How to kill Ivy

[Ailsa]

I have Ivy taking over the back wall of my house over 3 storeys and is almost at the roof. Does any one know if it's possible to kill Ivy from the roots? Or do you have any other suggestions?

Many thanks in advance for any advice

Ailsa

[alan30]

Remove a section of stem just above the roots and poison the cut root side surface with a weedkiller containing Glyphosate. This is a systemic weedkiller and travels into the roots and kills them. The above ground section will die off over a few months and become easier to remove. It is unsightly for this period but worth waiting.

[Ailsa]

thank you Alan, you're a star :o)

[Wideways100]

Hi Ailsa

A colleague at work sugested driving in copper nails to the main shoot as they are highly toxic to the plant. I have tried this and it has some limited success.

I have also find if you cut through the ivy, at the nearest to the ground, in the main "shoots" generally within two weeks the ivy dies in most parts. This means that once the Ivy has died it is easier to remove from the brickwork without damage. This then leaves the side shoots which allow the ivy to "cling" to the wall. A wire brush can remove that reasonably easily. Good Luck
Brian