How to Prevent Weeds in my Ground Cover Ivy

There are several types of ivy are grown as a ground covers. Ground cover ivy usually grows thick enough to choke out most weeds. It can be grown on slopes to prevent erosion and underneath trees or other shady areas where nothing else can grow. If the ground cover ivy is newly planted or thin in places, weeds can spread out and grow. In order to keep the ground cover looking nice, it is important to prevent weeds. No matter which method you use, it often takes more than one application and diligence.

Things You'll Need

• Gardening gloves
• Weed prevention fabric
• Pre-emergence herbicide
• Post-emergence herbicide

Instructions

1. Install weed prevention fabric over the ground before you plant your ivy ground cover. This fabric allows water to penetrate into the soil below but keeps the weeds from growing through. If your ivy ground cover is already growing in the area, proceed to the next step.

2. Pull on a pair of gardening gloves, and remove the weeds by hand. Grasp the weed stem as close to the soil as possible, and pull the weed out of the ground. Keep pulling the weeds throughout the season. If the weeds pull hard, or they break off, water the ground to moisten for easier removal.

3. Apply a pre-emergence herbicide late in the fall or early in the spring before weeds begin growing. Apply according to label directions. This herbicide is sold in most garden supply centers and online. There are many different types of pre-emergence herbicides, so read the label or talk to the sales clerk to find the one that is safe for your particular ground cover.

4. Apply a post-emergence to the area. A post-emergence kills weeds that are already growing. Consult the clerk at garden center for the one that is best for your needs. Apply according to label directions.

References

• Ohio State University: Weed Control Recommendations
• "Controlling Garden Weeds;" Barbara Pleasant; 1997
• Wilson Bros Nursery: Weed Control in the Landscape