How to get rid of ivy and keep it away for good, according to experts - Daily Record

How to get rid of ivy and keep it away for good, according to expertsIvy is an evergreen climber that clings to walls, fences and trees, forming dense mats of growth and can block sunlight

and smother plantsCommentsLifestylePhoebe Cornish Senior Lifestyle Reporter and Andrew E Quinn17:02, 04 Jun 2025Trimming ivy won't stop it from growing back as it is a vigorous plant(Image:

Getty) Most gardeners in the UK will have encountered common or English ivy at some point, but few would have deliberately planted it. This evergreen climber is ubiquitous, clinging to

walls, fences, and trees, and forming dense mats of growth.

While it has some benefits, such as providing shelter for birds and pollinators, its tendency to smother plants, damage mortar in older walls, and block sunlight makes it a common problem

for gardeners.

‌ Rapid-growing weeds are often tackled with harsh chemicals, which many might assume would be the solution for ivy.

‌ However, irrigation experts at Drip Works claim that a natural mixture of three household ingredients is all that's needed to eradicate "serious and invasive" ivy for good, reports the

Express.

There are several methods for tackling unwanted ivy in the garden, depending on where the leafy plant is growing.

One effective solution for climbing ivy is a vinegar-based spray.

Article continues belowGardening news plant three spring flowersPatio moss and weeds easily banished'durable' garden egg chairone job for summer plants "If you want an ivy-free garden wall,

this is an effective and natural way to achieve it," said the Drip Works team.

The formula involves combining apple cider vinegar, salt, and dish soap, which has been "proven to be the best solution to kill ivy".

‌ Preparing it is straightforward: simply combine one gallon of apple cider vinegar, one tablespoon of salt, and one ounce of dish soap (approximately two tablespoons) in a spray bottle.

When it comes to killing ivy, both apple cider vinegar and white vinegar can be effective, but the former may have an edge due to its additional compounds beyond acetic acid.

The key to success lies in the concentration of acetic acid, which varies among vinegar types.

‌ Before application, ensure you're well-protected with gardening gloves, long sleeves, and boots.

Combine the solution in a secure container, shaking it vigorously to mix.

The combination of apple cider vinegar, salt, and dish soap has been proven to be the best solution(Image: Getty)‌How to kill ivy plants Irrigation experts recommend leaving the vinegar

solution on the plants for at least five days before assessing its impact.

This natural herbicide works by dehydrating ivy leaves and breaking down their protective waxy coating.

As the Drip Works team advises, "After five to six days, use garden shears and a pruning saw to remove dead ivy that is clinging firmly to the building."

‌ Be thorough, as surviving leaves may require repeat treatment until the English ivy is completely dead.

Clear ivy ‘for good’ in 5 days with 3 natural items that have been ‘proven to be the best’(Image: Getty) Once the foliage has died back, it's crucial to physically remove the roots to

prevent regrowth, as ivy can reappear from even a small remaining root segment.

Article continues below While ivy can provide a habitat for wildlife, allowing it to grow unchecked can weaken trees by adding weight and competing for essential resources like light and

moisture.

It comes after garden experts shared tips on how to ensure your Japanese Acer retains its striking colour throughout the year.