Ivy is a common name for many plants, only some of which are troublesome weeds that can harm the host structures. Another problematic ivy type is ground ivy, which invades lawns, ruining their look. The perennial, low-growing weed thrives in areas with moisture and shade, growing extremely quickly. It is also difficult to remove, as it attaches itself to everything it climbs. That said, a few measures can help one get rid of ivy.
Ways to identify ivy
Ground ivy is a low-growing creeper with heart-shaped, scalloped leaves. It also has square stems and purple flowers. This plant is native to grasslands, forests, and undisturbed places but can gradually find its way to other green spaces. It typically starts appearing in the spring, visible along driveways and walkways, and eventually lawns, too. A sudden flocking of butterflies to the lawn hovering around purple flowers could be a sign that ground ivy has taken root in the lawn.
In forests or woods, ground ivy can form a thick carpet on the forest floor, preventing the growth of any native grass, plants, or shrubs. If it grows on trees, it can get heavy enough to break the bark or branches. Additionally, if it continues to grow and reaches the tree crown, it can prevent sunlight from reaching the tree. While the host tree does not get adequate nourishment, the ivy continues to grow and produce flowers, fruits, and seeds. Then, as the seeds disperse, the ivy infestation only worsens.
In residential areas, the plant first creeps on the ground, slowly climbs walls, and begins to damage the building’s painting and masonry. A thick ivy foliage on the ground can become a breeding place for pests.
Ivy’s seeds remain dormant during winter and start germinating in spring. Between May and August, ground ivy grows aggressively, and by late summer or fall, the aggressive growth creates dense mats of ground ivy in the lawns.
Reasons to get rid of ground ivy
While some types of ivy are poisonous, ground ivy is harmless. That said, it can be a nuisance when trying to maintain a manicured outdoor space or ivy-free trees. Additionally, ground ivy flowers can be toxic to pets like rabbits, hamsters, and guinea pigs. Ground ivy is an aggressive weed that constantly spreads through nodes, roots, and seeds. This spread can get quite difficult to control.
Eventually, a garden or lawn can be overrun by ivy, resulting in the native plants and grass competing with the climber for food, water, and sunlight. So, one should figure out how to get rid of ivy permanently to ensure the outdoor space is well-maintained, with the grass getting all the nutrients it needs.
Ways to get rid of ivy
If an area is vulnerable to ground ivy infestation, one should watch out for the first signs of ivy growth. One can opt for manually removing the plant or using a weed killer for this goal. If using a herbicide, spring would be the best time to kill ivy. This is when the leaves haven’t developed a waxy coating that helps them avoid absorbing harsh chemicals.
1. Manually tackle small infestations
One of the best ways of removing ground ivy is to completely extract the plant from the soil without leaving anything behind. As ivy can regrow quite easily, it is important to pull out the entire root system to prevent regrowth. The ivy that has been pulled out should then be discarded immediately. One should not add it to the compost pile, as that will just allow ivy to regrow in the space.
If the ivy has grown on a tree or a wall, one can cut the vine all around the tree or near the wall at an easily accessible height. Then, one can shake the climbing vines gently and pull them away from the host structure. Here, one must wear protective eye gear and hard caps as when dealing with ivy that has damaged the holding structure, parts of it can crumble and fall along with the vines while shaking them. To kill the ivy vines spreading on the ground, one may have to use more than one method. For instance, the combined use of a lawnmower and herbicide will be able to target ground ivy. It is important to note that manual methods work for small patches of ivy infestation.
2. Use broadleaf herbicides
Herbicides are among the best weed killers for ivy. Options with glyphosate can work well. Spraying the herbicide on the green ivy leaves is the right way to target them. This process has to be repeated multiple times, as ground ivy can be difficult to target.
3. Mow the lawn regularly
Mowing removes ivy leaves. While the leaves can regrow, frequent rounds of mowing deplete the ivy’s energy reserves, eventually killing it. That said, it is crucial to avoid mowing too soon before or after herbicide application. This is because the larger the ivy leaf surface area, the greater the plant’s ability to absorb chemicals.
Ground ivy is a perennial weed, so to keep the growth of ivy plants in check, one should regularly maintain outdoor spaces and identify damage to structures or trees on which the ivy vines climb.