Ivy does not enjoy undivided popularity in the garden. While many gardeners appreciate the fast growth and easy care, others fear that ivy as a ground cover is difficult to remove from the garden. Here's how to get rid of ground cover.
Ivy is a very persistent ground cover
How to remove ivy as a ground cover
- Cut above ground shoots
- Carefully pull out the adhesive roots
- dig up old roots
- Do not leave cuttings and roots lying around
In a densely overgrown ivy area, the individual plants can hardly be distinguished, especially since ivy forms many offshoots with adhesive roots.
Start removing ivy as a ground cover from the edge, using pruning shears to cut off the thickest shoots. Gently pull out small roots. If the soil is very dry, moisten it beforehand to make it easier to uproot the ivy.
When all above-ground shoots have been cut off, loosen the soil with a digging fork and pull out the old roots as completely as possible.
Be sure to remove any leftovers
Don't leave the rubbish on the floor. Ivy is very hardy. New roots can also form on shoots that appear to have dried up, so that the plant forms offshoots.
By tidying up, you also prevent dogs or cats from gnawing on the woody stems and thus poisoning themselves.
If you throw ivy on the compost heap, it can spread further there. If you want to be absolutely sure, dispose of the trimmings with the city's organic waste.
Work with gloves
Ivy is poisonous. This does not only apply to the mature form with flowers and fruits. The young shoots also contain toxins that escape when they are cut. They trigger allergic reactions when they come into contact with the skin.
Dust particles that are released during tearing out must not get into the respiratory tract, as they can lead to health problems. If you have to remove a larger area of ivy as ground cover, wear a breathing mask to be on the safe side.
tips
Removing ivy from walls and house walls is even more difficult. To avoid damaging the walls, moisten the ivy beforehand. Work from the top down to gently pull the roots of the creeper out of the joints.