This is Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), a perennial woody vine native to Michigan.  Virginia creeper climbs trees and structures using tendrils with adhesive disks at the tips. While it is usually found in shaded areas with moist organic soils, it can survive and thrive under a wide range of conditions. Leave turn red tones in the fall. The roots of Virginia creeper are a minimum of approximately 16” deep. Virginia creeper reproduces by seed formed in small bluish-black berries, but can spread by stolons (aboveground stems) that can root where nodes contact the soil surface.

Virginia creeper is not considered invasive from a legal standpoint since it is native, but I too have had it in undesirable locations and controlled it.

Virginia creeper can be controlled by digging out the plant roots if you can find the original base of the plant. All runners would also need to be removed to prevent re-rooting. The bright side is, Virginia creeper is actually easier to control physically than poison ivy because it roots mainly at one point whereas poison ivy has an extensive root system with rhizomes (belowground stems) that sprout and are harder to remove. 

As far as chemicals go, likely the two best choices are the herbicide active ingredients glyphosate and/or triclopyr. These products can be applied to the foliage or to cut stumps/stems within 5 minutes of cutting (which avoids contacting desired foliage, but can be more time consuming depending on the infestation). Both types of herbicides will cause harm/death to the nearby vegetation. Examples of such products include Roundup weed and Grass Killer (glyphosate only), Bioadvanced Brush Killer Plus (triclopyr), and Roundup Concentrate Poison Ivy and BioAdvanced Brush Killer Plus Concentrate (glyphosate + triclopyr), though there are many others. Triclopyr is often more effective than glyphosate in controlling woody vines like Virginia creeper and it does not harm grasses, however, it can pose a carryover risk if you desire to replant the area within the coming season with some broadleaf species of plants (doesn't seem a concern in this case).

When using products containing glyphosate there are a few important points to consider. First, as with any pesticide, remember to read and follow all labeled instructions. Second, glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide, meaning it will injure or kill other plants contacted during application, so care is needed to avoid green plant material, exposed roots, and injured bark of desired plants. Third, glyphosate is relatively safe in the environment when used as labeled. It adsorbs strongly to soil in most cases (i.e. clay and organic matter), allowing even sensitive crops to be planted shortly after application; meaning no carry over issues are expected. Fourth, glyphosate alone can take up to 14 days to show full activity under ideal growing conditions. Retreatment of the area may be needed depending on the degree of infestation. Glyphosate is most effective for perennial control in the fall but can be applied anytime the plants are actively growing (temperatures consistently above 50F). Finally, be sure that the product you choose has only the active ingredient glyphosate or glyphosate + pelargonic acid. Products with additional active ingredients may have other unwanted effects and may delay the planting of other plants in the coming season(s).

I have personally had success combating Virginia creeper with a combination of these tactics, but I had it in a few flower beds and not in a wooded setting.

If you have more questions, please feel free to reply or email me directly at <personal data hidden>.

Please note I will be on vacation from Aug. 3-12. Thank you for understanding.