I have 2 acres of land that was neglected for 20 years. It has an abundance of great trees (Dogwood, Red Bud, American Holly, etc.) but the woody vines have taken over. There are a lot of trees that have died from the vines aggressive growth. Any tips for eradicating this stuff? We spend hours a week cutting back what we can but it grows back with a vengeance.

I saw a little butane wand thingy for burning brush. I know...be careful. But do you know if it will work?

Remember, it's 2 acres and it's a mess so I need something drastic!

Many thanks.

vines spread underground...
if you don't get the roots, they don't stay gone...

the burning thing might work on the foliage, but if they worked on the roots too, i would be nervous, wondering what other roots are getting damaged...

with a lot of vines (smilax brier, virginia creeper, poison ivy) you just have to go for the root....and pull.
if you can pull out 2-3feet of root each time you "clean" you have a shot at getting it under control, even so, it will probably take a couple of seasons before you realize good results.

if the area is mowable, you might be able to wack it back that way (or with a weedeater), but attacking the roots is the long term solution...

now, a totally organic solution- borrow a goat, or 2 (or 3)and see how they like the vines! (i have been told this works somewhat on Kudzu)

Some vines are worse than others. Do you know what you have?

I like the goats idea.

And of course, DO NOT burn any poison ivy, oak, or sumac for the smoke will contain the oils and getting the oils in your lungs can be fatal!