Trees are wonderful when they are in full bloom. They can also look attractive with flowering vines growing through them throughout the summer. It is important though that the vine is compatible with the tree and that it does not choke the tree.
Some perennial vines will coexist wonderfully with a tree. These are vines that grow in the understory of the tree canopy and clamber up the trunk. At some stage though the leafy canopy of the tree in summer will restrict sunlight and thus provide a natural limit to where the vine can grow.
Unfortunately not all vines are this restrained and they can gallop up the trunk into the canopy of the tree where they compromise the growth of new limbs and ultimately weaken the tree and/or snap branches.
One very famous vine in the south is Kudzu (Puerara Montana var. lobata). This amazing vine smothers trees with its fast growing tendrils and forms a mat of leaf cover over the tree, effectively suffocating it. The good news is that Kudzu is limited by winter temperatures and will only grow in zone 6 and warmer but it can currently be found as far north as southern Indiana and in areas of Pennsylvania. Clearly this is a major problem and is an extreme example, but many other vines can do similar damage over time. Poison Ivy (Rhus taxidendron) is far more common and widespread than kudzu and although it does not grow as rampantly as kudzu, it is not a good plant to grow on trees. If you find poison ivy on a tree it will take several forms. The traditionally recognized three-leaf form changes to a larger green leaf as it gains height. Sever the roots of the vine and use a herbicide on the part in the ground. Remove a section of vine that is at least 2 feet long. Other major nuisance vines include Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) which is counted as an invasive in many eastern states, and Wisteria (Wisteria senensis), both of which can withstand cold winters and come back to riddle the trees with renewed growth, each spring.
Common Ivy (Hedera helix) can also grow up trees but is rarely a problem. Many old trees have ivy-covered trunks, which look attractive. Just as the vine can go up though, ivy will also travel happily along the ground where it can be more of a problem, so make sure that you keep an eye on it. Another terrific vine to grow on a tree is the vine version of hydrangea (Schizophragma hydrangeoides) which will grow from zone 5 though 8. This pretty vine displays bright white flowers each spring and early summer, as well as a light green leaf.
There are also many annual vines that are fast enough to grow up a small tree without hurting it. Things such as nasturtiums and morning glories both grow fast when the warm weather starts and will make an unusual statement in your garden each summer.
So while growing some perennial vines in trees can be detrimental to the tree’s health, there are many other options in the vine world that will look great on a tree, so give one a try and see how it works for you.
