How To Get Rid Of Ivy?

Not every property owner wants to maintain the thick coverage of ivy that helps Wrigley Field in Chicago unique. In many cases, ivy grows quickly and takes over a large area. It is notorious for choking out other growth. So how do we get rid of ivy?

Many gardening advisers, landscapers and botanists start talking about ivy by strongly urging people not to plant it in the first place. Experts say there is already so much ivy growing unattended that even a focused weed-control program won’t eliminate it all.

If you need reasons for getting rid of ivy, consider that if this plant is left alone it can choke out desirable plants in short order. Ivy grows in a thick, intertwined cover that is a perfect hiding place for rodents, snakes, spiders and many other small animals that may be trouble for the property owner. In addition, close studies of ivy show that this plant creates allergy problems with its pollen and dust. Slugs also love to make their home in ivy because it shades them from the sun and provides a dark, cool place to hang out.

Back to Basics
The most basic way to get rid of ivy is, of course, pulling it out. If you can get two or three sets of hands involved you can make short work of a large infestation of ivy. Some enterprising individuals have even organized a community event that is a glorified ivy-pulling session. Think of the benefit to the neighborhood when dozens of hands are removing ivy at a frenetic pace!

You can stop ivy in its tracks on walls and larger trees by completely removing the bottom few feet of vine. But to get the ivy off of higher spots you may have to take to the ladder. If this is not a safe alternative you can hire a tree expert or lawn-care specialist to do the job for you.

You’ll have to be patient though. If you leave part of the vine with its leaves it may take a full swing through the seasons for it to stop producing leaves. In fact, ivy can hang on in its dry, dead state for two or three years.

Proper Disposal
After you have removed the ivy you need to dispose of it properly. Don’t give it a chance to get started again when you leave it lying close to the house, a tree or a pole. Bag up the pulled branches and close the bags tightly. Ask if your trash-removal service or a city department will dispose of these bags. Don’t put ivy in your compost pile! This will only encourage it to thrive in another location.

Unfortunately, ivy doesn’t care much if you put standard herbicides on it. The leaves and small stems have a waxy coating that turns herbicides away. You may be able to have some effect with stronger chemicals if you apply the herbicide in the spring or very early in summer. The plant hasn’t had a chance to develop a good waxy coating this early.

Use a good pair of gloves, get some help and pull that pesky weed away from your trees and other property.

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