Cut Vinca down to ground level

Use a string trimmer, hedge trimmer, or hand clippers to cut Vinca down to ground level. While cutting alone will not eradicate Vinca, it is a crucial first step, given that Vinca will regrow from its roots.

Pull Vinca out from the roots

Smaller and younger Vinca plants can be manually uprooted. This process is most straightforward when the soil is moist and soft.

Excavate the roots

Employ a pickaxe or shovel to remove the roots. Be aware that mature Vinca roots can extend as deep as 3 feet.

Be cautious of spreading cuttings

Avoid leaving any Vinca cuttings on the ground, even small ones, as these cuttings can take root and grow into a new plant. It's vital to either transport the plant to a disposal facility or secure it in a plastic bag to prevent further spreading.

Mowing

If the terrain allows for it, regular mowing could serve as an alternative to uprooting or digging out the roots. Vinca grows quickly, so weekly mowing is necessary for this method to be effective.

Covering

After cutting Vinca down to ground level, cover the area with an opaque tarp or plastic sheet that prevents any light penetration. This will inhibit Vinca from photosynthesizing, and the plants and root system will eventually die after being covered for a year or more.

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Understanding Vinca

"Vinca," also known as "Periwinkle," is an intrusive and widespread plant found across Vancouver Island. This plant, notorious for creating dense, rapidly expanding mats, has a vast root system that sprouts new plants up to 20 feet away. Vinca particularly thrives in forested areas where it forms thick blankets, stifling native species.

Why is Vinca considered invasive?

Vinca's invasiveness stems from several characteristics:

• The plant can form extensive patches, potentially covering acres
• Its far-reaching root system constantly propagates new plants
• The stems of Vinca have the potential to root and spawn new plants
• The plant is extraordinarily resilient and vigorous, capable of regrowing after being cut

Why is the elimination of Vinca necessary?

Vinca poses several challenges and risks, such as:

• The risk of increasingly uncontrolled spread over time
• The potential for rodents to nest in Vinca patches
• The damage to natural waterways
• Displacement of indigenous species
• The potential invasion of neighboring properties
• Rapid and sturdy growth in the understory of Pacific Northwest forests

Procedure for Permanently Eradicating Vinca:

The process starts with removing all above-ground Vinca vines and other material using power cutters. The cut material is then hauled away, and the root material is subsequently excavated.

When necessary, we employ eco-friendly treatments to annihilate Vinca. This involves cutting the plant down to the stump and carefully treating the sprouted leaves. Following the treatment, the root system will die off. Our method does not harm other plants and causes no soil activity or runoff.

Since our founding in 2017, Ascent Yard Care has successfully removed hundreds of Vinca infestations.

Cost of Vinca removal:

We offer a free in-person quote in Victoria, BC, where Jake will deliver a detailed work order and cost estimate.

Is there a chance of Vinca regrowth?

While the most severe infestations may necessitate up to two follow-up visits to completely eradicate any regrowth, most Vinca patches are typically fully eradicated in one visit.

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