Ivy ground cover, most commonly English Ivy (Hedera helix), is a highly persistent and pervasive plant species often classified as invasive outside its native habitat. Its ability to thrive in deep shade, tolerate drought, and grow quickly makes it an aggressive competitor that can smother native vegetation. The dense, interlocking mat of vines and the plant’s capacity to root along its entire length create a resilient network that makes complete removal a difficult, labor-intensive undertaking. Successfully eliminating this ground cover requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses both the visible foliage and the extensive subterranean root system.
The Physical Removal Process
Manual removal is the most environmentally sound method and is the necessary first step for clearing ivy ground cover, particularly for smaller areas. Begin by using a sharp spade or edging tool to cut the dense mat of vines into manageable sections, such as four-foot-wide strips, which helps isolate the network for easier extraction. You will need heavy gloves to protect your hands from the plant’s sap, which can cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
After cutting the perimeter, use hand clippers or loppers to cut the vines perpendicular to the initial cuts, severing the stems just below the soil line. The goal is to pull up the long sections of vines and their attached shallow roots, which typically only reach a depth of about four inches. Working when the soil is damp, such as after a rain, can loosen the soil and make it easier to pull the roots out completely.
The long-term success of this manual process depends on removing the entire plant crown and the horizontal runners that root as they spread across the ground. For the most stubborn, thick, and woody root stumps, a trowel or small hand shovel is useful for digging a few inches into the soil to completely extract the root base. Removing as much of the root system as possible during the initial effort significantly reduces the potential for rapid regrowth.
Chemical and Alternative Treatment Options
For large, established patches of ivy that are too extensive for complete manual removal, or for persistent regrowth, chemical and alternative treatments can be employed. The thick, waxy cuticle on mature ivy leaves makes them resistant to many herbicides, so application technique is critical for effectiveness. Herbicides are best applied to new growth, which lacks this waxy coating, or to plants that have been cut back and allowed to re-sprout for a few months.
The most effective active ingredients for ivy control are typically glyphosate and triclopyr, both of which are systemic herbicides that travel through the plant to the roots. Glyphosate is often considered the most consistently effective option, used in a 2% to 4% solution applied as a foliar spray. Triclopyr, a broadleaf-specific herbicide, can be used in a 2% to 5% solution and is particularly useful in areas near desirable grasses.
A safer, non-chemical alternative is the smothering technique, which works by blocking sunlight and air from the ivy. After cutting the ivy down to the soil line, cover the area with thick black plastic sheeting, heavy cardboard, or a thick layer of mulch. This method can take a full growing season, or approximately six months, to completely kill the plant and its roots through solarization.
Addressing Vertical Growth
Ivy that has climbed vertical structures like trees, walls, or fences requires a specialized removal technique to prevent damage to the structure itself. Never attempt to rip the ivy off a tree trunk or wall, as the aerial roots attach firmly. Pulling can strip away tree bark, making the tree vulnerable to pests and disease, or dislodge loose mortar and paint from masonry.
The correct method involves cutting the main vines completely at two points: near the ground and again at chest height. This creates a one-foot-wide gap of bare trunk or wall, severing the flow of nutrients and water from the roots to the upper portions of the vine. The ivy above the cut will die and dry out. The dead vines can then be left in place to naturally decay and fall off over several months or years, which is the safest way to remove them from a structure.
For very thick, woody stems near the ground, use loppers or a small handsaw, taking care not to damage the underlying tree bark or wall surface. Once the vines are cut, the root crown at the base must be dug out to prevent regrowth. If the stump cannot be removed due to its proximity to a tree, regularly cutting any new growth to the ground will eventually exhaust the plant’s energy reserves.
Maintaining a Clear Area
The process of getting rid of ivy ground cover is rarely a one-time effort, requiring consistent monitoring and follow-up to manage inevitable regrowth. Ivy can re-sprout easily from missed root fragments or runners, so the cleared area must be checked regularly for new shoots. Hand-pulling these young sprouts as soon as they emerge is the simplest and most effective long-term maintenance strategy.
Proper disposal of the removed ivy is important because the vines can easily reroot if left in contact with the soil. It is recommended to bag the removed material and dispose of it in the trash or a municipal yard waste program, where the heat of industrial composting processes will destroy the plant. Avoid adding the vines to a home compost pile unless they are completely dried out and dead.
To suppress new ivy growth and discourage runners from emerging, apply a thick layer of mulch, about three to four inches deep, across the cleared area. Alternatively, planting competitive, non-invasive ground covers can help shade the soil and fill the ecological niche previously occupied by the ivy. This combination of vigilance and suppression is necessary to ensure the area remains free of the invasive ground cover.