Ivy vines are among the most damaging invasive plants. Although these evergreen vines may look visually appealing, they can quickly grow into a thick layer and suppress the growth of other plants. In fact, when they grow on trees, their weight can even weaken and damage the branches. While one can eliminate or prevent the growth of ivies with the help of commercial products like sprays or chemicals, there are various eco-friendly alternatives available.
Ways to eliminate ivy without chemicals
1. Pick the right time for manual removal
Normally, a day after the affected region experienced rainfall is the best time to remove ivy. Rains cause the ground to turn mushy and soft, making it easier to pull out the plant from the roots. Another alternative is to do it in late winter. During this period, it becomes easier to spot ivy since it is an evergreen plant. This way, it causes less damage to other plants in the vicinity. But, it is also advised to avoid removing ivy when the ground is frozen because it will be difficult to pull out the roots.
2. Cut the vines
Since ivy vines also tend to grow on tree trunks apart from the ground, it is important to avoid using chemicals to prevent any damage happening to the tree. The best way to remove ivy from trees is by cutting off their vines. For smaller vines, one can use hand clippers, and for the larger and thicker vines, one can use loppers. When using big or complex tools, one must exercise caution to avoid causing damage to the tree bark. Also, ensure that any ivy vines growing on or near the tree roots are chopped off. Once the vines growing from the bottom up are cut off at the lower level, the vines that have grown high will die off in a few days. Dead vines won’t harm the tree, so it is safe to leave those unattended.
3. Peel off the ground cover
When the ivy begins growing on the ground, it can spread rapidly and grow into a dense mat. One of the best ways to get rid of this ivy ground cover is by peeling it off like a carpet. If the affected area is on a slope, it is best to start uphill and continue rolling downward. But before peeling, make sure there are no branches, logs, or sticks in the way of peeling. If there are, remove them before beginning to remove the ground cover, or else, it would be impossible to peel off the ivy vines.
4. Dig the roots out
Uprooting the ivy is the simplest and most effective way to eliminate this invasive plant. But if the ivy growth has been left unattended for long, its roots may grow too deep or strong to remove by hand. In such cases, it is best to rely on a shovel and dig those roots out. Make sure to dig the soil until the ends of the root are visible, and then pull the plant out. This process might take time and effort, but it is one of the best ways to prevent regrowth.
5. Cover it up
Another effective way to prevent ivy growth is by blocking its exposure to sunlight by covering up the affected area using a tarp. This method is much simpler than other alternatives, like digging or peeling, and does not require as much elbow grease. But, it often takes a few months to a year to eliminate the ivy growth completely. Also, with this technique, one would need to ensure that the tarp is fastened tightly around the edges to prevent any sunlight from getting through.
6. Hire professionals
If the ivy has grown rapidly and into a thick cover across a major portion of the property, or if one doesn’t have the necessary equipment to get rid of the plant, manual removal might become tough. In such cases, turning to professional arborists or gardeners will prove helpful. While this option is a bit more expensive than the DIY approach, it guarantees better results. Plus, professional arborists take special care to ensure the removal process doesn’t harm other plants or trees nearby.
Measures to prevent ivy regrowth
After uprooting ivy plants or cutting off their vines, one must ensure they properly dispose of all the ivy leftovers. During and after the manual removal process, it is advised to collect all the ivy plants, roots, and vines in a garbage bag to be properly disposed of later.
Even during the process of cutting or uprooting, it helps to keep a garbage bag to store all the ivy plants. It is also important to avoid making any compost from the leftovers, as there is a chance the plant can sprout again under suitable conditions.
Preventive steps to protect the skin
Some species of ivy, such as the English ivy and poison ivy, are infamous for irritating the skin and causing rashes. So, when uprooting or cutting these off from the garden, it is important to wear protective gear like rubber gloves, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and boots to reduce the chances of the skin coming in contact with the harmful plant. After completing the manual removal process, it is advised to wash the protective gear immediately since the harmful resin from the ivy plant can stay on for a long time.
