Why do vines grow so fast?

Because they can and are built for it.

A few years ago someone asked me, "Technically, what is a vine." My answer, not so technical, was, "A tree (or plant) that wanted to be a tree (or shrub, perhaps), but just couldn't quite do it.

This isn't far from the truth and why vines, both vertical and horizontal growing, can be so intrusive and pervasive.

Vines, after time and maturity, will establish substantial roots, not to the depth or hardiness of trees and other plants, truly have no sound structure for becoming independent plants, depending on other plants and structures nearby. They are experts at finding ways to climb or crawl and not exert the energy or use the resources needed by their hosts or victims who have already built their highways for them.

Although many are beautiful in essence and are quite manageable, there are so many more which can destroy your yard and its trees, as well as affect or destroy certain surfaces of your home.

Vines are searching for the same thing its host and most other plants are fighting for, sunlight, a lot or a little. When a climbing vine reaches the canopy of a tree or shrub, their blooms become more prevalent which can cause, for the host: light deprivation, additional weight and additional sail, which can be damaging or worse in high winds or heavy rain and ice storms.

And, when a vine grows and matures, its roots begin to compete for the nutrients and water needed by its host and other nearby plants.

They can be deVine and managed, but watch your back. The may creep up on you.