posted
I have a garden over run with ivy - how can I get rid of it without damaging trees around it. Too much to pull by hand -is it possible to rotary hoe it to break up???
Plants: 1 | From: Australia | Registered: Jan 2004
| Seeded: 203.20.76.8
To remove english ivy (same procedure for algerian ivy) growing as a ground cover, it has to be mowed as close to the ground as possible, with a heavy duty mower...then dig up the roots, removing as many as possible. Ivy is deep rooted...you should expect regrowth from those missed. Once the area is clear, cover with a double layer of landscape fabric or black plastic...I prefer using heavy tarp. How long do you keep the cover? Depending on the material...up to a full season.
To remove ivy growing vertically, cut & pull it down by sections...then dig out the roots, repeating until they stop sprouting.
Chemical treatment: Use systemic herbicide... it is absorbed into plant tissues and carried to the roots effectively killing the entire plant.
NOTE: When using any type of Pesticide: Follow manufacturers instructions on proper applications and disposals.
Hope this helps.
Papito
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Amor est vitae essentia. Love is the essence of life. Plants: 932 | From: Northern California, Zone 9b | Registered: Jul 2003
| Seeded: 198.81.26.17
quote:Originally posted by papito: Barb H., Welcome to the TGH Forum.
Yes, roto-tilling and raking the vines are good ideas. Dump them in the trash can. Do not put them in compost pile.
A 2" to 3" of mulch over the tarp or fabric will deprive the ivy of direct sunlight and moisture. Mulch up to 12" away from the trunk of the tree.
Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra terminalis), although not as invasive as the ivy, could be removed using the method described above.
Thanks, Papito!!!
Now I have a plan of attack! I have been so at a loss as to how to handle it, that I just left it for this year!
Just one more question, if I may?? The ivy I want to remove is around an old maple tree. What if I mow and rake and try to dig as much as I can all up....what if around the tree needed to be regraded with dirt...can I just pile the dirt on it and it will kill the ivy? The previous owners put a stone retaining ring around the tree and it is in need of repair....however there is a big DIP, if you know what I mean and it needs to be filled....and it will need a heck of a lot of dirt....like a truckload....plus I need to regrade around my house and in some other areas.
I guess, bottom line, would it work to fill it in with a lot of dirt and forget the tarp?
Thanks a lot! Barb H.
* * * * Plants: 458 | From: Pennsylvania, USA | Registered: Jan 2004
| Seeded: 69.139.4.81
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