Ivy plants, although native to the UK, can become overbearing in some gardens. In regions with mild climates and ample moisture, this plant is often more invasive.
Plus, its growth rate varies depending on soil type; nutrient-rich soils tend to promote a quicker spread.
A key factor in the invasiveness of English ivy is its shade tolerance, which allows it to prosper even in areas with low sunlight and outcompete other foliage. The plant competes with other garden flora for vital resources such as light, water, and nutrients, which can lead to the decline or demise of other favoured plants.
When it clings around trees, the additional heft and density can weaken branches, increasing the risk of disease and structural damage.
The aerial roots that English ivy uses for support can also be problematic, especially if they reach cracks or joints in structures, causing potential damage to homes.
Steve Cockrill, fed up with battling ivy in his garden, sought help on the Gardening Hints and Tips Facebook group. His query was simple: “What’s a good way to get rid of unwanted ivy?”
The most common advice was to cut down the ivy and use bleach, a common household item.
AJ Sargent recommended a specific approach: “Cut it off at the base, cut slits in the base, pour neat bleach over the stump, then cover it with a bag and tape it up to protect wildlife from the bleach. The plant will take the bleach down to its roots and kill it completely.”
Jennifer Clark gave a straightforward strategy: “Chop it at the base and remove as much as you can, then add bleach over it.”
Elaine White recounted her experience in tackling invasive ivy: “I have killed very old invasive ivy that has crawled up next door’s house and literally thought would be impossible to get rid of. A large bottle of bleach killed the lot within days. It works.”
Ethel Heslin assured: “The only way to kill the ivy for good is to cut it as close to the ground and pour bleach on the roots.”
She elaborated on the procedure by saying, “It will burn, and the ivy will die. Don’t pull off the large branches of a wall; cut them off at different parts, and they will fade and die off in a few days.”
For those grappling with unwelcome ivy, bleach is a practical solution and can be bought relatively cheaply from local stores.
However, the use of bleach comes with caution as it’s vital to avoid contact with other plants as bleach will invariably result in their immediate death.