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Getting rid of ivy with buried root

lisavictoriafrankslisavictoriafranks Posts: 2
in Problem solving
We have a small wall on our patio covered in ivy which I've just tried to trim (see pic). I never want to do this again and would really like to get rid of both wall and ivy permanently and have something low maintenance instead. I've read about digging up the trunk at base and applying stump killer but it looks quite inaccessible because of the patio. Any tips?? I'm considering taking a sledge hammer to the wall...would that make it easier to kill the ivy?


Posts

  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    Hello Lisa, that looks like there is a fence or trellis panel behind the ivy, possibly attached the wall, as it wouldn't normally grow like that without holding onto something.
    It also looks like your stone wall, which looks attractive to me, is retaining a bank behind it? Is the neighbouring land higher than yours? If so, you would have to replace the wall with something so I would be inclined to keep it. It also stops any soil from spilling over onto your patio. 

    Your best course of action is to cut all the ivy down as much as possible and then apply a brushwood killer to the stumps. It may take several goes over a year or so to finally kill it, it's really tough unfortunately. Hope you win, good luck!
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    You need to sever every stem at the base so no nutrients are being supplied to the plant from the roots.   Leave it a few weeks to go limp and then pull it off the wall.   Then you'll need a stiff wire brush to remove residual aerial roots.

    You can apply a stump treatment such as SBK to the roots once you have them exposed.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • SkandiSkandi Posts: 1,723
    It looks like a little freestanding wall to me so eminently removable. but I agree with Lizzie pull/cut all the ivy off and cut it down to the stump/s then paint the stumps with a brushwood killer you may need to repeat but probably not. Watch out for sleeping insects in the ivy, when we cleared out house we found hundreds of ladybirds (welcome) and several queen wasps (NOT welcome!)
  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    Forgot to mention, as well as Skandi's comments, that ivy harbours a lot of nasty dust so you may like to wear a mask whilst pulling it down.
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • lisavictoriafrankslisavictoriafranks Posts: 2
    Thank you all, this was useful advice, I'll have a go killing the stump and keep the wall for now, I think it's quite unusual pattern underneath so will finally get to see it!
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