The Worst Weeds That Grow on Fences and How to Get Rid of Them

Fences make convenient trellises for climbing vines and plants. Unfortunately, this includes undesirable weeds that can quickly get out of control. Certain nuisance weeds are notorious for invading fence lines and smothering everything in their path.

In this guide we’ll look at the worst fence weeds how they spread, and proven solutions to eradicate them for good. With a proactive approach, you can keep your fences weed-free and looking their best.

Why Do Weeds Grow on Fences?

Weeds thrive along fence lines for a few key reasons

• Sunlight – Fences allow weeds to climb up into the sun above other plants to get the light they crave.

• Support – Chainlink, wire, wood, and other fencing provide sturdy structures for weeds to climb vertically.

• Seed dispersal – Birds perching on fences spread weed seeds found in their droppings. Wind also easily blows seed onto fences.

• Lack of maintenance – Neglected fences give weeds the foothold they need to establish without disruption.

• Disturbed soil – Construction often exposes soil along fences, creating prime conditions for weeds.

To reduce weeds, minimize bare soil, maintain fence lines, and quickly eliminate unwanted seedlings before they get rooted. But first, let’s identify the worst weed offenders.

5 Notorious Weeds That Grow on Fences

1. Morning Glory (Bindweed)

These fast-growing annual vines produce trumpet-shaped flowers that open in the morning. They climb aggressively by twisting their stems around any support, including fence posts and wire. Morning glory spreads rapidly from seeds and is hard to eradicate once established.

2. Climbing Nightshade

Both annual and perennial species of nightshades grow as troublesome vines. Their white flowers produce egg-shaped red berries. All parts of climbing nightshade are toxic. Dense growth smothers fences and other plants. Manual removal is difficult due to deep root systems.

3. Virginia Creeper

With beautiful red fall foliage, Virginia creeper vine seems innocent. But it climbs aggressively on fences and structures, digging in with adhesive tendrils. Once established, removing Virginia creeper by hand often pulls off siding and wood panels as it rips free.

4. Poison Ivy

This notorious vine grows as a destructive ground cover, climbs fences, and attaches aerial roots. All plant parts secrete an oil that causes severe skin irritation and blistering rashes in many people. Poison ivy spreads readily to quickly colonize fence lines.

5. Wild Grape

Prolific wild grape vines produce large crops of fruit loved by birds, who then spread seeds everywhere. Fast-growing vines engulf fences and trees, blocking sunlight. Sharp woody stems make manual removal challenging. The plant regenerates from any roots left behind.

5 Solutions for Removing Fence Weeds

Eliminating nuisance weeds along fences takes determination, but these proven methods get the job done:

Physical Removal

• Pull young plants by hand before they get established. Wear gloves and long sleeves.

• Cut back vines at the ground to remove top growth. Repeat to deplete root reserves.

• Leverage weed puller tools to extract roots of perennial weeds like poison ivy or nightshade.

Smother with Mulch or Tarps

• Cover areas around fences with 3-4 inches of mulch to block light and smother weeds.

• Use old tarps or landscape fabric around fence bases to prevent growth. Secure edges with stakes or rocks.

Apply Herbicides

• Use systemic herbicides like glyphosate (Roundup) to translocate through plant systems and roots.

• Spray weed-killing vinegar for organic control of emerged weeds along fences.

• Apply pre-emergent herbicides like trifluralin in spring to stop seeds from sprouting.

Maintain Vigilance

• Patrol regularly and eliminate weeds before they get established. Nip any growth in the bud.

• Cut back vines as soon as they appear to deplete root reserves so they can’t regrow.

• Monitor problematic areas and quickly treat any new sprouts. Prevention is key.

Install Weed Barrier Landscape Fabric

• Attach breathable landscape fabric to fences to block sunlight and stop weed growth.

• Bury edges 6 inches deep to prevent weeds from sneaking underneath. Secure well.

• Maintain a gravel border or mulch along the fence to reduce weed seed invasion.

As the old saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Stopping weeds before they gain a foothold is much easier than trying to eradicate established growth.

So inspect fences often, remove invaders quickly, and implement barriers to make your fences weed-free. Your fences and plants will thank you!