How To Get Rid Of Creeping Fig Once And For All

If the name doesn't make you wary, the plant's behavior will: creeping fig (Ficus pumila) has a way of turning charm into chaos fast. Native to Eastern Asia, creeping fig thrives in a variety of conditions, from sun-drenched walls to partially shaded fences, and it tolerates drought, deer, and many common pests and diseases. This climbing vine can damage your home and also be a problem for pets and horses. 

Once it sneaks in, it clings tight and spreads quickly. This evergreen vine can shoot 8 to 15 feet up and spread 3 to 6 feet across, grabbing onto fences, walls, and even tree trunks, quickly smothering them in a thick, leafy green cover. No corner of your landscape is safe: stems creep into garden beds, roots worm into cracks, and the sticky pads it leaves behind can scar stucco or wood for good. It is most definitely a vining plant you should avoid growing in your yard.

The only way to get rid of it is to nip it in the bud. Start by cutting the vine back at its source. Grab loppers or pruning shears and slice thick stems as close to the ground as you can, then tackle the vines higher up, peeling them off walls or fences. This isn't a quick job, those sticky pads cling like crazy, but taking it slow pays off. Work in small sections and resist the urge to yank; pulling too hard can rip off chunks of stucco or paint along with the vine, defeating the whole point.

Once you've cleared the top growth, the real battle starts underground. Creeping fig's roots are relentless, and even tiny fragments left behind will sprout new shoots. Dig out as much of the root system as you can with a sturdy shovel, mattock pick axe, or a root-cutting tool. Gloves are a must; the vine's milky sap can irritate skin. The more roots you yank now, the fewer battles you'll face later. However, there's no shame in hiring a contractor if you're not up to the task.

There's no letting up after removal; creeping fig rarely goes quietly. Stray shoots will pop up in the weeks and months that follow, and keeping ahead with regular checks and quick cutbacks is the only way to stay in control. For especially stubborn regrowth, consider different types of weed killers or targeted herbicides to help, but handle them carefully and stick to the product's instructions to avoid harming nearby plants.