English ivy, known for its aesthetic charm in gardens, can wreak havoc on outdoor spaces and structures if left unchecked. Initially, the plant creeps along the ground until it locates an ideal surface to ascend, triggering a highly intricate process.
Once a climbable surface is found, the ivy’s roots morph to suit their new host. The roots then strive to expand, seeking maximum contact with the surface.
A sticky secretion is emitted, and minuscule root hairs embed themselves into tiny fissures on the surface. These hairs only become firmly affixed when they dry and crumple into place.
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Ben McInnerney, a certified gardening expert and the brains behind GoTreeQuotes, has shared his top three tactics for eradicating the invasive plant. As reported by the Express, Ben asserts that the most effective strategy is manual removal, which entails yanking the plant from the soil.
He advises: “This is one of the easiest and most effective methods for getting rid of English ivy. All you have to do is pull the ivy from the ground up and try to get as much of the root as possible.”
When tackling ivy, it’s crucial to extract as much of the plant as you can, including stems and roots, since any remnants can sprout anew. For optimal results, gardeners are encouraged to repeat this process whenever fresh growth emerges.
The second tip from the green-fingered guru for managing English ivy involves a straightforward snip.
Ben, a plant management whizz, has tipped a “popular and easy way” to curb the relentless invasion of ivy—employing either standard or specialty gardening shears to snip the tenacious ivy vines at the root. He bolstered his suggestion by saying: “Pruning back your English ivy regularly can prevent it from growing further.”
For tougher ivy issues, Ben points out that resorting to herbicides is an alternative, though a last resort.
If persistent ivy is proving tough to tame with pruning or cutting, Ben suggests considering natural herbicides but he warned: “However, make sure to look for herbicides with glyphosate or triclopyr since these ingredients are incredibly effective against English ivy.”
(Image: (Image: Getty))