Speedy Weed's Causing Power Problems

Weed is creating power problems across Connecticut. 

We're talking about the invasive vine known as "Mile-A-Minute" weed, among other names.  

It's spreading in Connecticut and its fast -- growing up to six inches in a day.

The vine scrambles over other vegetation and can climb trees and posts, and it's been known to create power problems, according to Connecticut Light & Power.

It engulfs shrubs, trees and crops, according to CL&P, and the company has an extensive vine control program to keep them in check by cutting vines along 1,900 miles of power lines in 2009.

The bothersome vine was first found in Greenwich in 2002.  And it has now spread to 15 other towns: Stamford, Norwalk, Wesport, Weston, Fairfield, Monroe, Newtown, Danbury, Bridgewater, New Milford, Roxbury, North Haven. Lyme, Torrington and Simsbury.

That's why CL&P's vegetation management team and a special "weed team" (if you will) at the University of Connecticut are teaming up.  The school's Department of Plant Science has been keeping track of the weed, which is officials called Persicaria perfoliata. 

So what can you do? First report it to UConn. Then you basically have two options:

1. Mechanical (hand pulling and mowing)
2. Chemical control (herbicides)

But be sure to do it right or things could get even worse.  

If you're not sure if your vine is good or bad, check  the plant science page and match your leaf.  

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