How Do I get Rid Of Ivy

Can anyone tell me how I can get rid of Ivy which is growing wild behind my fence. It is not on anyones garden (it's on no mans land) and it is pushing it's way through my back fence. I would appreciate any tips. Jazz

 

Both Van Gogh and I LOVE ivy. (Well actually he LOVED it). 2 ways if you must get rid of it. Either dig it out (the hard way) or just use several applications of a systemic weed killer a few weeks apart. Glyphosate is the famous one but don't necessarily get Roundup. It is over-priced and no better than any other glyphosate based weed killer. The usual advice applies about the best time to apply - spring, when growth starts.

But don't forget you may get branded as a congenital ivy killer and end up as the subject of a Channel 4 midnight horror movie. :eek:

John

 

Thank you John for your quick reply but in the past I have had to have two new fences costing well over �£700. all because of trees and foliage pressing up against the fence. Keep your eyes peeled out to Channel 4 as I will be the next Dr. Crippon. I will take your advice in the Spring. :D :D :D :D

 

Hi jazz, if you have a Wilkinsons store near you they are about the cheapest for Glyphosate. Also do not wait until the spring to start spraying do it now. Ivy is growing as we speak, you have ideal conditions, plenty of moisture and plenty of warmth. David.

 

Thank you David for your advice as it happens we do have a Wilkinsons in North Shields so I will go tomorrow and buy some Glyphosate and start straight away as you suggested. I felt sure if I asked GC members someone would know how to get rid of this ivy. Thank you very much Jazz :D

 

One suggestion for difficult things is to pour some glyphosphate into a poly bag and stuff part of the plant into the bag. Then seal it. This is like a continuous application for a week or two till it dies, and the rain won't wash it off.

 

You can use S.B.K. as well but you have to dilute it in Paraffin. It tells you the dosage on the container. Not sure if it would be cheaper than Glyphosate.

 

Thank you Peters and Cajary for your hints. I did buy the Glyphosate today at Wilkinsons and have already given one good spray. I don't think I could manage to climb over the fence and feed the plant into polybags I wish I could but I am quite old and live alone and I couldn't see me scaling the fence. I have no idea what SBK is and I know paraffin is quite cheap but the Gly. only cost �£2.99 and it is a decent size bottle which is ready mixed. I would like to extend my sincere thanks for all your help. Jazz

 

Jazz, SBK is shrub and brushwood killer, it is what is called a total weedkiller, that is, it kills everything, also, I am not certain, but I think it`s banned. David.

 

You can still get it David here's a link to ebay.
http://search.ebay.co.uk/sbk-brushwood-killer_W0QQfcclZ1QQfclZ4QQfnuZ1QQfsooZ1QQfsopZ1

 

Hi David. I hope it's not banned, I get it from my local G.C. :D (you can't get it from B and Q's. etc) I've only ever used it on broad-leaved weeds(Ground-elder) etc. and it is very effective. However I think you're right about it's potential for causing physical harm (albeit in the long-term) and I treat it with the utmost caution. Face-mask, gloves and decorator's overalls even when I'm using it in my (small) garden

 

jazz do hope it works for you what you bought, I have had ivy on my balcony and its just died doesnt do very well for me and theres nothing worse than something that causes lots of damage.
do let us know the outcome, good luck