Posted on September 5th, 2017
Ever witness a horror film in real life? No, we’re not talking about a villain chasing you through the woods, but a plant that engulfs any structure on your property whole. Yes, if you haven’t guessed it already, we’re talking about ivy — the “monster” that claims any space it comes in contact with. If you’re not a fan of the emerald leaves (especially if it’s engulfing your home), then here’s a way to tackle this high-maintenance plant:
The most important step in the ivy-slaying process is to check the weather. Although you can dismantle ivy in any climate, it’s important to know that the temperature should be between approximately 60-90 degrees Fahrenheit. When the temperature falls into this range, there will be less of a chance of any topical chemicals used reacting negatively to the weather and will keep you safe in the process.
When you’re removing ivy, it’s important to know that there are two different methods for taking care of the pest at hand. If strands of ivy are growing across the ground, you must clip the vines one-by-one since this plant is known to grow back from a single strand. If ivy is taking over a tree or wall of your home, it’s important to start clipping at the root and leave the rest attached to the vertical surface — since ripping down the detached strands might cause more damage. Eventually, any remaining detached ivy stands will become brittle and you can remove them gently from the surface over time.
After you’ve clipped and removed the root of the growth, it’s time to throw away the ivy. Take the strands, roll them up neatly, and toss them in a garbage bag. It’s very important to clean up any remaining strands of ivy since it’s prone to grow from a single strand and come back even stronger — you don’t want to have to remove it again.
To make sure your unwanted tenant doesn’t make a grand return, use a herbicidal spray to prevent new growth. If you’re unsure which one to use, visit your local home improvement or gardening store and ask a professional which will one will be right for your property and the season. This is extremely important to know because you don’t want to create any bigger problems (such as killing your lawn in the process or breaking any local laws).
Turf Unlimited is a full-service lawn care provider, offering a wide variety of lawn care, fertilization, and pest and weed control services to the Massachusetts or New Hampshire area. For more information about our services call 888-649-9919 and schedule your free, in-home estimate today.
