Simple Strategies Recommended by Gardening Professionals to Eradicate Ivy Roots Permanently and Prevent Regrowth
In a bid to keep houses and fences free from the clinging tendrils of ivy, a method that combines physical removal with chemical control is gaining popularity. This approach, not only ensures long-term results but also reduces the amount of herbicide needed, making it more environmentally friendly.
Kezia Reynolds, a News Writer who joined the platform team in September 2024, discusses the process. She says, "The key is to remove the entire root system to prevent regrowth."
Here's a step-by-step guide to effectively kill ivy roots using this combined approach:
Step 1: Manual Removal of Ivy
First, manually pull the ivy out by hand or using a trowel or digging tool. Wear protective gloves and disposable clothing to avoid contact with urushiol oil (in the case of poison ivy) or other irritants. The ground should ideally be moist (after rain or watering) to make pulling easier. Do not compost the ivy, as oils and roots may survive and spread.
Step 2: Disposal
Carefully bag and dispose of the uprooted ivy to prevent spreading. Avoid burning poison ivy because the smoke can cause severe lung irritation.
Step 3: Apply Herbicide
After removing as much of the ivy as possible, apply an appropriate herbicide to any remaining roots or regrowth spots. Triclopyr is a selective herbicide effective for poison ivy that spares grasses, while glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide but less selective. Industrial strength vinegar can also be used as a natural herbicide with strong acidic action that kills roots deeply.
Step 4: Timing and Application
Apply herbicide during the growing season when the plant is actively taking up nutrients, usually late spring or early summer. Follow the product instructions to prepare the herbicide solution and apply directly to the leaves and root areas for best absorption and effect.
Step 5: Repeat as Needed
Monitor the area regularly and repeat manual removal and herbicide application for any new growth until the ivy is fully eradicated. Smothering with cardboard or plastic for several weeks can be added as supplementary measure to suppress regrowth but may kill other plants underneath.
Luke Newnes, a new build gardening specialist and gardening content creator, offers advice on the process. He advises wearing long sleeves, long trousers, and using secateurs, loppers, or a lawn edging tool when cutting ivy plants.
In conclusion, to effectively kill ivy roots using manual labor combined with herbicides, start with thorough manual uprooting of all roots, safely dispose of the plant matter, then treat remaining roots and regrowth with targeted herbicide (preferably triclopyr or industrial vinegar). Reapply when needed to ensure complete kill of roots and prevent resurgence.
Kezia Reynolds, in her article on ivy removal, suggests that to prevent regrowth of ivy, one should remove the entire root system by hand or with tools, followed by the application of appropriate herbicides like triclopyr or industrial vinegar to any remaining roots or regrowth spots.
Luke Newnes, a gardening expert, provides an additional tip when cutting ivy plants, noting the importance of wearing protective clothing and using tools like secateurs, loppers, or a lawn edging tool to avoid injury.
