Evergreen and ever-growing, English ivy makes for beautiful garden displays. It’s low maintenance, and year-round green makes it a popular choice for gardeners and landscapers. Unfortunately, the same resilience and ease of care make it difficult to get rid of.
While its removal can be frustrating, time and patience are the only things required, claimed Chelsey, the founder and editor in chief at gardening website Good Grow. She claimed that the only effective way to kill ivy is by manual removal, which requires you to follow four simple steps. As growth slows down at this time of year, it makes for the perfect time to get rid of this destructive plant.
The first step is to start by cutting the ivy near the ground, leaving a section of the stem for easier removal.
Sharp pruning shears are a must for this task. Ivy isn’t too thick, but make sure you get a well-made pair, as it is likely you will be cutting a lot.
Next, gently peel the ivy away from any structures or trees, working from the base upwards.
Remove as many of the ivy roots as possible to prevent regrowth once spring arrives.
Finally, dispose of the ivy properly to avoid any chance of reinfestation. Make sure to never compost the cut down ivy. It is very resilient and can regrow from a tiny fragment of root.
Always dispose of the ivy by burning it or in your garden waste bin. If the branches are large, they should be cut into smaller pieces first.
To prevent ivy from becoming a persistent problem in the future, regularly inspect your garden for any signs of ivy growth and address it promptly.
Also, maintain a well-managed garden with regular weeding and pruning to discourage ivy growth.
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