
English ivy is renowned for its exceptional climbing abilities, a trait much appreciated by gardeners aiming to provide quick and easy green coverage. Nonetheless, ivy’s invasive nature can become problematic as it may infiltrate cracks and damage structures over time. A well-established ivy plant thrives with minimal water and light and continues to grow even during every season.
Gardening experts at DripWorks warn that ivy can spread far and wide without proper management. The plant’s roots spread across the soil or ascend trees, walls, boulders, and various surfaces within reach. Revealing a method to “kill ivy for good,” the professionals recommend using a common kitchen item: apple cider vinegar .
They claim this approach is an “effective and natural way” to rid your garden of ivy. According to these experts, “the combination of apple cider vinegar, salt, and dish soap has been proven to be the best solution to kill ivy”. The advised mixture includes one gallon of apple cider vinegar, one tablespoon of salt, and one ounce of dish soap.
Preparation involves filling a spray bottle with this concoction, and it is crucial to wear protective gardening gloves, long-sleeved clothing, and boots during the application process. Spray the vinegar-based solution liberally on ivy plants and leave it for a “minimum of five days” before assessing the results. After this period, typically between five to six days, you should use garden shears and a pruning saw to cut away any dead ivy still clinging stubbornly to structures.
If any leaves remain, the process may need to be repeated until the English ivy is entirely eradicated. For extensive ground coverings of ivy, experts suggest that “peeling it like a carpet is the best way to remove it”. When dealing with a slope, it’s advised to start at the highest point and roll the ivy mat downhill.
Ivy can create a dense, tangled web on the ground by intertwining with everything in its path. However, if the ivy is entangled with branches, sticks, or debris, peeling it back becomes unfeasible, and these obstacles can also hinder root removal. Therefore, the initial step should be to clear away all such materials.
Tackling small sections at a time is recommended when removing densely growing English ivy..