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3 ‘non-toxic’ and ‘eco-friendly’ hacks to banish English ivy for good - all under £1 (Image: Getty)
Whilst there are many common different types of ivy, English is the most-seen in the UK.
Given a solid base, ivy has the ability to crawl and reach heights of more than 30m.
Ivy’s foliage provides a haven for pests such as rodents and it can lead to skin irritations and allergic reactions.
It also supports itself with aerial roots, and these penetrate cracks or joints in structures, which, over time, can cause structural damage.
There are many chemicals to help kill English ivy, but many often opt for natural methods first.
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The experts at Fantastic Gardeners have shared three “non-toxic, eco-friendly” methods to deal with overgrown over.
Note that these do require time to work, usually a few months before you see any positive outcome.
The gardening pros explained: “Arm yourself with a garden sprayer or a regular spray bottle.
"Fill the container with a mixture of 80 percent white vinegar and 20 percent water.
How to use white vinegar (Image: EXPRESS)
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“Spray the ivy plants thoroughly, making sure you don’t affect any other plants you don’t want to get rid of.
“Wait a couple of days and inspect the results of your efforts. Pull out and remove any dead ivy and re-apply the same solution as much as needed.”
According to the pros, duct tape, table salt and water can be used for treating thicker vines.
Start by making a fresh cut on each using garden clippers and wrap them in duct tape to form a cup.
Pour three-quarters table salt into each cup and apply some water.
The pros noted: “This way you attack the ivy’s vascular system and the plant should be completely dried out within a couple of months.”
Another way is to sheet mulch. Start by creating thick layers of mulch by using old newspapers, cardboard, dead leaves or grass and place them on top of where the ivy grows.
The experts continued: “Your goal here is to suffocate the ivy, preventing it from receiving its life-sustaining resources like light, water and air.
“As for the mulch materials, they are biodegradable, meaning they will decompose with time and become one with the soil.”
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