Ivy is, without a doubt, a very beautiful plant when it’s climbing up walls and trees. Not many people know, though, that when it is left to grow out of control, this plant can be a real problem. Ivy vines spread quickly as fire and take over gardens, buildings, and even nearby trees and other plants, and they can cause real damage.
If somewhere on your property you have noticed that an ivy plant is growing where it is not supposed to grow, you better take action before it causes harm.
To remove or to kill ivy plants is not always an easy task. Regardless if you choose to use natural methods or chemicals for the task, it will probably take some patience and effort, but with the right knowledge and approach it is not impossible to get rid of it.

In this article we will explain what exactly is the ivy and we will give you useful tips and tricks on how to deal with it. With our 5 ways to get rid of ivy, you will be more prepared to face the task and deal with it in the fastest and effortless way possible.
What is ivy?
Ivy is an evergreen climbing plant. It is well known for its ability to grow quickly and cover large areas. Ivy plants belong to the Hedera genus and have characteristic green, lobed leaves. They can be found growing over land, tree barks, walls and fences. Ivy is a popular plant used in landscaping for ground cover or to add greenery to the outdoor space.
There are several species of ivy, but the most popular one is the English ivy (Hedera helix). This type can be both ornamental and invasive, and it is important to know how to manage it once you’ve decided to put it on your property.
You should be aware that a single ivy plant can cover a full building and choke other plants, damage brickwork or trees, and harbour pests if you don’t take proper care of it.
How does it affect your garden?
As we have stated above, ivy plants can have a positive or negative effect on your garden. It depends on how well you manage it and where does it grow.
Here are the positive sides of an ivy plant:
- It is a useful ground cover
- Prevents soil erosion
- Suppresses weeds
- Adds greenery to the area
Another positive side of an ivy plant over your walls is that it can naturally insulate the building, making it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. However, ivy can also become invasive and problematic if it is not controlled. Its rapid growth and climbing ability allow it to spread quickly, outcompeting other plants for sunlight, water and nutrients.
Here are some of the negative sides of the ivy:
- Smothers smaller plants, shrubs, and even trees
- Ivy’s root system can penetrate cracks in walls, fences and foundations, causing structural damages
- It harbours pests like rodents and insects
It is important to monitor ivy’s growth closely and manage the plant with the right knowledge and care, to ensure that it will add to your property’s value, not take away from it.

When is the best time to remove Ivy?
There are several factors that you need to consider. The plant’s growth cycle for example, and also the reasons why you need it removed. Generally, the most appropriate time is during the seasons that active growing is happening. Those are spring and early fall.
Here are the reasons why these seasons are optimal:
- Spring – Ivy is actively growing in spring. This means that it is putting out new shoots. All of the plant energy is focused on growing so it won’t be hard to remove it. The meteorological conditions in the spring also makes it more comfortable for you.
- Early fall – The plant is winding down it’s growing season trough the early fall. The cooler temperatures makes the removal process easier and due to the drying of the surrounding nature, it will be easier for you to notice any remaining vines or roots.
Make sure you address the entire root system of the plant when you remove it. Also, avoid removing it trough the winter, because that is the time when the ivy sets his roots deeper into the ground. Summer also can bring you challenges due to the heat.

5 Ways to get rid of Ivy
So we have explained everything additional that you need to know about the ivy plant and its characteristics. Now it is time to cut to the chase.
Here is a list with the 5 most effective ways to get rid of the ivy for good:
Manual removal
One of the most used method to get rid of ivy is the manual removal method. Basically this means to just pull it out with the roots. Use rubber gardening gloves and start by cutting the ivy at the base. Then carefully pull the vines away from any surfaces. When you are done with that, dig up the roots using a spade or a garden fork. This method requires some efford but it is effective, especially for smaller areas.
Using herbicides
If you don’t have the time that you need for the manual removal, you can try with using herbicides. Choose a weed killer herbicide that is formulated to kill ivy and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Apply the herbicide directly to the leaves and vines using spray bottle and make sure to cover it completely.
Smothering the ivy
This is another common method to eliminate ivy. It involves covering the ivy with a tarp, thick plastic sheet, or layers of cardboard. By doing so you block the ivy from receiving sunlight or air and eventually this kills it. This method requires patience though, and you will not see immediate results.
Vinegar solution
A natural and environmentally friendly method for killing ivy is by using a vinegar. Mix white vinegar with water and apply it directly to the ivy leaves. The acetic acid in vinegar works as natural herbicide and kills the ivy plant.
Boiling water
Boiling water is another simple and non-toxic way to kill ivy. Boil as much water as you can carry and pour it over the ivy plant. Focus on the roots. This will damage the plant and kill it. It works efficiently and fast for smaller areas of ivy coverage but it may require multiple applications and wont prevent regrout if there are any healthy roots left after the treatment.
Each of these methods offers a different approach to dealing with ivy. You can choose the one that sounds best to you, or try all of them if you have too much ivy.

Conclusion
As you know now, removing ivy can be a challenging task, but there are a lot of useful solutions and it is definitely not impossible. When you are using the right approach and you are informed on what and how to do to accomplish your goal, the results will come naturally.
Remember, persistence is the key to removing this plant. Ivy is resilient and may require multiple treatments but if you don’t give up, it will eventually die.