How to Kill Climbing Ivy
Climbing ivy competes with ornamental plants for sunlight, air and the soil's nutrients. In fact, some ivy types, such as English ivy, are considered invasive weeds. Killing ivy proves difficult, however, because of the growing nature of climbing vines. Stems from ornamental plants are often entwined with the ivy. Herbicides are often used to eliminate ivy, but apply carefully so you don't destroy neighboring plants. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Place a ladder next to the climbing ivy to gain access to the top of the plant. Have an assistant to help you steady the ladder if the ground is uneven.
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Dip a small paintbrush into an herbicide that contains glyphosate. Paint the leaves of the ivy plant with the herbicide. Glyphosate works by absorbing though the leaves and disrupting the ivy plant's ability to produce proteins.
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Work your way down the plant painting as much foliage as possible. Wait for a few days and return to see if the plant is still living. Dead ivy will be easier to remove, because it's easier to rip away dead vines and foliage from your ornamental plant.
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Pull off or cut with a pair of bypass shears the dead ivy on the support structure. Work your way down, removing the dead ivy off the support. Press a shovel 6 inches away from the base of the ivy plant at the bottom. Lift the roots through the soil to remove.
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Pick up all pieces of roots to ensure the ivy plant doesn't return. Establish other plants in the area to help prevent the ivy from growing back.
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Tips & Warnings
Cover up ornamental plants with a piece of plastic to prevent them from getting sprayed by the herbicide.
Throw away or burn pieces of ivy. Avoid placing in your compost to prevent spreading the ivy to other places in the yard.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
