Depending on the size of the vines, you may need to use loppers or even a small saw instead of garden shears/clippers. This method is called ‘lifesaver’ in reference to lifesaver candy, where the ground cleared around the tree is saving the life of the tree and the tree itself represents the hole in the candy.
If the ivy has been growing for a long time, you may need loppers or a small saw to cut through the vines.
Be very careful that you don’t rip the bark off the tree while removing the ivy vines. Throw the vines you remove into a single pile to dispose of later.
Make sure you cut through the entire thickness of the ivy that’s lying on the ground.
Cut as many or as few of these radiating line cuts as needed.
Be careful when pulling up the vines if there are any plants you want to keep growing through the ivy. Continue to put the removed ivy vines into a pile for disposal.
Alternatively, you can burn the removed ivy vines if you prefer and if you have the appropriate space for such burning.
Do not attempt to pull down the dead ivy vines that are still in the tree or you might damage the tree. After several months, the vines left in the tree will die and the leaves will turn brown and fall off. Eventually, the ivy won’t be as visible from below as the tree continues to grow.
It is not necessary to be precise about the size of the squares. The ‘log’ method can be done successfully by 1 person but is easier to do with at least 2 people.
You may need to use loppers or a saw in order to cut through some of the thicker ivy vines.
Imagine the ivy lying on the ground within your square as a carpet. Starting with one side of the ‘carpet,’ you’re going to roll it into a log-type shape.
Try your best not to leave any roots behind. English ivy can regrow from very small pieces of roots or stems.
Check your provincial or state government websites to determine which plants are native to your area. There may be rules or regulations in your area that make it illegal to remove certain native plants.
Note that the roots of English ivy are fairly shallow, growing only 1–4 in (2. 5–10. 2 cm) into the soil. Try to disturb the soil as little as possible. This includes walking on it after you’ve removed the ivy.
Home compost systems do not get hot enough to completely kill the organic material inside. Therefore, when you use compost from your home system, you may accidentally transfer ivy plants into your garden. Mulch the ivy logs by cutting through them with loppers until only tiny pieces remain or by putting them through a wood chipper or running over it with a lawnmower. There is a small chance that mulched ivy will regrow. However, this may be the easiest method of disposing of ivy logs when controlling a really large area of land.
Check your provincial or state government website to identify which plants are native to your area. Be aware that some provinces or states consider it illegal to remove or disturb native plants.
Please note: The WHO considers glyphosate to be a probable human carcinogen. Its use is prohibited in some states and countries. Please check with your local laws and use caution if handling this chemical. English ivy leaves have a waxy texture to them, which can make it difficult for the herbicides to soak into and kill the plant. It is best to spray herbicides in the late fall or early winter.
Before using any herbicides, check with your local government to determine if either glyphosate or 2,4-D are illegal where you live. Make sure it’s at least 12 °C (54 °F) and clear on the day you spray the herbicide and the following day.
You do not need to remove the dead ivy if you don’t want to. You will not likely be able to grow anything successfully in the area where herbicides were sprayed. You may need to repeat this entire process if you’re not able to completely control the ivy after 1 application.
