One of the reasons English ivy can be so invasive is its shade tolerance(Image: Getty)

Kill ivy plants 'for good' in days using 69p household item instead of vinegar

by · DevonLive

English ivy, although a native species in the UK, can present challenges for gardeners under particular conditions. It tends to become more aggressive in regions with mild temperatures and consistent moisture, especially when soil is rich in nutrients.

Its ability to thrive in shaded environments often means it outcompetes other garden plants for vital sunlight, water, and nutrition, at times also leading to their demise. When it climbs up trees, its weight and foliage density may cause limb weakness, increase susceptibility to disease and result in structural damage.

With aerial roots that even invade crevices and potentially lead to architectural damage, English ivy can be a royal pain.

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Facing a battle with this invasive plant, a down-hearted gardener took to Facebook. Steve Cockrill posted asking for advice on the Gardening Hints and Tips group. He asked "What's a good way to get rid of unwanted ivy? "

Fellow gardeners were quick to reply, with many making an unconventional suggestion - killing the roots using household bleach.

Ivy plants die ‘for good’ fast when using gardener’s 69p household item that's not vinegar(Image: Getty)

AJ Sargent said, "Cut it off at the base, cut slits in the base, pour neat bleach over the stump, then cover it with a bag and tape it up to protect wildlife from the bleach. The plant will take the bleach down to its roots and kill it completely," reports the Express.

Jennifer Clark recommended an equally straightforward approach, she said: "Chop it at the base and remove as much as you can, then add bleach over it."

Elaine White said: "I have killed very old invasive ivy that has crawled up next doors house and literally thought would be impossible to get rid of. A large bottle of bleach killed the lot within days. It works."

Ethel Heslin added: "The only way to kill the ivy for good is to cut it as close to the ground and pour bleach on the roots. It will burn it and the ivy will die. Don't pull off the large branches of a wall, cut off at different parts and it will fade and die off in a few days."

Cut as much of the ivy down before applying bleach to the roots(Image: (Image: Getty))

For those in the battle against unwanted ivy, bleach is an easy-to-find ally, with local supermarkets stocking the item. At Ocado, a bottle of bleach can be snapped up for 69p, while Sainsbury's and Asda carry it for 70p.

Utilising bleach can be effective, but caution is advised to prevent accidental damage to other foliage, as bleach can instantly kill any plant it touches.