Ivy can be a persistent problem for homeowners and gardeners, but there is a natural method to eliminate the plant in just five days. You won't need any harsh chemicals to remove pesky garden ivy.
English ivy is a native species in the UK and may not be as aggressive as in other parts of the world, yet it can still exhibit invasive behaviour. In areas with mild temperatures and consistent rainfall, it becomes particularly troublesome. Soil composition also plays a significant role, as nutrient-rich earth encourages swift growth. What's more, English ivy's extraordinary tolerance for shade allows it to thrive in low-light conditions, smothering neighbouring plants in the process. Once English ivy takes hold in a garden, it competes aggressively with other plants for essential resources such as sunlight, water and nutrients, frequently causing desirable plants to weaken or die off entirely.
Its dense foliage provides the perfect hiding place for pests including rodents and insects, attracting unwanted wildlife to your property. On top of this, as the plant anchors itself using aerial roots, these can work their way into cracks and joints in walls and buildings, potentially inflicting serious structural damage. Thankfully, there is a way to get rid of this troublesome plant without turning to harmful chemicals, reports The Mirror.
John Clifford, gardening and landscaping expert at Westminster Stone, said: "One of the most well-known ways to naturally remove ivy is by using white vinegar. This will kill the ivy in a couple of days and is pretty simple in terms of how to create the mixture."
Simply combine water and white vinegar in a four-to-one ratio within a spray bottle, then apply the solution as thoroughly as possible across the ivy. Although you won't need to handle the ivy directly at this stage, it is advisable to wear gloves to prevent any skin irritation.
Naturally, you must remain cautious about where you direct the spray. While white vinegar is highly effective at eliminating ivy, it can equally cause damage to surrounding plants. Take care when spraying and keep well away from any other greenery in your garden.
Once you've coated the leaves, stems and as much of the ivy as possible (while avoiding the plant's base and the surrounding soil), leave the vinegar to do its work. Most experts suggest leaving it for approximately five days. John told Ideal Home that should it rain, you will need to reapply the mixture and allow a further couple of days.
Gradually, you'll start to notice the ivy's appearance beginning to change. What was once a robust, invasive, self-clinging plant will start to brown and wither. This serves as a clear indication that the natural ivy killer has done its job. Your next task is to remove as much of the dead ivy from your fence as possible. In certain instances, the dead branches and leaves may be so brittle that they detach with the slightest touch, but more often than not, you'll need to utilise pruning shears to cut them back.
At this stage, concentrate on cutting the ivy back to just a few inches above ground level. Do take care, however, as "ivy does cling very tightly to what it's climbing up," cautioned gardening expert and founder of Hopes Grove Nurseries Morris Hankinson.
Ivy ranks amongst the most hardy plants you will ever come across, with the ability to regrow from even the tiniest fragment of a healthy plant. This is precisely why, when dealing with ivy on a fence, removing the roots entirely is absolutely essential. Morris advised: "Once everything has been removed, dig up the root, which can be big, heavy, and a good workout! You'll need a decent spade and some patience."
Given how invasive ivy can be, the last thing you want is to add it to your compost heap, where it could take hold once more. Correct disposal of the debris is therefore crucial. Ideally, place the root ball and branches on a weed-proof membrane in direct sunlight, allowing them to dry out completely before disposing of them in your general waste bin. Should you have concerns about the root ball regrowing, a quick spray with a water and white vinegar solution should do the trick. However, if you lack the space to let it dry out, you can simply place it straight into your general waste bin.
