Ivy, while providing year-round greenery, can cause structural damage to buildings by penetrating cracks and joints, according to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). The RHS warns that self-clinging climbers like ivy may also harbour pests such as mice and lead to dampness on walls.
Garden building expert Sam Jenkinson from Tiger suggests a natural solution: mix one gallon of white vinegar with a teaspoon of dish soap. 'This can get rid of ivy forever,' Sam claims, though he cautions that the mixture may damage surrounding plants.
Fellow gardening enthusiast Jane Dobbs of Allan's Gardeners agrees. 'Grab a spray bottle or a garden sprayer... remove any dead ivy after a couple of days and reapply the same solution,' she advises. 'Vinegar works best on the above-ground parts of ivy. After the foliage dies, remove as many roots as possible to prevent regrowth.'
For a more aggressive approach, Sam recommends severing the stem at soil level and treating the stump with a glyphosate-based root killer. 'Then dig out any new shoots as soon as they appear to stop the plant from regrowing,' he adds.
The RHS reminds homeowners to check for nesting birds before removing ivy, as it is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to damage or destroy active bird nests.
