Getting rid of Ivy (I'm in the UK)?
Question:I have tried using weed killer and digging it up, but with no luck, How can I get rid of it for good? -any products in mind.
Answers:
Top of the Morning to Ya!
Ivy, when established, is like trying to get the Royal Family out of England on a perm basis. Sorry, had to do it! Your problem may be trying to do too much!
I was once contracted by a firm in Philadelphia, Pa. to get rid of weeds along a highway. First they sprayed. Then they wacked away the beast. Then they sprayed again. None of it worked.
The key to removing a weed is to let it grow! In your case the Ivy needs to be in full bloom and glory. You will need to purchase a Total Vegetation Killer agent such as those made by Ortho. Round-Up and the like are not the same. A Total Killer will take a period of two weeks but kill from the top to the entire root structure. The healthier the plant the more it soaks in of the chemicals.
The other key is to let the chemicals work. Dead above does not mean dead below (roots). Allow two weeks after the application before you even try to remove the debris. I would personally mulch over the area after the removal. There are always nasty devils learking about and I would treat them with the common Round-Up and wait a week for them to die.
The best solution for removal is simple enough. You can find such chemicals at most internet outlets. I caution you that such things take precautions on your part. Start at the bottom, wear protective clothing and gloves, and remove all when you reach the top of the area you are treating.
While awaiting the arrival of both the materials and the destruction plan your replacement plantings. Such Total Killers are residual in effect for a few months time. Do not plant for six months, however, continue to mulch at a light level and use the Round-Up monthly.
You have so many plants to choose from for any area where Ivy grows. I love the Ferns, the Hosta, the slippers, etc. Get to the Library and find your countries best author on the topic, Wyman's Enclyc. I have used it for reference for over thirty years and have never failed.
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This is not really an answer, just to give you a sense of perspective which may provide some relief - here in New England, we not only have ivy, which we love, we also have something called "poison ivy" which causes terrible 3-week long rashes all over one's body. If I ever decide to move to England, the absence of P.I. will probably be the #2 reason. (The #1 reason is that the countryside is so beautiful and there are no subdivisions marring the landscape like there are here.) Actually the #2 reason is the beer, so make the P.I. the #3 reason. My husband emigrated here from England in the 70s, and even though we are both highly paid professionals, we cannot afford to even think about moving back to England :>( PS our PI is very hard to get rid of!!
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