Ivy can grow fast in your yard. It can take over plants, trees, and even walls. It is hard to stop once it gets started. Can you get rid of ivy for good? Yes, you can! Removing ivy from your yard is possible with hard work and the right steps. This guide will show you how to remove ivy and keep it from coming back.
Image Source: prettyhandygirl.com
Why Getting Rid of Ivy Matters
Ivy might look nice at first. But it is often an invasive plant. This means it grows quickly and spreads everywhere. It can cause many problems in your garden and yard.
- It hurts other plants. Ivy grows over native plants. It blocks sunlight. This stops the good plants from growing. It can kill flowers, bushes, and ground covers you want to keep.
- It harms trees. Ivy climbs up tree trunks. It can cover the leaves at the top. This stops the tree from making food from sunlight. It also adds weight to the tree. This makes branches break more easily in storms. Ivy hides problems like rot or bugs on the tree trunk. Removing ivy from trees is very important for their health.
- It damages buildings. Ivy roots and tendrils can get into small cracks in walls, brick, or wood. As the plant grows, these cracks get bigger. This can damage walls, fences, and foundations over time. When you pull ivy off a wall, it can take paint or even bricks with it.
- It makes areas hard to use. Thick ivy ground cover can make parts of your yard unusable. It is hard to walk through. It is hard to plant new things in. Controlling invasive ivy is key to having a yard you can enjoy.
Killing ivy in your garden or yard area is needed to protect your plants and property.
Tools for the Job
You will need some tools to get rid of ivy. Having the right tools helps a lot.
- Strong work gloves: Ivy can cause skin irritation. It can hide sharp things.
- Long sleeves and pants: To protect your skin.
- Safety glasses: To protect your eyes from flying dirt or snapping vines.
- Shovel or spade: For digging up roots.
- Garden fork: Helps loosen soil and roots.
- Pruning shears or loppers: For cutting thicker vines.
- Sharp knife or utility knife: For cutting vines growing on flat surfaces.
- Wheelbarrow or tarp: To move the ivy you cut.
- Thick plastic sheeting, cardboard, or mulch: For smothering large areas.
- Optional: Herbicide applicator (like a paintbrush or spray bottle marked clearly).
Approaches to Removing Ivy
There are different ways to attack ivy. The best method to remove ivy often uses more than one approach. Your choice depends on how much ivy you have. It also depends on where it is growing.
H4: Manual Ivy Removal (Pulling and Digging)
This is the most basic way to get rid of ivy. It involves using your hands and tools to pull and dig out the plants. Manual ivy removal works best for small patches of ivy. It is also good for ivy growing where you don’t want to use chemicals.
How to Do It:
- Cut the main vines: If the ivy is thick, use shears to cut through the densest parts. This makes it easier to pull.
- Find a starting point: Grab a vine near the edge of the patch.
- Pull gently but firmly: Try to pull out long pieces of the vine and its roots. Pulling after rain can be easier. The soil is softer.
- Follow the roots: Ivy has roots along its stems (called stolons) and from its main crown. Digging up ivy roots is very important. Use a shovel or fork to loosen the soil around the roots. Try to get as much root as possible. If you leave small pieces of root, they can grow into new plants.
- Repeat: Keep pulling and digging. Work section by section.
- Collect the ivy: Put all the pulled ivy onto a tarp or in a wheelbarrow. Do not leave pieces on the ground. They can reroot.
Pros:
* No chemicals needed.
* You can be careful around plants you want to keep.
* Good exercise!
Cons:
* Very hard work, especially for large areas.
* Takes a lot of time.
* Ivy roots break easily. It is hard to get them all.
* You will likely need to repeat this many times.
H4: Killing Ground Cover Ivy by Smothering
This method works well for large areas of ground covered densely with ivy. It kills the ivy by blocking sunlight. Without sun, the plant cannot make food and dies. Killing ground cover ivy this way takes time, but it can be very effective.
How to Do It:
- Cut back the ivy: Mow over it if possible (if the area is flat). Or use shears to cut down the thickest growth. Get it as flat as you can.
- Cover the area: Use a thick layer of material. Black plastic sheeting is effective. Old carpets, thick cardboard (remove tape and labels), or even a very thick layer of mulch (at least 6-8 inches deep) can work.
- Anchor the cover: Hold the edges down with rocks, bricks, or stakes. Make sure no light can get through around the edges.
- Wait: Leave the cover in place for a long time. This means several months, maybe even a full year. The ivy under the cover will die.
- Check and remove: After many months, check under the cover. The ivy should be dead and brown. Remove the cover. You may need to pull out dead roots or deal with a few small shoots that survived.
Pros:
* Works on large areas.
* Uses no chemicals (if using cardboard/mulch).
* Less physically demanding than digging everything.
Cons:
* Takes a long time.
* The covered area looks bad while the ivy is dying.
* You cannot use the area while it is covered.
* May not kill every single root, so some regrowth is possible.
H4: Removing Ivy from Trees
This is a critical step if ivy is climbing your trees. Ivy can seriously hurt or kill trees. Removing ivy from trees needs care to avoid hurting the tree bark.
How to Do It:
- Cut the vines at the base: Use strong loppers or a saw for thick vines. Cut every ivy vine climbing the tree trunk at two spots:
- Cut once about waist high.
- Cut again right at the ground level.
- Remove the middle piece: Pull the section of vine between your two cuts off the tree trunk. Do this all around the tree. This stops water and food from reaching the ivy higher up.
- Leave the ivy on the tree: Do NOT try to pull the ivy off the tree trunk above your cuts right away. The aerial roots cling tightly to the bark. Pulling it off can strip the bark, which hurts the tree. The ivy vines left on the tree will die over time now that they are cut off from the roots. They will become brittle and fall off on their own or can be gently removed later.
- Deal with the roots at the base: Now you have cut the ivy off the tree. The roots are still in the ground at the base of the tree. You must kill these roots. You can dig them out carefully. Or you can treat the cut stumps with a weed killer made for woody plants (see the herbicides section below). Be very careful not to get weed killer on the tree’s bark or roots.
- Monitor: Watch the base of the tree for new ivy shoots coming from the old roots. Pull them out as soon as you see them.
Pros:
* Saves your trees.
* Relatively quick first step (cutting the vines).
Cons:
* Still requires dealing with the roots at the base.
* Dead ivy vines on the tree can look bad for a while.
H4: Using Herbicides for Ivy
Herbicides are chemicals that kill plants. They can be useful for killing ivy, especially tough or widespread patches, or the stubborn roots. Herbicides for ivy should be used with care. Always read the label directions fully.
Types of Herbicides for Ivy:
- Gly-pho-sate: This chemical kills most plants it touches. It is often used for tough weeds. It moves into the roots to kill the whole plant.
- Tri-clo-pyr: This chemical is often better for woody plants and vines like ivy. It is found in many “brush killer” products. It usually does not harm grass, which can be helpful.
How to Use Herbicides on Ivy:
- Choose the right product: Look for products that list ivy or tough vines on the label. Triclopyr is often a good choice for ivy.
- Apply at the right time: Herbicides work best when the ivy is actively growing. This is usually in the spring or fall. Avoid applying when rain is expected soon. Do not apply on windy days.
- Prepare the ivy: For thick patches, cut back the top growth first. This lets the herbicide reach more leaves or the cut stems.
- Apply the herbicide:
- Foliar spray: Spray the leaves of the ivy. Cover the leaves well, but do not spray so much that it drips off.
- Cut stem treatment: This is often best for thick vines, especially at the base of trees. Cut the vine first. Then, immediately paint the concentrated herbicide onto the fresh cut surface of the stem that is still attached to the root. This sends the poison directly into the roots.
- Be careful: Avoid getting herbicide on plants you want to keep. Use a piece of cardboard as a shield if needed. Wash your hands and tools after use. Follow all safety warnings on the product label. Wear gloves and eye protection.
Pros:
* Can be effective at killing the whole plant, including roots.
* Faster for large or tough patches than just digging.
Cons:
* Chemicals can harm other plants, bugs, pets, and water if not used correctly.
* Requires careful application.
* May need repeated applications.
* Some people prefer not to use chemicals in their yard (natural ways to kill ivy are an alternative).
H4: Natural Ways to Kill Ivy
Some people prefer to use methods without harsh chemicals. There are some natural ways to kill ivy, but they are often less powerful than herbicides and work best on small ivy patches or as part of a larger plan.
- Boiling water: Pouring boiling water directly onto the ivy crown and roots can kill the plant parts it touches. This works best on very small, new ivy plants. It will also kill any other plants the water touches.
- Vinegar: A strong vinegar solution (like horticultural vinegar) can burn and kill ivy leaves. Mix with a little dish soap to help it stick. Spray the leaves on a sunny day. The sun helps it work. Vinegar is not usually effective at killing the deep roots of mature ivy. It may require many applications. Like boiling water, it kills any plant it touches and can change the soil pH.
- Salt: Salt can kill plants by drying them out. However, using salt in the soil can make the soil bad for other plants for a long time. It is not recommended for areas where you want to grow things later.
- Manual removal (again): This is one of the most effective natural ways, but as noted, it is hard work and requires persistence.
Pros:
* Avoids chemical use.
* Safe for the environment if done carefully (avoiding runoff).
Cons:
* Often less effective on mature ivy with deep roots.
* May require many repeat treatments.
* Can still harm desirable plants nearby.
* Boiling water and salt can damage soil structure and health.
Bringing It All Together: The Best Method
There is rarely one single “magic” way to get rid of ivy forever. The best method to remove ivy permanently is usually a combination of these approaches.
Here is a step-by-step plan using a mix of methods:
- Plan Your Attack: Look at the areas with ivy. Note where it is (ground, trees, walls). See how thick it is. Decide which methods make sense for each area.
- Safety First: Get your gear on – gloves, long sleeves, glasses.
- Cut Ivy from Trees: If ivy is on trees, start here. Cut all vines at the base as described. This saves your trees right away.
- Cut Back Thick Ground Ivy: Use shears or loppers to cut down dense patches of ground cover ivy. Make it easier to access the roots or prepare for smothering.
- Manual Removal for Smaller Areas: For small patches or areas near good plants, start pulling and digging. Focus on getting all the roots. Put all plant material into a bag or container. Do not leave it on the ground.
- Smother Large Ground Areas: For big, thick patches of ground cover ivy away from trees or other important plants, cover the area with plastic, cardboard, or deep mulch. Leave it for many months.
- Target Stubborn Roots/Areas with Herbicide (Optional): If you choose to use chemicals, use them carefully. Cut thick vines and paint herbicide on the fresh cuts. Or use a spray on actively growing leaves in tough spots where you don’t mind other plants being harmed. Always follow label instructions.
- Dispose of Ivy Waste Properly: Ivy can reroot easily. Do not put it in your compost pile unless you are sure your pile gets hot enough to kill it. Bag it tightly and send it to a landfill, or leave it on concrete/a tarp in the sun to dry out completely for several weeks before disposing of it.
- Monitor and Repeat: This is the most important step for permanent removal. Ivy is tough. New shoots will appear from small root pieces left behind or from seeds. Check the area regularly (every few weeks). As soon as you see any new ivy growth, pull it out immediately. It is much easier to kill small new plants than established ones. Digging up ivy roots quickly when they are new prevents them from getting strong.
Special Cases
H4: Killing Ivy in Garden Beds
Removing ivy from a garden bed where you have other plants needs extra care.
- Manual is often best: Hand pulling and digging are usually the safest methods here. Be very careful as you dig to avoid disturbing the roots of your good plants. Use a small trowel or hand fork.
- Protect nearby plants: If you use any treatment (even boiling water or vinegar), shield your good plants with cardboard or plastic.
- Check often: Ivy can grow tangled with other plant roots. Check the bed often and pull out any ivy shoots as soon as you see them. It might take many checks over a year or more to get it all.
H4: Removing Ivy from Walls or Fences
Ivy clings tightly to surfaces.
- Cut at the base: Cut the vines near the ground level. This kills the ivy higher up.
- Leave it to dry: Let the ivy on the wall die and dry out for several weeks or months.
- Scrape gently: Once dead and dry, the tendrils might release their grip a little. You can try gently scraping the dead vines off. Use a stiff brush or scraper. Be very careful not to damage the wall or fence surface. For old brick or soft wood, you might need to leave the dead tendrils in place if they won’t come off without causing damage.
Long-Term Control: Keeping Ivy Away
Getting rid of the main ivy is a big win. But keeping it gone is the real challenge for permanent removal.
- Frequent checks: Walk the area often. Look for new ivy leaves. Pull them right away.
- Edge control: If you have a boundary near where ivy is (like a fence or edge of your property), check this edge often. Ivy loves to creep in from next door.
- Plant something else: Once you remove the ivy, plant desirable ground covers, shrubs, or flowers in its place. This fills the space and makes it harder for ivy to come back. Strong, healthy lawn can also help keep ivy out.
- Use barriers: For areas next to woods or wild areas with ivy, you can put a root barrier in the ground along the edge. This needs to go down at least 8-12 inches deep.
Why Persistence is Key
Ivy has stored energy in its roots. Even after you cut it back or treat it, it will try to grow again. This is why digging up ivy roots thoroughly is so important. But even then, small root pieces can survive.
Getting rid of ivy permanently is not a one-time job. It is a process that takes time and repeated effort. Think of it as managing the problem, always watching for new growth. By regularly checking and removing new shoots, you starve the roots and eventually kill the plant for good.
| Removal Method | Best For | Effort Level | Speed | Chemical Use? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manual Pulling/Digging | Small patches, near good plants | High | Slow | No | Need to get ALL roots; very tiring. |
| Smothering | Large ground areas | Low | Very Slow | No | Takes months; area unusable during. |
| Cutting (on Trees) | Ivy on trees | Medium | Fast (kills top) | No | Must deal with roots at base separately. |
| Herbicides | Tough patches, cut stumps | Medium | Medium | Yes | Must use carefully; follow directions. |
| Natural (Vinegar/Water) | Very small new shoots | Medium | Fast (top kill) | No | Does not kill deep roots; need repeats. |
Using a mix often gives the best results. Start with cutting ivy off trees. Then tackle ground ivy with smothering for big areas and digging/pulling for smaller ones. Use herbicides only if needed for tough, persistent spots, applied directly to cut stumps or leaves.
Frequently Asked Questions
H4: How long does it take to kill ivy?
It takes time. Manual removal needs many repeat sessions over months. Smothering takes many months (6-12). Herbicides can show effects in weeks but may need reapplication. Permanent removal, including monitoring and killing new growth, can take a year or more.
H4: Can I just mow over ground ivy?
Mowing helps cut back the top growth. This weakens the ivy a little over time if you mow very often. But mowing alone usually will not kill the roots or remove the ivy permanently. It is a good first step before smothering or digging.
H4: Will vinegar kill ivy roots?
Regular household vinegar usually only burns the leaves it touches. Horticultural vinegar (stronger) is better, but still often does not kill the deep, established root system of ivy.
H4: Is it okay to leave dead ivy on trees?
Yes, it is better to leave the dead ivy vines on the tree trunk rather than pull them off immediately. Pulling can damage the tree bark. The dead vines will become brittle and fall off on their own over time, or you can gently remove them much later.
H4: What should I do with the ivy I remove?
Ivy can regrow easily. Do not put it in your regular compost unless your compost pile gets very hot. Bag it up and send it to a landfill. Or spread it out on a hard surface like concrete or a tarp in full sun for several weeks to let it dry out completely before disposing of it.
Your Yard Can Be Ivy-Free
Getting rid of ivy permanently is a challenge. It requires effort and patience. But by using the right methods, being thorough with digging up ivy roots, controlling invasive ivy with smothering or careful herbicide use, killing ground cover ivy, and regularly checking for new growth, you can win the fight. Removing ivy from your yard, killing ivy in your garden, and freeing your trees is possible. Stay persistent, and you can get your yard back!