Controlling Dog-Strangling Vine (DSV) requires awareness, vigilance and volunteers. Once you become aware of this plant you will see how pervasive it has become and how easily it can spread. To completely destroy the plant, it must be dug up by the root in its entirety, which requires work because each root ball can be the size of a small fist. To control its spread, you cut the stems at or below the soil line. Most important, cut off the seed pods before they explode. Since the plants are toxic, they can’t go in compost or yard waste, but must be bagged and put out as garbage. We find the city parks department will help dispose of it. Notify us of sightings or work you've done.

Provincially, there’s an Invading Species Hotline at 1-800-563-7711.

www.invadingspecies.com www.ontarioinvasiveplants.ca