2 weeks Ago By Angela Patrone
Ivy plants not only wreak havoc on walls but are also notoriously difficult to eradicate. Even when yanked off a wall, they often leave behind unsightly roots. Ivy grows fast - a little too fast - as it’s known to be able to grow up to nine feet in one year, so it’s best to tackle this vine as soon as you see it starting to grow.
Experts advise that the plant should be grown in small garden pots and trained to keep it under control. Gena Lorainne, a gardening expert at Fantastic Services , claimed: “The best way to remove ivy from a wall is to cut through the stem with a sharp saw and then dig out the root. “Once the foliage has died, you can carefully remove the stuck-on stems with a wire brush.
“If it covers the ground, dig it up with a mattock or fork and dispose of it elsewhere. “Alternatively, if the ground does not need to be planted, remove all the top growth, cover it with weed-control fabric, and add some back mulch 10cm to 15cm deep.” While weed killer can be utilised, it often requires a long time to take effect and can harm nearby plants.
Instead, create a white vinegar mix of approximately 80 percent water and 20 percent vinegar in a container to stop the plant from returning. Pour this into a spray bottle and aim at the ivy, ensuring no damage to any surrounding plants. Gena advised: “Observe the results after a few days.
Remove any dead ivy and reapply the same solution as needed.” White vinegar serves as an effective herbicide because it contains acetic acid, which targets the plant at the root. There’s no need to worry if some vinegar ends up on the soil around neighbouring plants because even though vinegar is an acid, it breaks down quickly in the soil and, therefore, is not likely to accumulate enough to affect soil pH for more than a few days.
The solution can also be used to target weeds and eliminate them permanently. Before tackling the invasive plant, it’s crucial to put on gloves and protective attire as it can trigger irritation..
