
English ivy (Hedera helix) is an aggressive, invasive plant that quickly occupies gardens, trees, and buildings. Even though it appears very attractive, it can harm buildings, kill native plants, and weaken trees through nutrient competition. If you’re facing an English ivy invasion, these tips from the pros will guide you on how to remove and kill it.
Why You Should Remove English Ivy
Before beginning the removal process, understand why English ivy needs to be eradicated:
- It competes with native vegetation by shading out the sun from reaching those plants.
- It chokes up the trunks of trees it climbs on and causes damage. The vines eventually kill the tree due to increased vulnerability to diseases and storm damages.
Structural Damage: Once attached to a building, the roots grow in through cracks in the mortar or masonry causing damage to that building.
Attraction of Pests: Ivy is a home to rodents, insects, and other unwanted pests.
How to Kill English Ivy
1. Manual Removal
The most effective method of killing English ivy is through manual removal, though this requires persistence and effort.
Step 1: Cut the Vines
- Use sharp garden shears to cut the ivy at ground level.
- If the ivy has climbed trees, cut a 2-foot section around the trunk to sever its water and nutrient supply.
Step 2: Pull Up the Roots
- Gently start at the bottom of the ivy and gently pull to not break the vines.
- Dig up the roots with a garden fork or trowel.
- Remove the ivy in sealed bags to prevent its re-growth.
Step 3: Check and Repeat
- Inspect for regrowth every couple of weeks and dig up remaining roots.
- You might need several rounds to eliminate the plant entirely.
2. Ivy Smothering
If the task of hand-pulling ivy is too tiring, there is another method called smothering.
How to Smother Ivy
- Cover the area infested by ivy with heavy-duty landscape fabric, cardboard, or thick mulch.
- Anchor them down with rocks or stakes so that the area would not be exposed to sunlight.
- Let it stay for a few months to ensure complete killing of the ivy.
3. Using Herbicides
Herbicides work well in destroying English ivy, but handle them with great care to ensure that other plant species are safe.
Recommended Herbicides for killing English Ivy:
- Glyphosate or Roundup-this herbicide penetrates the English ivy via the leaves of the plant where it kills. It is one of the spot treatments that perform best.
- Triclopyr-this type of herbicide works best in woody vines and aggressive kinds of plants.
- Spray on a dry, wind-free day to avoid drift onto desirable plants.
- Repeat treatments may be required for full control.
4. Boiling Water Treatment
Boiling water is a chemical-free method of killing English ivy by destroying its root system.
How to Use Boiling Water:
- Pour directly on the base of the ivy.
- Make sure the water reaches the roots for best results.
- Repeat as needed until the plant is dead.
5. Vinegar and Salt Solution
A natural alternative to commercial herbicides, vinegar and salt can dehydrate and kill English ivy.
DIY Solution:
- Mix 1 gallon of white vinegar, 1 cup of salt, and 1 tablespoon of dish soap.
- Spray directly onto the leaves and stems.
- Avoid spraying near desirable plants, as it can affect surrounding vegetation.
Preventing English Ivy from Growing Back
Once you have successfully removed English ivy, take steps to prevent regrowth:
- Monitor the area regularly to remove new shoots.
- Apply a thick layer of mulch that can suppress remaining ivy roots.
- Plant native species to allow healthy vegetation to outcompete any ivy trying to come back.
- Keep your landscape by pruning trees and clearing out areas prone to ivy invasion to prevent future invasion.
Final Words
Killing English ivy requires patience and persistence, but the right methods will reclaim your landscape. From manual removal, smothering, herbicides, or even natural solutions, staying vigilant helps ensure the ivy does not return. With the removal of English ivy, you encourage a healthier environment for native plants and prevent trees and structures from being damaged.