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

[starone]

Cutting it off at the roots is not the full answer. You also have to pull up every bit you can find because it puts little sucker roots down wherever it can and grows all over the place to the detriment of all the other plants you want to grow. Sorry ladybird, hope I haven't started you crying again, but it is a menace. My grandson dug the roots out and it is still growing everywhere it can get its little sucker roots down, including up the walls. Drastic measures are required constantly.

[ladybirder]

MURDERERS!

[starone]

But ladybird it is murdering all the other dear little plants. It is a mass murderer, or even a serial killer. Bit like Hitler.

[ladybirder]

It's a supporter of life. Have a look at this if you don't believe me.

http://www.suffolkwil...b485072636e7751513d3d

Can't believe I'm on my own here. Where's the support when I need it? HEEELP.

[rowanwitch]

Ivy is such a good wildlife plant you should consider keeping some of it... its even better when it shifts into the shrub phase and produces flowers and berries... I trained some up a sturdy wooden structure to create a cone shaped feature but I agree you do need to be ruthless to keep it within bounds

[carlton23]

>Can't believe I'm on my own here. Where's the support when I need it? HEEELP.<
You obviously haven`t read my reply ladybirder.

[ladybirder]

Thank you rowan and apologies to carlton whose post I missed in my agitated state. Equanimity has returned this morning.

[ChuckFickens]

No, it's the tennant's responsibility to maintain the garden to a reasonable standard (cut the lawns etc etc)

You wouldn't expect a landlord to come round and do your hoovering for you, would you? so why would it be their responsibility to keep the garden tidy.

[Twenty20]

Ivy is a pest. I really can't understand why people grow it. I guess when they buy the plant it's small and looks so innocent but it soon takes over and spreads everywhere. It needs serious controlling or it does take over your garden, and probably your neighbours garden too.

There are plenty of other plants out there which will support wildlife equally as well but aren't nearly so invasive.

[murraymints]

systemic weedkiller on the leaves will kill it off..will turn dry brown and flaky..easy to pull down..