The ivy ground cover, most often the invasive species Hedera helix known as English Ivy, presents a significant challenge to homeowners and gardeners. This aggressive evergreen vine, originally from Europe, forms dense mats that smother native plants and can climb and damage trees and structures. Because the plant’s waxy leaves make chemical herbicides largely ineffective and environmentally undesirable, many people seek non-chemical solutions. Chemical treatments also pose a risk of harming desirable surrounding vegetation and soil microbes.
Mechanical Removal and Root Extraction
Physical removal is the most direct and effective method for clearing ivy, especially in smaller, manageable patches. Before beginning, wear thick gloves and long sleeves, as the ivy sap contains compounds that can cause skin irritation in some people, and the dense cover may hide hazards like poison ivy or sharp debris. The process starts by creating a clear working area by using shears or a string trimmer to cut the top layer of vines and leaves back to the soil surface.
Once the ground is exposed, the actual work of root removal can begin. English ivy has a shallow, creeping root system, with most roots lying in the top few inches of soil, though they can sometimes anchor deeper. Use a sturdy garden trowel, pitchfork, or shovel to loosen the soil and lift the entire mat of vines and roots. Working in small, manageable sections, gently pull the vines, tracing them back to where they enter the ground to ensure the entire root crown is extracted.
The objective is to remove every piece of the root material, as small fragments can easily re-sprout and quickly re-establish the problem. For large, dense areas, a shovel can be used to make parallel cuts through the mat, creating strips that are easier to peel back and lift. If the ground is dry, watering the area the day before can make the soil softer, allowing the roots to be pulled out more cleanly. This active labor ensures the plant’s root system energy storage is physically removed, minimizing regrowth.
Smothering Ivy with Light Deprivation
For extensive or thick infestations where manual digging is impractical, a passive technique known as light deprivation, or occlusion, starves the plant of the energy it needs to survive. This method works by completely blocking sunlight, which prevents the ivy from performing photosynthesis and forces the plant to deplete its stored root energy. The process begins by cutting the dense, above-ground ivy foliage as close to the soil as possible to ensure the barrier material lies flat against the ground.
The prepared area is then covered with an opaque material to block all light transmission. Thick black plastic sheeting, heavy-duty tarps, or even layers of overlapping cardboard are suitable materials for this purpose. The material must extend at least a few feet beyond the edge of the ivy patch to prevent the runners from growing out from underneath the cover. Anchor the edges securely with rocks, bricks, or landscape staples to prevent shifting and light infiltration.
Covering the opaque barrier with a layer of mulch or soil helps hold it in place and improves the appearance. This covering can also increase the internal temperature, speeding up the process, a technique sometimes referred to as solarization. The extensive root system of Hedera helix is tenacious and takes time to fully die. Complete eradication often requires the material to remain in place for six months to two years, depending on the ivy’s thickness and the local climate.
Essential Steps for Long-Term Prevention
Once the ivy has been removed through digging or smothering, the next phase involves careful disposal and long-term vigilance to ensure the plant does not return. The removed vines and roots should never be placed directly into a compost pile, as the pieces can easily re-root and spread the problem throughout the yard when the compost is used. The best disposal method is to place the debris in thick, black plastic bags and leave them in the sun for several weeks to let the material completely dry out and “cook,” rendering the plant non-viable.
Immediately following the initial removal, a consistent monitoring period is necessary, ideally lasting at least one growing season. Any piece of root or stem left behind has the potential to sprout new growth, which can quickly turn a small problem into a large one again. New shoots must be pulled out immediately by hand as soon as they emerge from the soil surface to prevent them from establishing a new root system.
To discourage regrowth and establish a healthy ecosystem, the newly cleared space should be planted with competitive, non-invasive ground covers. While the new plants will not actively “outcompete” the aggressive ivy in the initial stages, they fill the ecological niche and occupy the soil space, making it harder for any surviving ivy fragments to take hold. Selecting native species appropriate for the area helps to restore biodiversity and creates a landscape that requires less long-term management than one left bare.