Over run with ivy

[sherrardk]

We have ivy (I presume it's ivy - large, dark green 'ivy-shaped' leaves) growing all over the three sides of our garden. The landlord mentioned to my husband that he wants it cut back and if I don't do it soon there won't be any garden left. Is there a specific way to do this or can I just hack away at it? Thanks

[Prudie]

I have that large leaved ivy as a right pest in my garden. We have hacked it back to ground level repeatedly and it always comes back (unless you really digi it out).

[sherrardk]

Thanks for that - I shall just hack at it and if it grows back and we are still here I will hack at it again (bit concerned that maybe the landlord's idea of cutting it back and my idea of cutting it back are two widely different things).

[boxtops]

I've got some up the back of my house - all we do is cut it to floor level every now and again. It's full of spiders. Ivy can be poisonous if eaten so not good with little people about.

[sherrardk]

I'll have a go at it tomorrow then - just hope it's not the only thing holding the fences up!

[ladybirder]

Very good for wildlife though, for overwintering ladybirds and such.

[sherrardk]

Hi lady birder - I expect it will grow back by Winter for the ladybirds but it really has to go. It is only a small garden and the ivy is making it feel so much smaller.

[ubasses]

cut it off at the base and pull it all down, then get some brushwood killer and put on the roots. Might take a couple of goes,

[ladybirder]

NO NO NO! Sob. IVY IS GOOD. Sob.

[sherrardk]

Oh no ladybirder - don't cry (it's still going to have to go though!)

[ladybirder]

OK. But don't poison it will you, sniff.

[sherrardk]

I promise not to poison it - I will just hack at it half-heartedly and it will probably grow back even worse (have you stopped crying now?).

[albaqwerty]

I've heard if you cut it of close to the roots, the leaf and so on will die. Put salt on the root stubs and it should go. (sorry)

[ladybirder]

Yes, I feel better now thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I'll just dry my eyes. The birds will pleased as well when they're feasting on the insects hiding in your ivy next winter. Oh dear, I need a V&T now. Bless you sherrardk.

[rowanwitch]

Hack away but I'd keep one boundary covered with it and remove the rest the dark green is a wonderful backdrop for golden leaved plants and plants with white flowers

[boxtops]

sherrard - it might sound a bit over the top but you might want to wear a mask. There is a huge amount of dust comes off ivy, and it always irritates my throat.

[sherrardk]

It's all starting to sound like a complete pain now - but have bought the recycling bags now (special trip to town required with all the littlies) so will have to get to grips with it (soon).

[AlBags]

IVY? KILL KILL KILL : )

[carlton23]

I hope it`s not too late to tell you, but you shoudn`t cut hedges or places where there are nests until you`re sure the birds have finished nesting and their chicks have flown.

[AlBags]

^ Quite right too.

[chattykathy]

Surely it's the landlord's responsibility?