Metro Atlanta
Metro Atlanta

Kudzu in decline in Georgia. It’s true.

Kudzu-eating sheep at Georgia Tech. Photo: Georgia Tech.
Kudzu-eating sheep at Georgia Tech. Photo: Georgia Tech.
By Dan Chapman
Aug 18, 2016

Kudzu, the nightmare weed that gobbled the South, is disappearing.

Slowly, inexorably, the scientists, foresters, farmers, goats and sheep are gaining the upper hand on the slinky, creepy green vine that makes abandoned homes and utility poles disappear seemingly overnight.

“It’s in retreat,” said Jim Miller, a somewhat retired research ecologist with the U.S. Forest Service in Auburn, Ala., nicknamed Dr. Kudzu.

Yet kudzu's decline is difficult for a Southerner to grasp. The "mile-a-minute vine" has inspired poets, musicians, playwrights and science-fiction enthusiasts.

Read more about the vine that didn't eat the South here.

About the Author

Dan Chapman
More Stories

Keep Reading

Aerial photo shows R.L. Sutton Water Reclamation Facility, where Cobb County is preparing to restart two incinerators for sewage sludge, Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in Smyrna. The incinerator chimneys are visible on top of the large boxy building at left. (Hyosub Shin / AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Cobb County proposes restarting incinerators for sewage sludge

Two incinerators would burn again at one of Cobb’s wastewater treatment plants along the Chattahoochee River, but neighbors are concerned about potential mercury discharge.

1h ago

Atlanta is known for its trees. How far will it go to save them?

A new ordinance to protect Atlanta's trees could soon reach City Council for a vote, but it's not clear if key provisions will make it in.

1h ago

Promise unkept: Atlanta’s class action lawsuit over Forest Cove never filed

Despite Mayor Andre Dickens’ promise to get tough on Forest Cove owner Millennia through a class-action lawsuit, no complaint was ever filed.

The Latest

In this areal image the Atlanta midtown skyline is seen on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. (Miguel Martinez / AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez

Atlanta is known for its trees. How far will it go to save them?

1h ago

Cobb County proposes restarting incinerators for sewage sludge

1h ago

Georgia Section 8 complexes sue national property manager

Featured

The last Michelin Guide Awards ceremony took place at the Georgia World Congress Center on Monday, Oct 28, 2024.

Credit: Jenni Girtman

With new American South guide, Michelin highlights Atlanta – but not Georgia

The 2025 Michelin Guide featuring metro Atlanta will expand to include six southern states: Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

Atlanta police say woman made fake 911 call prior to Young Scooter’s death

The bizarre string of events that led to the Atlanta rapper’s death began when Demetria Spence made a fake call to 911, according to police.

Trump’s legal fees, religious liberty and DEI: What made the cut with Georgia lawmakers

Wednesday is the penultimate day of the 2025 Georgia legislative session. It’s expected to be busy as lawmakers rush to get their bills assigned to the House and Senate floor.