Ivy plants may charm onlookers with their ability to dress up homes and fences, but there’s a catch.
These beautiful climbers can get too attached, and their sticky aerial roots cause potential havoc.
Chris Bonnett of Gardening Express has described how deceptive this plant’s beauty can be. He said: “A few strands of ivy can look great in a garden, as the plant can add much-needed greenery to a space and transform dull fences or walls into something visually appealing.”
However, Chris was quick to warn: “However, moss can be harmful to keep in the garden as it can grow quickly and attach itself to houses and trees.”
He shared the threats it poses, adding: “In some cases, it can make trees heavy, which can eventually cause them to fall.”
The green-fingered guru also highlighted another risk: “If English ivy starts to grow on leaves and plants, it can cause significant damage because they can’t get the nutrients they need from sunlight.”
Controlling invasive ivy requires killing the roots first — a crucial step, according to a gardening expert. Without tearing up the roots, the ivy snakes mercilessly through the gardens.
To combat stubborn ivy remnants, Chris recommended a homemade solution: “Apple cider vinegar and salt can be used to remove lingering strands and prevent them from returning.”
He cautioned against spraying the mixture, advising instead to apply it by hand with care: “Wear gardening gloves and rub the solvent into the ivy, as using a spray bottle can damage nearby plants.”
The acid and salt content of the mixture is deadly to the ivy, robbing it of life and moisture, and the salt, a notorious dehydrator, throws off the plant’s water balance and spells its end.
Make sure you apply the solution on a dry day or when the weather forecast predicts dry conditions for several days.
The mixture should start working immediately and remove any remaining ivy within five days.
Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO of Lawn Love, also recommends this method, but also recommends adding washing up liquid.
She said: “I’ve tried a handful of DIY solutions to get rid of ivy, but the solution that worked best is a combination of apple cider vinegar, dish soap and salt.”