English ivy (Hedera helix) is an aggressive evergreen vine, originally introduced as an ornamental ground cover, that has become a widespread invasive species. It thrives in deep shade and forms dense mats that smother native vegetation. Its robust root system and thick, waxy leaves make it highly resistant to removal and chemical treatments. Complete eradication requires a persistent, multi-step approach combining physical labor with strategic chemical application.
Physical Removal Techniques for Vines and Ground Cover
The first and most important step in achieving permanent control is the manual removal of the bulk of the ivy, focusing on both ground cover and vertical vines. For ground-level ivy, the easiest approach is to cut the main vines into manageable sections using loppers or shears, then systematically roll back the mat of ivy. This process is most effective when the soil is slightly moist, making it easier to pull the shallow, horizontal roots that allow the plant to spread.
It is crucial to remove the entire root crown—the central, woody base of the plant—using a trowel or mattock, as any remaining root fragments can easily resprout. After pulling, all plant material must be carefully disposed of, as the cuttings can re-root if left on the ground. The discarded ivy should be piled on a tarp to dry out completely or bagged for municipal yard waste disposal, rather than being placed in a compost pile.
When English ivy is climbing vertical surfaces like trees or walls, the removal process must be done carefully to protect the underlying structure. The primary action, often called “girdling,” involves cutting all vines near the ground and again at chest height, creating a gap of several inches. This severs the connection between the ground-based roots and the upper portions of the vine, starving the growth above.
The upper vines, which cling tightly with aerial roots, should be left in place to die naturally; forcefully ripping them off can damage tree bark or masonry. The dead vines will become brittle over time, eventually sloughing off the surface naturally. The portion of the vine remaining below the cut must be pulled from the ground to prevent immediate regrowth.
Selecting and Applying Chemical Treatments
While manual removal is essential, chemical treatments are often necessary to kill deeply established root systems or manage large, inaccessible areas. The most effective systemic herbicides contain glyphosate or triclopyr, which are transported throughout the plant’s vascular system. Triclopyr is often favored because it is selective against broadleaf plants like ivy and is less harmful to nearby grasses.
A major challenge is the ivy’s thick, waxy leaf cuticle, which repels liquid sprays and inhibits herbicide absorption. For foliar applications, adding a non-ionic surfactant helps the solution penetrate this barrier. Alternatively, the leaves can be lightly roughed up or “scarified” before spraying to create entry points for the chemical.
The most potent and targeted chemical approach is the “cut-stump method,” which minimizes the risk of harming surrounding plants. This technique involves cutting the main, woody vines close to the ground and immediately applying a concentrated, undiluted solution of glyphosate or triclopyr directly to the freshly exposed stump surface. Applying the chemical within five minutes of cutting ensures maximum uptake before the wound seals.
Safety precautions are mandatory when using herbicides, including wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves and eye protection. To protect desirable plants, avoid spraying on windy days and ensure no herbicide runoff enters water bodies. Chemical application is often most successful when applied to new, tender regrowth, which lacks the thick waxy layer of mature leaves.
Ensuring Permanent Eradication and Prevention
Achieving permanent eradication relies on consistent follow-up after the initial removal effort. English ivy is notorious for resprouting from small root fragments or missed runners, so a long-term monitoring plan is necessary. Regular inspection of the cleared area, particularly for the first year, is the most effective prevention method.
Any new sprouts or small vines discovered during monitoring should be immediately pulled by hand. If the regrowth is too extensive for manual pulling, localized spot-treatment with a low-concentration herbicide can be used to target individual plants. Prompt action prevents the new growth from re-establishing the deep root system and dense cover.
To suppress the ivy’s return, the cleared area should be modified to be less hospitable to its growth. Planting competitive ground cover helps occupy the soil and outcompete any remaining ivy fragments. Maintaining a thick layer of mulch can also smother small sprouts and prevent sunlight from reaching the soil, discouraging regrowth.