How do I get kudzu to start growing up the hill next to my house?

Question

I just moved into a house with a ugly dirt hill going straight up on the side of it. I worry about erosion with large trees near the edge (don't need a caved in roof) and a ugly yard. With alot of kudzu growing wild around here, thought I could get some started to cover the ugliness and help the erosion. Do I just cut some of it off and stick it in the ground, or do I need to dig it up at the root? Do I start it at the bottom of the hill or at the top?

Answer 1

Please take this and Pobept's advice,,,DON'T

Not only will it take over the hill, but everything else, if unchecked. besides that it emits a really offensive smell.

I live in central FL, and pull out all the Kudzu I see, as well as asparagus fern etc.

There are so many other vine type plants you might actually plant, but I almost promise they will become as out of control,,,IE: "Potato Vine"

By the way,,KUDZU will never gain a strong enough ROOT system to help much with erosion. It's roots may be as strong as the weed is prolific, but they are basically FINE, grow close to the surface, and spread to great distances.

Without knowing the height of the hill, its grade, closeness to your house, your location, your weather, I'd still suggest some other ground cover. There are many conifers,(evergreens). I like some varieties of Juniper, that creep, spread, and cover ugly. Their root systems will eventually be far more substantial, they won't take over the world you live in, and they don't look so bad once established. They may not grow or spread as rapidly as weeds, and it may take multiple plantings, depending on budget, to achieve an effect that pleases you, but in the long run, you won't be contributing to an increase in noxious, usually unwanted, plant life.

Rev. Steven

Answer 2

you are a brave soul.

the kudzu really will help erosion - but If you live south enough that there isn't a hard freeze in winter, it will eat (cover) anything that doesn't move rapidly. Older cats and dogs are at risk. ; )

Just cut off a few pieces, stick them in the ground. a little water.
personally, if i had the guts to do this. i would put in a piece 8 to 12 inches long, every 15 inches or so, up and down the hill, across Right and left. I THINK starting at the top makes more sense, but i am really not sure about that. reading about erosion control might give you info on that.

Kudzu was brought to the US from Japan for erosion control, but it has no natural enemies. Only a hard freeze.

After your erosion is controlled, and the kudzu keeps growing, you might like to know that kudzu can be woven into baskets. Some parts of it are even edible.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erosion_control
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kudzu

Answer 3

I promise you this.. if you plant kudzu, you will be cursing yourself for doing so!! Kudzu is an invasive weed. It takes over when it is planted and it is very hard to get rid of once you have it!

Try planting another groundcover that isn't so aggressive. Maybe something like Vinca or Ivy or even a grass, but not kudzu!! It will not only cover the slope, but it will cover the trees, cover your roof, cover your yard, if you stand there long enough it will cover you too!!!

Check these out:
http://www.alabamatv.org/kudzu/
http://www.yahoolavista.com/kudzu/
http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/plants/kudzu.shtml

Answer 4

I would advise not to use Kudzu. Usually if you see ANYTHING growing in an area in abundance...there is a reason. Here in NC it has taken over everything!!! And most people consider it a noxious weed, once you get it growing it will keep growing and is HARD to get rid of! I have a problem similar to yours and I am going with creeping Juniper. If your spot is sunny try that, Morning Glories, Moon Flowers, or Clematis. If the spot is shady try English Ivy.

Answer 5

First check with the agriculture office in your area. Kudzu grows like crazy and may be considered a nuisance in your area. Whatever you plant, get a plant with roots. I'd plant a few of them all over the hill, not just the bottom. Clover is nice too. :)

Answer 6

Just toss some pieces there. Should take root--kudzu is NOT HARD to grow! It might help to get a piece of root, but you won't get a whole one--kudzu can have giant tubers the size of a small car.

Answer 7

There are other groundcovers that are better than kudzu. Go to your local nursery or look online for nurseries that sell groundcover. Kudzu needs to be discouraged.

Answer 8

Planting kudzu will get you busted in Illinios, Kentucky, Florida, and Tennessee, and possibly other states as well.

Answer 9

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Answer 10

kudzu is a bad choice