There are so many different invasive weed species you may encounter here in the UK, each with its own challenges when it comes to prevention and eradication. Among the toughest varieties, though, is ivy.
This weed is characterised by its climbing vines and resilient evergreen leaves. It’s notorious for its ability to adhere and spread across walls, fences, and ground areas. It's particularly difficult to manage because its extensive root system can easily regrow from small remnants left behind.
So, does weed killer kill ivy? If so, what weed killer kills ivy exactly? The most effective systemic herbicides for this variety contain glyphosate and triclopyr, which are absorbed by the leaves and transported throughout the plant to ensure a complete kill down to the roots.
Don’t stress if you’re struggling with an ivy outbreak. We’ll introduce you to the #1 ivy weed killer in the UK available exclusively at Jennychem.
Our Weedex Super is trusted by more than 10,000 gardeners and works against the most persistent weeds, including ivy. Order yours today and put this problem in the past quickly and easily!
First, let’s find out if what you’re dealing with is actually an ivy outbreak before getting into choosing a weed killer for ivy. This troublesome plant is a common problem in UK gardens and landscapes. The most common variety here in our country is the English Ivy (Hedera helix), known for its aggressive growth.
This climbing plant can quickly cover large areas, sticking strongly to surfaces with its root-like structures, known as holdfasts. Its rapid spread can damage the structural integrity of walls and fences, overwhelm other plant species, and even lead to damp issues on properties (potentially contributing to mould).
Ivy is resilient because it can thrive in a variety of conditions, from shaded areas to direct sunlight. Its dense foliage and woody vines can create microenvironments that harbour pests and diseases, which can harm surrounding vegetation even without touching it.
Now, does weed killer kill ivy? You may already know that not all herbicides are created equal, and some types of weeds are naturally resistant to herbicides. However, there is a weed killer for ivy.
While ivy's thick, waxy leaves and extensive root system make it resistant to many common herbicides, certain types are more effective in penetrating and damaging its robust defenses.
It’s just important to understand that the choice of weed killer and the method of application influence the success of eliminating ivy through chemical intervention.
Of course, there are always other approaches to managing this problem - from manually pulling out weeds (the most effective as it removes the root system entirely) to burning weeds, using de-icing salt, and more.
All that being said, what is the best weed killer for ivy?
So, what weed killer kills ivy? As we said from the start, the strongest weed killer is just a few clicks away at Jennychem ready to help you put this persistent problem in the past for good.
In the meantime, though, we’ll walk you through specific chemicals and types of herbicides you should rely on for your ivy outbreak in general.
When it comes to controlling ivy, a systemic weed killer is the preferred approach. These are absorbed and move within the plant to kill it entirely over time. They are ideal for deep-rooted weeds like ivy, as they ensure that the entire plant, including the roots, is eradicated.
Just be aware that these herbicides generally require patience, as they take time to show full effects but provide long-term control. It’s worth the wait!
On the other hand, contact herbicides only kill parts of the plants they touch. They act much faster than systemic herbicides, but will only work for managing young ivy shoots or smaller infestations. Stick with a systemic solution for mature plants or extensive coverages where complete root kill is necessary.
In terms of chemicals to look for in a weed killer for ivy, here are some of the most effective:
You should also be aware that there are differences between selective and non-selective herbicides. As you may be able to derive from the name alone, selective varieties only affect undesired vegetation, whereas a non-selective herbicide will kill any plant it comes in contact with.
So, what is the best weed killer for ivy? Our weed killer here at Jennychem has proven successful against even the most established, resilient ivy varieties. However, it also works wonderfully against Japanese knotweed, oxtails, horsetails, nettles, and more!
From residential gardens and patios to commercial landscapes, more than 10,000 customers have used our solution to achieve lasting eradication of ivy outbreaks. Its active ingredients are specifically chosen to penetrate deep into the weed's system, ensuring a complete kill from leaf to root.
The best part? You don’t have to stress about safety, as this is a non-toxic weed killer once it dries on the plant’s surface. This is especially beneficial for pet owners or those with children - or even just those who want to minimise their environmental footprint.
Despite its powerful formula, Weedex Super is easy to use, with clear instructions and manageable packaging. This makes it accessible not only to professional landscapers but also to homeowners seeking effective weed control solutions.
So, order the best ivy weed killer in the UK today and rejuvenate your outdoor spaces with ease. While you wait for your order to be dispatched, we’ll walk you through how to use weed killer effectively below.
Simply getting your hands on the best weed killer for ivy is only half the battle. Understanding optimal application guidelines is just as important, if not more so.
From understanding when to spray weed killer to how long weed killer stays toxic, here’s everything you need to know for safe, effective removal of ivy.
For the best results, apply weed killer when ivy is actively growing. This is typically in early spring or late autumn when ivy's metabolic activity is high - meaning the plant more readily absorbs the herbicide.
Herbicide application should be done on a dry, calm day to prevent drift and ensure the product stays on target. Avoid rainy or windy days, which can dilute the herbicide's potency and spread chemicals to non-target plants, potentially harming them.
Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines strictly for mixing herbicides. There’s a fine line here - using a solution that’s been too diluted may lead to insufficient results.
On the other hand, too strong a mixture can cause unnecessary environmental damage and may not increase effectiveness, wasting valuable resources along the way.
Start from the highest point and work your way down to the lowest to ensure thorough coverage, especially in sloped areas. This method helps prevent any missed patches and ensures the herbicide flows down into lower layers of ivy growth.
You can either use a garden sprayer to apply on vegetation or simply drench the roots with the weed killer. Better yet, use both approaches to ensure an effective kill.
In cases where ivy persists through the initial application, additional spot treatment might be necessary. Reapply the herbicide specifically to the areas where growth still occurs.
We recommend a sprayer with a long wand for large areas to ensure safe application without the need for overreaching or stepping on treated areas. For smaller patches, a more controlled spray bottle might suffice.
Ensure the sprayer nozzle is appropriate for the type of herbicide being used. Some require a finer mist, while others might need a more direct stream.
If you’re looking for a high-quality sprayer in addition to your ivy weed killer, look no further than the IK sprayer lineup we have here at Jennychem. You have access to a variety of sizes and styles depending on your specific property.
Always wear protective clothing such as gloves, goggles, and a mask when mixing and applying herbicides. This protects you from potential splashes and inhalation of harmful chemicals.
After applying the herbicide, thoroughly clean all equipment used in the process. This prevents the accidental spread of the chemical to other parts of your garden or storage area.
After treatment, monitor the area over the following weeks and be prepared for a possible second application. If you’re wondering how long for weed killer to work, just be patient. Ivy can be particularly resilient, and its complete eradication may require multiple treatments.
Looking for more tips on how to kill weeds beyond using your weed killer for ivy? There are so many other methods you can rely on, from a DIY weed killer to salt to kill weeds to weed burner. We’ll offer a few more tips below on preventing and managing ivy outbreaks beyond using a quality ivy weed killer:
Armed with these tips you should be able to put your ivy problem behind you! The only thing left to do now is get the best ivy weed killer in the UK at Jennychem as we wrap this guide up.
So, does weed killer kill ivy? If so, what weed killer kills ivy? In summary, a systemic herbicide is your best bet for this weed variety as its root system can become very well established, making a contact kill ineffective.
Our ivy weed killer at Jennychem has proven to be a powerful solution against even the most persistent ivy outbreaks, with thousands of 5-star reviews to back it up. It also works wonders against other troublesome weed species, it’s easy to use, and it’s non-toxic.
So, now that you know all about how to use weed killer for ivy, it’s time you set yourself up for success in the battle against this variety at Jennychem. Shop today to restore the beauty of your outdoor spaces with ease!
