Ivy - best way to control it?

bouicca21

The garden is full of ivy which is now spreading faster than ever - up the trees, on the wall of the building, over the fences and in the flower beds.  What is the best way to control it?  Do I really have to dig the stuff up?  Is it just a war of attrition?  I already have one of those with the pesky alkanet.

twopenny

You can cut at the base of each bit and poison the cut.
But you will still have to pull all the dead bits out and they make a heck of a mess. Better to cut, dispose of green and dig the roots out.

If you pull it out watch your back. The strength of tug needed while satisfying can really make you hurt.

Alkanet I would stamp on and pour weedol on. Cover with a net until dry so it doesn't affect wildlife.

ispookie666

+1 for cutting the main stem and pulling out the rest.  I have found Ammonium Sulphamate (technically only to be sold as compost accelerator) very good on Ivy stump.    Ivy has a very waxy coating, and I have often added dish soap when using spay on weedicide.  
On a side note, It often amazes me when I see Ivy for sale in garden centres or online sellers!