Ivy-free: Keeping invasive plant out of the landscape

English ivy was once seen as the perfect plant for certain landscape situations but is now listed as an invasive plant species in South Carolina. It is seen as a severe threat. Clemson Extension recently released a bulletin encouraging homeowners to get a grip on this aggressive plant which can overrun anything in its path.

It is always a shame when gardeners realize that a plant that seems to be the answer to a problem spot or that is so attractive they cant resist planting it, then becomes a menace. It brings to mind the term too good to be true. A plant that is fast growing, thrives in adverse situations or is prolific with flowers and fruit can sometimes become an enemy.

English ivy fell out of favor some years ago, but there is now a more genuine effort to eradicate it. Clemson extension suggests the following step for making your landscape ivy-free.

Ivy that has grown up trees can be dealt with any time of year. Use a flat-head screwdriver or the blade of your pruners to pry the vines off of the truck. A saw may be needed for large vines, but be careful not to cut into the tree trunk.

Cut the vines and strip them down the tree trunk. Wear gloves and long sleeves during this process as the sap from the vines may irritate your skin.

Clemson recommends several weed-killers for eliminating beds of solid ivy or for spraying around the base of trees.

Glyphosate is a general, non-selective, systemic herbicide that has the least soil activity and is less harmful to the roots of nearby trees and shrubs than other herbicides, Clemson Extension Service notes.

You also want to be aware of other vines that may be growing in with the English ivy. Poison ivy, Virginia creeper and smilax or greenbrier may be mixed in with the ivy and require more caution or a different method for removal.

A moist soil will make it easier to remove ivy from ground areas. Try tackling it after a rain or when it has been wet by a sprinkler of irrigation system.

Eliminating ivy from annual or perennial flower beds can be a more difficult chore. This is more easily tackled when favorable plants have died down for the winter or just before they emerge in spring.

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Ivy-free: Keeping invasive plant out of the landscape