How to Remove Japanese Hops
These recommendations are primarily for homeowners and communities that would like to start working in their neighborhood greenspace. For each species we recommend herbicide-free control methods, but have added an herbicide option for some species for those who are comfortable using them. These methods were selected while keeping in mind limiting soil disturbance, reducing herbicide use, and avoiding harm to other species that may be present whether they be other plants/animals. Manual removal is possible for all of them if you have the time. If the infestation is overwhelmingly severe or these tips aren’t proving effective, we suggest you consider qualified professional services.
Japanese Hops
Humulus japonicus – North Carolina EPPC watch list
Since this plant is an annual, it is very easy to uproot. Although easy to remove individual plants, follow-ups are necessary because water will wash in new seeds, and the seed bank in the soil is likely full of the species.
Japanese Hops.
Uproot Ground Vines
The most effective way to remove this invasive vine growing in the ground layer is to hand-pull and uproot an area. This plant is an annual, and therefore has very shallow roots, making it very easy to hand-pull. Although this can be time consuming, you will have the least amount of regrowth and damage to native plants. When uprooting plants, be sure to tug at one vine at a time to limit the amount of soil disturbance. After removing a segment shake the excess dirt off the roots and toss into a pile to dry out so it cannot regrow.
Be sure to wear long sleeves and gloves, as this plant is prickly.
Locate where the plant is rooted. Hold the plant near the base and pull.
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“Category” refers to description of invasiveness based on information from the Georgia and North Carolina Exotic Pest Plant Council (EPPC) and do not necessarily reflect the severity of invasions in Atlanta specifically. View our Resource “Atlanta’s Top Invasive Plants (A to Z) Expanded List” for more information.
A great opportunity to learn is volunteering with us at a Forest Restoration project. Please view our Calendar of upcoming service projects or consider enrolling in our annual Forest Stewardship training program. For other species removal, also read: How to Remove Our Top 10 Invasive Plants.
If you have any questions about this guide please email restoration@treesatlanta.org.
