Re: Eradicating English Ivy

Well, while I am a fan of assorted Hederas, I'm not all that fond of
the species. There are too many really nice small leaf and variegated
types who are not as vigorous and much more attractive out there.

 Like any plant, if you deprive it of leaves on a continual basis, it
will die.  IMO, if you want to remove a plant, you need to dig it
out; not an easy proposition with mature ivy in some situations, but
doable with some effort.  If that is not possible, keep it cut back
to the ground and don't allow any new shoots to leaf out.  That ought
to do it in within a year.  You must, however, be vigilant and not
allow any leaves to open.  The object is to deprive it of the ability
to photosynthesize, which means it has to use all its reserves to
survive and it will run out of those in a growing season.  You will
have to check it min. once a week and maybe more often.  Plants that
you are trying to get rid of have an amazing will to live.  Those
that you are trying to grow keel over at the slightest provocation.

You can also cut it back to the ground and cover it with black
plastic and mulch, making sure that the plastic is well anchored or
dug into the ground around the perimeter so that no light gets in.

Ivy, like any vine, needs continual monitoring and clipping back to
keep it where you want it.

Marge Talt, zone 7 Maryland
mtalt@hort.net
Editor:  Gardening in Shade
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> From: Lucy Butterworth <rbutter2@webtv.net>
> 
> I have been fighting english ivy for years,  I have tried
vegetation
> killer that says "roots and
> all" .   No matter what I buy. it starts climbing
> again.  Any information will be appreciated.

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