Typically, most landowners have paid little attention to grapevines in their woodland. They may cut an occasional one to create a door wreath, Christmas tree or the like. But by and large, most vines have been left to grow. With each periodic round of timber harvesting, the vines were ignored. After the harvest, they advance slowly, but persistently in their quest to conquer the woodland.

As they spread, they begin to compete with trees for life-giving sunlight. In addition, their weight often disfigures the shape of crop trees. In heavy ice or snowstorms, they can even cause treetops to burst out. Their spread after a harvest can suppress the growth of new seedlings, having a long-term affect on future timber income.

To insure diversity and balance in your woodland, some vines are necessary. Grapes come from grapevines and are a source of food for wildlife, particularly when other food sources are slim. Given this, it is normally wise to leave vines along the wood's edge, near creeks, and in permanent wildlife den trees. A variety of birds and animals will be grateful.