Get rid of common ivy for good

The common or climbing ivy (Hedera helix) is grown as an ornamental plant but because it grows fast and it is very resilient it can easily turn into a stubborn weed. So, can you actually remove common ivy permanently? Yes, you can and here is how.

Although Hedera helix looks beautiful, it can cause serious damage and if you want to get rid of it you need to proceed carefully.

You need to do some manual labour

The most important tool you are going to need in the fight against common ivy is pruning shears. Do not forget to bring a pair of gardening gloves to protect your hands. First, cut shoots at the ground level to disconnect it and divide it into large sections. This will help you to remove it. Work from the edges to the centre.

Gradually pull out all plants by the roots until you have cleared the entire area. You can also use herbicides if you want. The most effective chemical is glyphosate.Spray it on shoots, but make sure that the it does not get on other plants. If it does you will lose them. Herbicides are rather slow-acting substances, and they must be applied every 6 weeks.

Photo: Pixabay

Use good mulch

To finish the final suppression use mulch. Cover the area with a few centimetre thick layer of mulch. You may use sawdust for example, and you are done. Be prepared to replace the mulch, especially during the growing season, if the layer is not consistent.

Burn all cut shoots. The common ivy is known for its ability to take root from small cut parts and you want to avoid that.

Source: https://www-tonature-info.translate.goog/ua/kak-izbavitsya-ot-plyushha-na-ogorode.htm?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=cs&_x_tr_hl=cs&_x_tr_pto=wapp, https://www.zahradnictvi-flos.cz/nezadouci-dreviny-stop-100-ml-systemovy-selektivni-arboricid-a-herbicid.html, https://www.ceskestavby.cz/clanky/mnozi-po-nem-touzi-jini-ho-jiz-maji-dost-a-zbavit-se-prave-brectanu-opravdu-neni-snadne-28142.html

Preview photo: Pixabay