.
A way to identify - The roots or runners should be thick soft and milky white. Very pliable with smaller hair-like feeder roots growing out. |
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