How To Get Rid Of Ivy In Your Yard: Do It Permanently

Want to get rid of ivy in your yard? You can remove ivy by cutting the main vines, pulling up smaller plants, digging out the roots, and using methods like smothering or careful herbicide application to stop it from growing back. Getting rid of stubborn ivy like English ivy takes time and hard work, but it is possible to do it permanently.

Ivy looks nice in some places. But it can quickly take over your garden. It climbs walls, fences, and trees. It can hurt buildings and even kill trees. Stopping ivy early is best.

This guide will show you how to remove ivy for good. We will look at different ways to do it.

How To Get Rid Of Ivy In Your Yard
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Why Removing Ivy Matters

Ivy seems harmless. But it grows fast. It spreads everywhere. It forms a thick mat on the ground. This stops other plants from growing.

It also climbs. It sticks tightly to surfaces. On walls, it can damage mortar. It can trap water. This hurts the wall.

On trees, ivy is bad news. It climbs high into the branches. It adds weight. This can make branches break. It also covers the leaves. This stops the tree from getting sunlight. Over time, it can kill the tree. Removing ivy from trees is very important.

Getting rid of ivy protects your yard. It keeps your trees safe. It saves your walls and fences. It also makes space for other plants to grow.

Planning Your Ivy Removal Project

Removing ivy takes effort. You need a plan. Think about how much ivy you have. Is it on the ground? Is it climbing something?

The plan depends on where the ivy is. It also depends on how much time you have. And what tools you have.

Safety is key. Ivy can cause skin rashes for some people. Wear gloves. Wear long sleeves. Wear long pants. Protect your eyes.

Gather your tools before you start.

Tools You Will Need

Strong gloves
Long sleeves and pants
Safety glasses
Pruning shears or loppers (for cutting thick vines)
Saw (for very thick vines)
Shovel or spade (for digging roots)
Garden fork (to loosen soil)
Wheelbarrow or tarp (to move ivy waste)
Heavy-duty garbage bags
Water or soap and water (to wash skin if needed)

Manual Ivy Removal: Pulling and Digging

This is often the best way to start. It works well for ground cover. It is also good for smaller ivy patches.

Manual removal means using your hands and tools. You cut the vines. You pull them up. You dig out the roots.

This method needs time and strength. But it avoids using chemicals. This is good for the environment. It is also safe for pets and kids.

Step 1: Cutting Back Ivy

First, you need to cut the main vines. This is especially true if the ivy is climbing. Or if it is a thick mat on the ground.

Use your pruning shears or loppers. Cut the vines about 1 to 2 feet from the ground.

If the vines are very thick, use a small saw. Cut all the main stems you can find.

Cutting back ivy stops the flow of food to the upper parts. The ivy above the cut will start to die.

Step 2: Clearing the Cut Ivy

After cutting, you will have lots of loose ivy vines. These will dry out and die.

It is best to remove them. If they are climbing a wall or tree, they might be hard to pull off right away. Wait a week or two. They will get dry. They will be easier to pull off then.

Be gentle when pulling ivy from walls. You do not want to damage the wall surface or mortar. Use a brush to gently remove stubborn bits. Do not use metal tools on walls.

Gather all the cut ivy. Put it in your wheelbarrow or on a tarp. Do not leave it on the ground. Ivy can regrow from pieces of vine.

Step 3: Pulling Ground Ivy

Now, focus on the ivy left on the ground. You have cut the main vines. New shoots might come up from the roots.

Start pulling up the ivy mat. Find an edge. Grab a bunch of vines. Pull firmly but slowly. Try to get the roots out with the vines.

If the ground is hard, water it first. This makes pulling easier. A garden fork can help loosen the soil around the roots.

Pull small sections at a time. Make sure you get as much of the root system as you can. Leaving roots behind means the ivy will grow back. This is key to killing ivy roots.

Step 4: Digging Out Roots

Pulling gets some roots. But many small pieces will break off. Or they will be deep in the ground.

You need to dig these out. Use a shovel or spade. Follow the main root lines. Dig up the soil. Look for roots.

Ivy roots can spread wide. They are often not very deep. But they can be tangled.

Dig carefully. Sift through the soil with your hands (wear gloves!). Find all the root pieces. Even a small piece of root can start a new plant.

Getting all the roots is the secret to prevent ivy regrowth.

Step 5: Dispose of Ivy Properly

Ivy is tough. It can live for a long time after you cut it. Pieces can reroot.

Do not put ivy in your compost pile. It will likely keep growing.

The best way to get rid of it is to bag it up. Use strong garbage bags. Seal them well. Put them out for trash collection.

You can also let it dry out completely in the sun. Spread it on a hard surface where it cannot root. Let it bake in the sun for weeks or months. Once it is totally dry and brittle, it is dead. Then you can dispose of it.

This manual method is hard work. But it is very effective for English ivy removal and killing ivy vines without chemicals.

Removing Ivy From Trees

Ivy climbing trees is a big problem. It can kill the tree. You need to act fast.

Never just pull ivy off a tree trunk. This can strip off the bark. Stripping bark seriously hurts the tree.

The method for trees is simple: cut and leave the ivy on the tree.

Steps for Removing Ivy From Trees

Cut the Vines: Find the main ivy vines climbing the tree trunk. Use loppers or a saw. Cut the vines in two places. Make the cuts about 1 to 2 feet apart. Go all around the trunk. Make sure you cut every single vine.
Create a Gap: After cutting, remove the section of vine between your two cuts. Pull it gently away from the trunk. This creates a gap. It breaks the connection between the roots in the ground and the ivy up in the tree.
Leave Ivy on Tree: The ivy vines still attached higher up the tree will die. They are cut off from water and food. Do not try to pull them off right away. As they dry, they will become lighter. They will slowly detach over time. This can take months or even a year. They will eventually fall off on their own without hurting the bark.
Deal with Ground Ivy: Now that the tree is safe, deal with the ivy on the ground around the base of the tree. Dig and pull up the roots as described before. Make sure you clear a circle around the tree base. This stops new vines from climbing up.

Removing ivy from trees this way saves the tree. It is safer than pulling everything off at once.

Using Herbicides for Ivy Control

Sometimes, manual removal is not enough. Or the ivy patch is too large. Herbicides can be an option.

Herbicides are chemicals that kill plants. You must use them carefully. They can harm other plants. They can be bad for the environment if misused.

Choose the right herbicide for ivy. A systemic herbicide works best for ivy. This type of herbicide goes into the plant’s system (leaves, stems, roots) and kills it from the inside.

Glyphosate is a common systemic herbicide. Products containing triclopyr are often very effective on woody vines like ivy.

How to Use Herbicide for Ivy

Choose the Right Time: Apply herbicide when the ivy is actively growing. This is usually in the spring or fall. The plant is taking in water and nutrients then. It will take in the herbicide too. Avoid windy days. Do not apply before rain is expected. Rain can wash the herbicide away.
Cut the Ivy First: Cut the main vines just like you would for manual removal. Cut them about 1-2 feet from the ground or where you want to kill the patch. This makes the plant try to regrow from the roots. The new growth is often more sensitive to herbicide.
Apply to Leaves or Stems: You can spray the leaves of the ivy that is left on the ground. Make sure to wet the leaves well. Or, for cut vines, you can apply concentrated herbicide directly to the cut end of the stem. This sends the killer straight to the roots. This is very effective for killing ivy roots.
Read and Follow Instructions: Every herbicide product is different. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY. Follow all safety warnings. Use the right amount. Wear protective gear (gloves, glasses, long clothes).
Be Careful: Only apply herbicide to the ivy. Avoid spraying nearby plants you want to keep. Use a spray shield or paint the herbicide onto cut stems to be more precise.
Repeat if Needed: Ivy is tough. One treatment might not kill it all. You might need to apply herbicide again after a few weeks. Watch for new growth.

Using herbicide for ivy can speed up the process. But it must be done with care. It is one way for killing ivy vines, especially stubborn ones.

Natural and Organic Ivy Control

Many people want to avoid chemicals. There are natural ways to kill ivy. These methods are safer for your garden and family. This is organic ivy removal.

Smothering Ivy

Ivy needs sunlight to live. If you cover the ivy, you block the sun. This will kill the plant over time.

Cut Ivy Low: Cut the ivy vines close to the ground.
Cover the Area: Use thick black plastic sheeting, cardboard, or old carpet pieces. Cover the entire area where the ivy is growing. Make sure the cover extends past the edges of the ivy patch by a few feet.
Anchor the Cover: Hold the cover down with bricks, rocks, or stakes. You do not want sunlight or air to get under it.
Wait: Leave the cover in place for at least six months. A full year is even better. The ivy underneath will die. The roots will rot.

This method takes a long time. But it is very effective. It is a great natural ivy killer.

Boiling Water

Boiling water can kill small ivy patches and new shoots.

Pour boiling water directly onto the ivy plants. Be careful not to burn yourself or other plants. This works by cooking the plant cells.

This is not good for large areas or established roots. It is useful for small spots or new sprouts you missed during removal.

Vinegar

Horticultural vinegar (stronger than kitchen vinegar) can damage ivy leaves.

Spray concentrated vinegar onto the leaves on a sunny day. The sun helps it work. It burns the leaves.

Like boiling water, vinegar is best for small ivy patches or new growth. It usually does not kill the deep roots of established ivy. It might take many applications.

Be aware that vinegar will kill any plant it touches. Use it carefully.

These natural methods are good choices for those looking for an organic ivy removal solution or a natural ivy killer.

Combining Methods: The Best Way to Remove Ivy

Often, the most effective way to get rid of ivy permanently is to use a mix of methods.

Start with manual removal. Cut back the vines. Pull and dig up as much as you can. This immediately reduces the amount of ivy. It also weakens the plant.

Then, use another method to deal with what is left or what grows back.

Manual + Smothering: Clear a large area manually. Then cover the remaining ivy or any roots you missed with plastic. This is a very effective long-term organic approach.
Manual + Herbicide: Clear the bulk manually. Then apply herbicide only to stubborn patches, cut stems, or new regrowth that appears. This targets the treatment.
Manual + Boiling Water/Vinegar: Clear the main ivy manually. Use boiling water or vinegar for small areas or new shoots that appear later.

The best way to remove ivy often involves this step-by-step approach. First, get rid of the main plant above ground. Second, attack the root system using digging, smothering, or targeted herbicide. Third, monitor the area and deal with any regrowth immediately.

How to Kill Ivy Roots Permanently

Killing the roots is the most important step for permanent removal. If roots remain, the ivy will come back.

Digging: As discussed, dig out every piece of root you can find after cutting back the vines. This is hard work but very effective.
Smothering: Covering the area for a long time kills the roots by blocking sun and airflow. They will eventually die and rot.
Targeted Herbicide on Cut Stems: Cutting the stem and putting concentrated herbicide right on the cut surface sends the chemical directly down to the roots. This is a powerful way to kill ivy roots without spraying a large area.
Persistence: This is key. Even after doing the steps above, watch the area. Any tiny root piece can send up a new shoot. Pull or treat these new shoots right away. Do not let them grow big.

Preventing Ivy Regrowth

You have done the hard work. You removed the ivy. Now, how do you stop it from coming back? Prevent ivy regrowth with these steps.

Monitor the Area: Check the spot often, especially in spring and fall. Look for new little ivy plants. They will come from roots you missed or seeds.
Pull New Shoots Immediately: As soon as you see a new ivy shoot, pull it up. Do not let it grow. The younger it is, the easier it is to remove the root.
Establish Other Plants: Once the ivy is gone, plant ground cover or other plants you want in that area. This fills the space. It competes with any returning ivy for sun, water, and nutrients. A healthy garden bed is less likely to be taken over by weeds like ivy.
Use Mulch: A thick layer of mulch (wood chips, bark, etc.) can help suppress weed growth, including new ivy shoots. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch.
Edge Your Garden Beds: If the ivy is in an area next to grass or a path, install edging. This can be plastic, metal, or stone. Edging goes into the ground and can block roots from spreading into your cleared area from nearby.

Dealing with Ivy on Difficult Surfaces

Ivy does not just grow on the ground. It climbs walls, fences, sheds, and trees. We talked about trees. What about other surfaces?

Ivy on Walls and Fences

Be very careful here. Pulling ivy off a wall can rip off paint or plaster. It can damage wood on a fence.

Cut at the Base: Cut all the main vines near the ground. Create a gap. The ivy higher up will die.
Let it Dry: Let the cut ivy die and dry on the wall or fence. This makes it easier to remove later. It might take a few weeks.
Gentle Removal: Once dry, gently try to pull the dead vines away. If they are stuck, use a stiff brush (not metal) to loosen the little rootlets (holdfasts) that stick to the surface.
Stubborn Bits: If parts are still stuck, do not force them. You can sometimes leave them. They will wear away over time. Or you can carefully chip them away with a plastic scraper or brush.
Deal with Ground Ivy: Remember to remove the ivy from the ground at the base of the wall or fence. This stops new vines from climbing up.

Ivy on Sheds or Outbuildings

Treat sheds like walls. Cut at the base. Let the top die. Remove gently. Check the roof too. Ivy can grow onto roofs. It can get under shingles and cause leaks. Remove ivy from sheds quickly.

Specifics About English Ivy Removal

English ivy (Hedera helix) is one of the most common and troublesome types of ivy. It is invasive in many areas. English ivy removal follows the steps we have discussed.

It has those strong little rootlets that stick hard to surfaces.
It forms dense mats on the ground.
It spreads fast.
It is hard to kill because its roots are tough and it can regrow from small pieces.

So, for English ivy removal, you need to be extra thorough.

Be very careful when cutting and pulling. Get every piece.
Digging out the roots is crucial for English ivy.
If using herbicide, make sure it is labeled for tough woody vines like English ivy. Triclopyr is often recommended for English ivy.
Persistence is key. English ivy will try hard to come back.

Killing ivy vines, especially English ivy, requires repeated effort.

Comparing Ivy Removal Methods

Here is a quick look at the different ways to remove ivy:

Method	Pros	Cons	Best For	Speed	Permanence (with follow-up)
Manual (Cut & Pull)	No chemicals, safe, good exercise, effective if thorough	Hard work, time-consuming, might miss roots	Small patches, ground cover, starting point	Medium	Good
Digging Roots	Gets to the source, no chemicals, permanent if done right	Very hard work, soil disturbance, takes time	After cutting back, essential for killing roots	Slow	Excellent
Smothering	No chemicals, effective for large areas, kills roots	Takes a long time (6+ months), looks messy	Large ground patches, where time is not an issue	Very Slow	Excellent
Herbicide (Spray)	Faster than manual for large areas, kills leaves	Can harm other plants, uses chemicals, not always root deep	Large, dense ground patches (use carefully)	Medium	Fair (needs repeats)
Herbicide (Cut Stem)	Targets roots directly, uses less chemical, effective	Slower for huge areas, requires cutting each stem	Killing roots of specific vines, climbing ivy	Medium	Very Good
Boiling Water	No chemicals, simple	Only kills top growth, not for large areas/roots	New shoots, small patches on paths	Fast	Poor (doesn’t kill roots)
Vinegar	No chemicals, simple	Only kills top growth, not for large areas/roots, kills other plants	New shoots, small patches (use carefully)	Fast	Poor (doesn’t kill roots)
Removing from Trees	Saves the tree, prevents bark damage	Ivy stays on tree for a while	Ivy climbing trees	Medium	Excellent (for tree safety)

Remember, the best way to remove ivy often involves using several of these methods together.

Patience and Persistence Pay Off

Getting rid of ivy permanently is not a one-time job. It takes time and repeated effort.

After your main removal work, whether it was manual, chemical, or smothering, the most important thing is to keep watching the area.

New shoots will likely appear. They might come from roots you missed. They might come from seeds carried by birds.

Make it a habit to check the area every few weeks. Pull up any new ivy plants as soon as you see them. It is much easier to pull a tiny sprout than a tangled mess.

By being watchful and acting fast on new growth, you prevent the ivy from getting strong again. This persistence is the true key to permanent ivy removal.

Think of it as a long game. The first step is the biggest battle. The steps after that are smaller skirmishes to make sure the enemy doesn’t regroup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does it take to kill ivy?

Killing the main plant can be fast with herbicide or manual labor. But killing it permanently takes much longer. Smothering takes 6-12 months. Manual removal followed by monitoring can take a year or more of checking and pulling new growth. Total eradication depends on how thorough you are and how often you check for regrowth.

Can ivy grow back from tiny pieces?

Yes. Ivy is very tough. Small sections of vine or root can sprout new plants if left on the ground or in the soil. This is why proper disposal and thorough root removal are so important.

Is English ivy removal harder than removing other types?

English ivy (Hedera helix) is known for being particularly hard to remove. It grows aggressively, climbs tightly, and has a strong root system that is good at regrowing. The steps for English ivy removal are the same, but you need to be extra thorough and persistent.

Can I just cut the ivy at the base and leave it?

If the ivy is climbing a tree, cutting at the base and leaving the upper part to die is the correct method to protect the tree bark. However, for ground cover or on walls, just cutting the vines at the base won’t kill the roots or stop regrowth from the base area. You need to remove the ground parts and roots too.

When is the best time of year to remove ivy?

Manual removal can be done any time the ground isn’t frozen. It might be easier in spring or fall when the weather is cooler. Herbicide application is best when the ivy is actively growing, usually spring or fall, when temperatures are mild.

Will covering ivy with mulch kill it?

A thick layer of mulch (several inches) can help suppress new ivy growth or small patches. But it is usually not enough to kill an established, dense ivy patch with strong roots. Smothering with plastic or cardboard is more effective for killing existing ivy.

How can I kill ivy without harming nearby plants?

Be very careful. For manual removal, this is not an issue. For herbicide, use targeted methods. Apply concentrated herbicide only to cut stems, or use a spray shield when spraying leaves. Use boiling water or vinegar only in areas away from plants you want to keep.

What is the best way to remove ivy from ground cover?

Start by cutting back the main vines. Then, use a garden fork to loosen the soil and pull up the ivy mats, getting as many roots as possible. For large or stubborn areas, consider smothering after initial clearing. Be prepared to dig or pull up regrowth.

Killing ivy vines and getting rid of English ivy removal problems takes patience. But with the right steps and persistence, you can clear your yard and keep it ivy-free for good. Pick the method or mix of methods that best fits your situation and get started today.