English ivy, the climbing plant known for causing havoc on properties, may finally have met its match. Often described as a “nightmare” for homeowners, the vine can lift roof tiles, damage fences, pull at guttering, strangle trees, and infiltrate walls through pre-existing cracks or crevices, potentially causing significant structural damage.
Keen gardener Nicola Baker recently discovered this firsthand when her garden fence became completely overrun by the tenacious plant. Seeking advice, she turned to the Facebook community Mrs Hinch Gardening Tips, an online hub inspired by cleaning and lifestyle influencer Sophie Hinchliffe, known as Mrs Hinch, who boasts millions of Instagram followers.
The response to Nicola’s query was plenty.
Gardening fans offered a range of strategies, but the most popular advice was surprisingly simple: severing the stems at certain points to make the plant die off.
Sarah Jones said: “Find the stems and cut twice an inch apart and remove that section, then it will die off and be easier to peel off.”
Milvia Pearce offered a similar approach: “Cut at the bottom, the top will die and it will be easier to remove, then dig the root up as it spreads like wildfire.” Becky Smith added: “We’ve got the same problem and it’s a nightmare. Find the root and cut it, or hammer copper nails into it.”
Other solutions included applying lemon juice, weed killer, or using copper nails. Greta La More suggested: “You have got to dig it up. It’s the only way of getting rid of it,” while Judy Smith recommended hammering copper nails into thick stems at the base to kill the ivy without harming the fence.
Dorothy Wilkinson-Jones suggested an even more precise method: cutting the main stem, applying a pad soaked in weed killer, covering it with cling film, and refreshing the pad until the ivy dies.
Experts also caution gardeners to handle English ivy with care. Its leaves can be toxic to humans, and its sap can irritate the skin, so wearing gloves is strongly advised.
With a combination of online advice and careful pruning, homeowners like Nicola now have practical ways to tackle the creeping vine, saving fences, walls, and garden spaces from further damage.
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