Fool-proof method eradicates ivy from gardens as plant will 'pull away' and die

18 November 2023 , 09:03

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Ivy can be persistent and very difficult to remove (stock photo) (Image: Getty Images/Cavan Images RF)

English ivy can be tricky to get rid of because it attaches itself to everything that it climbs. Fans of cleaning influencer Mrs Hinch shared some failsafe tips for removing the plant from your garden.

Ivy is commonly found in gardens across the UK and is often seen as invasive – attaching itself to anything that it can climb, like fences or trees. The plant is moisture-resistant and can be difficult to remove once it has grown onto things.

Fans of cleaning and lifestyle influencer Sophie Hinchliffe, known as Mrs Hinch, will know that there are several Facebook groups dedicated to sharing home and garden advice. In one group called Mrs Hinch Gardening, people have been swapping tips on how to remove the persistent plant, according to the Express.

Joy Comben Allen posted: "This ivy is taking over not only this tree but the whole flower bed but this is the worse part. I've sprayed it every night for over a week with Round Up but it's not doing a thing.

"I tried digging it up last year but it just keeps coming back. Any advice please."

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Ivy can be very invasive (stock photo) (Getty Images)

Lots of people responded to the post with gardening tips. The main method people suggested was to get to the root of the issue – and dig up the plant's roots.

Helen Reid said: "Ivy is very persistent, you need to get the main root out and as much as the surrounding roots. Depending on where it is, if nothing growing nearby, small amount of acid will kill anything left in the ground. If you have nearby plants, just break anything left in the ground. It should work."

Beth Carlisle added: "Dig up the roots – I have a similar issue creeping under the fence. I cut stems about four inches above ground to pull away the creepers but need to leave a piece at ground level to let us pull up the root."

Other commenters suggested trying a stronger weed killer to get rid of the plant and prevent it growing back. Some suggested trying to find a specific ivy killer to make sure the plant is completely eradicated.

Karen Sim said: "You need stronger ivy killer and cut then put onto the roots. Nothing else will kill it. I've had it in my garden for 30 years and it was the only way I could kill it. Took many attempts though. Diesel kills it as well."

Do you have tips of your own to share? Let us know in the comments below.

Cait Findlay