The Vine That’s Taking Over Martinsville
07/02/2025
By Myiah Terry, Community Affairs Analyst
Have you ever wondered what that vine is, the one creeping up buildings, spilling across empty lots, and weaving through fences all around Martinsville? You’ve seen it. Thick, leafy, and spreading quickly, it covers brick walls, overtakes neglected corners, and shows up even in well-used spaces. It doesn't care if a building is in use or if the land is freshly mowed. Kudzu will grow wherever it can grab hold. Once introduced as a solution for erosion control, kudzu has become one of the most invasive plants in the South. And here in Martinsville, it’s turning both vacant and active spaces into overgrown, tangled terrain.
How Kudzu Got Here and Why It's a Problem
Kudzu, originally a type of foliage found in Japan and China, was brought to the southeastern United States in the early 1900s as a solution to erosion. It was thought that its vine-like nature and deep roots would help keep soil from washing away during the major storms common in this part of the country. But it has created a whole new issue in Martinsville and many other states. It is taking over our city, killing trees and forests, damaging buildings, and displacing native animals. It often outcompetes our native plants, as invasive species are extremely adaptable and grow at a rate that local vegetation cannot match. Over time, it can cause buildings to weaken, forests to die off, and native species to disappear.
Getting Rid of Kudzu Takes Time
This vine is easy to come and hard to go. Kudzu eradication requires trimming, the use of herbicides, and a lot of patience. It is not a one-time fix. It takes repeated effort over months or even years to see lasting results. In quite a few cases, people have turned to livestock as a way to manage kudzu naturally, without relying as heavily on chemicals or equipment. Landowners will bring in cattle or goats on a rotation, allowing them to graze on the kudzu as it grows. This method is especially helpful because goats, in particular, are able to eat down to the roots of the plant, which slows regrowth significantly. However, even with this more sustainable approach, kudzu is incredibly persistent. It can take years of consistent attention and management to completely eradicate it from any one property. Whether you are using herbicide, livestock, or a mower, the key is staying on top of it. Once kudzu takes hold, it will not leave on its own.
So here’s what we ask:
- If you see kudzu crawling up your house or building, tear it down.
- If it’s in your bushes or on your fences, cut it away.
- If it’s growing on your land, mow it regularly.
With persistence and community effort, we can take Martinsville back — one vine at a time — from the plant once dubbed “the vine that ate the South.”
Sources
U.S. Department of Agriculture – A Faster Way to Get Rid of Kudzu
https://www.ars.usda.gov/news-events/news/research-news/2016/a-faster-way-to-get-rid-of-kudzu/ ;
The Nature Conservancy – Kudzu: Invasive Species in Indiana
https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/united-states/indiana/stories-in-indiana/kudzu-invasive-species/ ;
Columbia University – Kudzu Harms Air, Not Just Ecosystems
https://news.climate.columbia.edu/2010/05/18/kudzu-harms-air-not-just-ecosystems-says-study/ ;
StyleBlueprint – Surprising Kudzu Facts (cover photo source)
https://styleblueprint.com/everyday/surprising-kudzu-facts