Quck answer
Ivy can be difficult to get rid of, but with the right approach, it is possible to permanently kill it. Here are some steps to follow:
1. Cut the ivy vines at the base and remove as much as possible.
2. Dig up the roots using a garden fork or shovel.
3. Use an herbicide specifically designed to kill ivy. Apply it to the remaining roots and foliage according to the product instructions.
4. Wait for the ivy to die completely, which may take several weeks.
5. Remove the dead ivy and dispose of it properly.
6. Monitor the area and remove any new growth promptly.
7. Consider planting something else in the area to prevent the ivy from returning.
Remember to wear protective clothing and gloves when handling ivy and herbicides. Regular maintenance and vigilance are key to keeping ivy from coming back.
Whether you plant ivy as a ground cover or to grow up a trellis or building, it can quickly spread and take over your garden space. Invasive ivy plants such as English ivy (Hedera helix) and poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) can also choke out other plants. If you have an invasive ivy variety occupying your yard, you can choose from several control methods for eradication, including cutting and digging, spraying herbicide, and smothering the ivy with mulch.
Cutting and Digging
You can control ivy by cutting it with either hand pruners or a lawnmower. This method requires no chemicals and is safest for use in close proximity to desired plants, but it can take several months to completely and permanently kill the ivy. When the leaves are cut off from the roots, the plants cannot photosynthesize. Ivy might regrow from the roots after cutting, but will eventually stop growing as the food stores in the roots are expended. Pull the roots out of the ground by hand or dig them with a garden trowel to hasten eradication. Always wear protective clothing and gloves when working with poison ivy, and sterilize any pruning tools before and after use.
Spraying Herbicide
Nonselective glyphosate herbicide is effective in killing ivy. You can purchase ready-to-use glyphosate products or mix your own from a concentrated product. Spray the herbicide directly on the ivy leaves and stems and allow about 10 days for the leaves to desiccate and die. You can also brush the solution directly onto cut stems, where it can translocate to the roots. Try vinegar as an alternative if you want to avoid chemical herbicides. Horticultural vinegar with 20 percent acetic acid is most effective in killing ivy.
Building and Tree Damage
The tiny, hair-like rootlets on ivy stems can hold the ivy against buildings and trees. Whether you cut the ivy or spray it with herbicide, you must wait until the foliage is completely brown and shriveled before attempting to remove it from a structure. As the foliage dies, the rootlets shrink and release their grasp on the surface. Pull gently to test the bond before pulling down hard on the vines. If the ivy grows on a building with loose or crumbling mortar, it’s best to simply leave the dead ivy in place, allowing it to decay naturally.
Controlling Ivy Growth with Mulch
Mulch in a large brown bag
Image Credit:
francois_t/iStock/Getty Images
Blocking out sunlight with a thick layer of mulch can help prevent the growth of ivy. Once you have removed the ivy by either pulling, digging, or using herbicides, cover the ground with permeable landscaping fabric, ensuring that the edges overlap by at least 6 inches. Spread a layer of mulch, about 4-6 inches thick, over the entire area, and consider extending it a few feet beyond to account for spreading underground roots. However, be aware that organic mulch materials, such as shredded bark, decompose over time and need to be replenished once or twice a year. In case new ivy shoots emerge through the mulch layer, cut them as far below the mulch as possible, or cut the stem’s tip and apply herbicide to eliminate the plant.
FAQ
1. What is ivy and why is it a problem?
Ivy is a type of climbing plant that is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens. However, it can quickly become invasive and overtake other plants in the area. Ivy has strong, adhesive roots that can damage structures such as walls, fences, and trees. It also competes with other plants for nutrients and sunlight, leading to their decline and eventual death.
2. How does ivy spread?
Ivy spreads through its seeds, which are produced by mature plants. Birds and other animals can eat the berries and then disperse the seeds through their droppings. Ivy can also spread through vegetative propagation, where new plants can grow from cuttings or from the nodes along the stem of an existing plant. This makes it difficult to control and eradicate once it becomes established.
3. What are some methods to permanently kill ivy?
One effective method to permanently kill ivy is by cutting it back and then digging up the roots. This can be a labor-intensive process, especially if the ivy has spread extensively. Another method is to use herbicides specifically designed to target ivy. These herbicides should be applied according to the instructions on the label and may require multiple applications for complete eradication. It is important to note that some herbicides can also harm other plants, so caution should be exercised when using them.
4. Can smothering ivy be an effective solution?
Yes, smothering ivy can be an effective solution for killing it. This method involves covering the ivy with a thick layer of mulch, such as cardboard or newspaper, and then adding a layer of soil or compost on top. The lack of sunlight and air will eventually kill the ivy. However, it is important to monitor the area and remove any new growth that may emerge.
5. Is it possible to kill ivy without harming other plants?
While it can be challenging to kill ivy without harming other plants, there are methods that can help minimize damage. One approach is to carefully apply herbicides directly to the ivy leaves, avoiding contact with other plants. Another method is to manually remove the ivy, being careful to not disturb the surrounding plants. Regular monitoring and maintenance are crucial to prevent the ivy from regrowing and spreading.
6. Can burning ivy be an effective way to kill it?
Burning ivy is not recommended as a method to kill it. Burning can release toxic fumes and particles into the air, which can be harmful to humans and the environment. Additionally, burning ivy may not completely eradicate it, as the roots can survive and regrow from the ashes. It is safer and more effective to use other methods such as cutting, digging, or applying herbicides.
7. How long does it take to permanently kill ivy?
The time it takes to permanently kill ivy can vary depending on the method used and the extent of the infestation. If ivy is manually removed and its roots are dug up, it may take several months to completely eradicate it. When using herbicides, multiple applications over the course of several weeks or months may be necessary. Smothering ivy can take several months to a year for the plants to die off. Patience and persistence are key when trying to permanently kill ivy.