Knoxville Shifts to Herbicide to Eradicate Invasive Kudzu
The city moved from goat-based grazing to a three-year chemical treatment plan to curb invasive growth in local parks.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Botany
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In 2026, Knoxville shifted from using goats to an herbicide-based strategy to manage invasive kudzu across local sites. The initiative aims to suppress the vine, which outcompetes native East Tennessee vegetation.
Why it matters
The transition underscores a move away from biological control methods that proved ineffective at preventing seasonal regrowth. By applying chemical treatments, the city seeks to ensure long-term restoration of native flora in public green spaces.
The city initiated a three-year plan to eliminate kudzu infestations compared to previous years when grazing animals failed to stop the plant's spread. Most kudzu at the primary Chapman Highway test site is currently confirmed as dead following direct leaf application.
The players
City of Knoxville
The local government responsible for the management and maintenance of public parks and greenways in Tennessee.
The details
The program involves the direct application of herbicides to the leaves of Pueraria montana (kudzu) to inhibit growth and prevent its destructive spread over native species. Unlike mechanical grazing, which removes biomass above ground without addressing the root system, chemical treatment targets the plant to prevent subsequent seasonal regrowth. The city is also concurrently removing invasive honeysuckle at the Holston Chilhowee Pool to further support local plant health.
Timeline
2026 marks the first year of the city's herbicide program.
2027 is scheduled for targeted spot herbicide treatments.
2028 is planned for monitoring and fostering native regrowth.
The Tech Race
This herbicide initiative represents a pivot in the city's management strategy away from the biological control efforts defined by East Tennessee invasive species management protocols. It follows the failure of goat grazing to achieve the multi-season suppression required to allow native plants to recover.
Residents and trail users at Fort Dickerson Park and Third Creek Greenway should expect continued monitoring as the city proceeds with its multi-year vegetation plan. The shift changes how local public spaces are managed to ensure native plants can reclaim areas previously dominated by invasive vines.
The takeaway
The transition from biological to chemical control marks a significant shift in how Knoxville manages its local ecology against invasive pressure. Observers should track the 2027 spot treatment outcomes to determine if the current suppression method successfully supports long-term native regrowth.
Further reading
For broader context on regional plant restoration, see our coverage in Botany.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wvlt.
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