how to get rid of ivy

In small doses, plants like ivy can lend an elegant appearance to your lawn or garden. When left to grow unchecked, however, they can quickly take over, swallowing up their surroundings in a sea of leaves and twisting vines. To deal with unwanted ivy, it's essential to target the plant's root system to prevent it from simply springing back up. Spraying it with a potent herbicide can be an effective solution, though this can also harm other plants nearby. If you think you might want to replant over the affected area, smother it with mulch or compost instead, or pull up the root system by hand.

1
Select a chemical herbicide powerful enough to work on ivy. You'll get the best results using a weed killer product formulated specifically for invasive plants. Other similar herbicides containing ingredients like glyphosate, dicamba, 2,4-D, MCPP, or carfentrazone will also get the job done. Each of these chemicals is powerful enough to destroy the ivy from the root system up.
- Please note: The WHO considers glyphosate to be a probable human carcinogen. Its use is prohibited in some states and countries. Please check with your local laws and use caution if handling this chemical.
- Products featuring a single active chemical ingredient tend to be more effective than those that contain a mixture.
- Unlike standard herbicides, which are absorbed through the leaves, these chemicals leach into the root system of the plant, destroying it once and for all.
2
Spray the affected area entirely. Cover the ivy with a heavy mist early in the morning while the foliage is still damp. The closer to the ground you spray, the easier it will be for the chemical to find its way to the roots. Always follow the instructions outlined on the label of the specific product you're using.
- Chemical herbicides are toxic, and can potentially cause severe health issues if inhaled or ingested. For your own safety, wear gloves, some form of eye protection, and a facemask or respirator.
- The best times to treat invasive groundcover plants with weed killer are just after the first frost of fall and in early summer when most species begin to flower.
3
Give the herbicide 1-2 weeks to take effect. Depending on the product you're using (along with other factors like weather conditions and the extent of the invasion), it may take anywhere from a couple weeks to a month for the ivy to begin dying off. You'll know the product is working when the foliage begins to grow discolored and deteriorate.^[1]
- It's best to plan your attack for a day with clear, calm weather. A heavy rain may dilute or wash away freshly-spray herbicide. Similarly, strong winds could accidentally carry the chemicals to other healthy plants nearby.
- Avoid handling or watering neighboring plants for a few days after spraying a chemical herbicide around them.
4
Pull up the dead plants. After about a month, go through your lawn or garden a few feet at a time and collect the remaining foliage. Most of it should have decayed by now, which means you'll be able to simply pick it up off the ground. Remember to wear a pair of rugged work gloves to keep the herbicide off of your hands. Trace amounts of herbicide left behind in the soil won't affect any new growth you go on to plant.^[2]
- Ivy can be sneaky. Look for any spots you may have missed before you declare your mission accomplished.
- When you're finished pulling the ivy, gather it up in a trash bag or wheelbarrow rather than leaving it scattered around.
5

Use a natural weed killer if you don't want to use a chemical herbicide. Fill a spray bottle with either white vinegar or a mixture of ¹⁄₄ gallon (0.95 L) of water, ³⁄₄ pound (0.34 kg) of salt, and a few drops of dish soap. Spray the ivy with the vinegar or the salt mixture until it's soaked. Check back on the ivy after a week and remove any dead leaves and branches. If the ivy is still alive, continue to spray it weekly until it dies.

1
Cover the affected area with a layer of insulation. Stretch a roll of plastic sheeting over the ivy on the ground of your lawn or garden. Use plastic garden stakes or small stones to weigh down the outer edges of the insulation. If you're using multiple sheets, make sure there are no gaps for the probing ivy to grow through.^[3]
- For a more organic approach that doesn't require you to fill your yard with plastic, you can also lay down 10-15 layers of newspaper (or roughly one folded section of the morning paper).
- Smothering can be a useful solution when you want to plant over an area consumed by ivy or other groundcover species without going to the trouble of killing or pulling it first.
2
Pile mulch or compost on top of the insulation. Dump the mulch or compost onto the insulation material, then use a shovel to spread it into an even 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) layer. Tamp the covering lightly underfoot to compact it. Work a few feet at a time until you've covered all visible ivy.^[4]
- You can layer on additional covering (up to about 6 inches (15 cm)) if you're planning on put in plants with deeper-reaching roots.
- The mulch or compost layer should be no less than 2 inches (5.1 cm) thick at any point. If it's too thin, the insulation will be at risk of exposure.
3
Plant directly in the mulch or compost. Should you decide to introduce new plants to the area, you can simply grow them straight through the new bedding material. Grass, low shrubs, flowering perennials, small vegetables, and herbs will all fare well in these types of shallow beds.
- Since the insulation will block more complex root systems from penetrating into the soil, you may be limited as to the number and type of species you can grow.
4
Leave the ivy covered for at least 1 year. The barrier created by the insulation will prevent carbon dioxide and vital nutrients from reaching the ivy. As a result, the invasive foliage will die off slowly. If you replot your lawn or garden within the next couple years, you'll need to remove the mulch and insulation and dispose of the dead ivy underneath.^[5]
- If you notice ivy popping up around the perimeter of the bed, pull it up or spray it with a chemical herbicide right away to stop it in its tracks.

1
Grab a cluster of ivy. If the groundcover hasn't yet overtaken a larger area, you can put a stop to it with your own two hands. Identify each part of your lawn or garden where the ivy has spread. Then, starting at the outer edge of the patch, take hold of the thin, snake-like vines with both hands just above the soil.
- Be sure to wear gloves and long-sleeved clothing to protect your hands while pulling ivy. Certain species, like English ivy, may cause mild skin irritation.^[6]
2
Pull firmly to dislodge the roots. Give the ivy a sharp tug from the vine. Most species have shallow root systems, so they should come up with little difficulty. It's important to make sure that the entire root comes free, however, or else there's a chance that the plant could grow back.
- The roots are identifiable by their thin, fibrous tendrils, and will usually be light brown in color.
- Use a hand trowel to dig out stubborn roots resting deep in the soil.
3
Trim creeping ivy away from vertical structures. Any ivy that you find clinging to trees, walls, or tall garden fixtures will need to be cut away promptly to keep it from climbing any higher. Use a pair of gardening shears or a small hand saw to sever the vines 3–5 feet (0.91–1.52 m) above the base of the structure. Strip the stems from the top down by hand.^[7]
- Once it's separated from the root system, the ivy on the higher part of the structure will die off naturally.
4
Dispose of the ivy carefully. Stuff the loose foliage in a plastic leaf bag or similar receptacle and have it hauled away with your trash. Don't attempt to grind or compost ivy. If any part of the plant is left behind, it may kickstart new growth.^[8]
- Be vigilant—try not to leave a single leaf or stem behind.
- Burning may be the most effective means of destroying the collected ivy once and for all. Just check to make sure that local law permits you to build a fire on your property first.

Add New Question

Question

What kills ivy in the garden?

Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.

Home & Garden Specialist

Expert Answer

One of the best ways is to mix 3 pounds of salt, 1/4 cup of any liquid dish soap, and 1 gallon of water. Put the ingredients into a spray bottle and spritz the mixture on the plant.
Question

Do you trim ivy?

Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.

Home & Garden Specialist

Expert Answer

Yes, you can trim it to keep it from spreading. This can be done prior to new growth forming in the spring. You can do this with a mower at the highest setting or with hedge shears.
Question

Can ivy roots damage house foundations?

Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.

Home & Garden Specialist

Expert Answer

The roots can push into a house foundation and cause cracks to form. They can also damage drainage and water lines in the ground.
Question

How do you get rid of poison ivy plants?

Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.

Home & Garden Specialist

Expert Answer

To kill poison ivy, mix 1 cup of salt, 1 gallon of water, and 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap. This spray will kill any plants it comes into contact with, so use caution.

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Deal with problematic ivy as soon as you discover it. If you put it off, it can quickly get out of hand.
Frequent mowing can help control the spread of groundcover over large areas.
If you're planting ivy intentionally, do it in a pot or planter that can contain the root system.

Chemical herbicides are formulated to kill whatever they come into contact with, and they tend to do a good job. It may be wise to consider an alternative solution if the ivy is growing around prized plants or fruit or vegetable crops.
Avoid applying herbicides containing the chemical dicamba more than twice a year.

Things You'll Need

Chemical herbicide (glyphosate, dicamba, 2,4-D, MCPP, or carfentrazone)
Pump sprayer
Gardening shears
Hand trowel
Gardening gloves
Long-sleeved clothing
Facemask or respirator
Plastic sheeting
Newspaper (optional)
Mulch or compost
Plastic leaf bag or wheelbarrow

About This Article

Article SummaryX

To get rid of small amounts of ivy, grip the thin stalk of the plant just above the ground and give it a sharp tug to remove the roots. If you're dealing with ivy that's growing on a tree or wall, cut the vines 3 feet from the bottom and remove the stalks by hand. After the foliage higher up has died off, dispose of it in your trash. When tackling large areas of ivy, lay down plastic insulation sheets, cover them with compost to smother the ivy, and leave the area covered for at least a year. For tips on using herbicides or weed killers to combat ivy, keep reading!

Did this summary help you?

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 10,115 times.

Did this article help you?