KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — The City of Knoxville is stepping up its battle against kudzu, an invasive vine known for smothering native vegetation and rapidly spreading across East Tennessee landscapes.
City officials say a switch from goats to targeted herbicide treatments is producing better results, particularly at one of Knoxville’s most recognizable kudzu-covered locations, the former “Jungle Arby’s” site off Chapman Highway.
According to city leaders, much of the kudzu covering that property has already died after herbicide applications began this year.
For years, the city relied on goats to graze kudzu-covered areas. While the animals helped reduce above-ground growth, officials say they were unable to eliminate the extensive root systems that allow the vine to return each spring.
“We’ve found that every winter the kudzu dies back and then returns,” said Rachel Butzler, director of the city’s public service department. “With goats, that’s exactly what you’d continue to see.”
The city has now launched a three-year management plan for the Chapman Highway site. Officials expect herbicide treatments to continue through next year, followed by monitoring and spot treatments aimed at preventing the plant from returning.
Kudzu was introduced to the United States from Asia and has become one of the South’s most aggressive invasive species. The vine can quickly overtake trees, shrubs and native plant communities, reducing biodiversity and altering local ecosystems.
Regina Santore, president of the Wild Ones Smoky Mountain Chapter, said she’s excited to see native vegetation eventually reclaim the area.
“I cheer when I see it,” Santore said. “I know that there are people who are heartbroken that Jungle Arby’s will no longer be Jungle Arby’s. But I promise those people that you will absolutely love the gorgeous native plants that are going to spring up out of that soil.”
Some residents have expressed concerns that herbicides could also harm desirable plants. However, city officials say the treatments are being applied directly to kudzu leaves and should have minimal impact on surrounding vegetation because the invasive vine has already dominated many of the treatment areas.
The Chapman Highway location is not the only site undergoing restoration. The city is also applying herbicides to manage kudzu at Fort Dickerson Park and along the Third Creek Greenway. Crews are additionally working to remove invasive honeysuckle around the Holston Chilhowee Pool.
Officials say the goal is not only to remove invasive plants but also to create opportunities for native East Tennessee species to return and thrive.
If successful, city leaders expect to see less kudzu growth in treated areas next year, with long-term monitoring continuing through at least the third year of the program.
