Gardener shares the ‘easiest’ way to remove ivy and keep it from coming back

English ivy can look beautiful in gardens, but if it spreads and becomes uncontrollable, it can easily begin to destroy your prized plants, flowers and trees. In the UK, English ivy is a native plant but can still exhibit invasive behaviors as it can compete with nearby plants for nutrients, sunlight and water, greatly stunting their growth.

Not only that, but ivy vines can climb buildings or fences and open into cracks, which can cause structural damage if left unchecked. However, Brittany Bailey, gardening and DIY expert from Pretty Handy Girl, said she has the “simplest” way to get rid of ivy in your garden and prevent it from regrowing, reports the Express.

She said: “No pulling or bending over. This really is the best way to get rid of English ivy.”

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How to get rid of English ivy in the garden and house

You’ll need to make sure you’re wearing a good pair of work boots, a long-sleeved top, long-sleeved trousers, gardening gloves and safety glasses. According to Brittany, it’s important to “prepare” when removing ivy because it’s a known shelter for many pests, including spiders and rodents, so it’s best to protect yourself as much as possible.

To get started, you’ll need to start cutting back the ivy for best results and then use either an herbicide or a natural homemade solution to get rid of it completely. Ivy’s waxy leaves make it a difficult plant to kill, but by cutting back the vine, gardeners can create an “open wound” that allows the plant to absorb ivy-killing solutions more effectively.

To tackle the stubborn plant, use loppers or loppers to cut the ivy close to ground level and then gently pull the roots. However, be careful not to pull it off completely as this could damage the surface it is attached to. Brittany advised, “Resist the urge to pull the vine as it can damage the skin. Once the ivy dies, the green will turn brown and eventually fall off.”

For ivy on the ground, the process can be sped up with a lawnmower, although it’s important to clear any surrounding debris first.

To completely eliminate ivy, apply an herbicide containing glyphosate, triclopyr, or imazapyr. Alternatively, for those looking for a greener approach, Brittany suggests a homemade mixture of one gallon of white vinegar with one teaspoon of dish soap, cautioning to avoid contact with desirable plants and trees.

Within a week, the ivy should begin to die back and release its hold, making it easy to remove any vines left on the ground.

Brittany added, “If any roots resist raking, use a hoe to dig up the roots. This process will be much easier after a rainy day because the ground will be softer.”

Keep a close eye on the area where the ivy was for a few weeks to make sure it doesn’t start growing new shoots, as this method is the most effective and easiest way to get rid of ivy in your garden for good.

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