The Simplest Way to Eliminate Common Ivy From Your Fence or Wall

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Leave it to the common ivy to add charm and sophistication wherever you set it. The downside to the evergreen plant is that if left unchecked, it can overgrow on fences and walls and quickly turn from an adorable plant to a potential cause of structural damage. 

In this case, eliminating it is the best option. 

Since the plant has an extensive root system and waxy-like leaves, a herbicide application may not yield results. 

How, then, can you eliminate common ivy from your fence or wall?

Gardening experts recommend cutting the plant from the roots, and gardeners on Reddit agree. 

Here is what a few had to say:

Zigcarnivorous posted, “Cut the vines and pull what you can at the base.”

OddUsual commented, “You could cut it and pull most of it off.”

How to Correctly Eliminate Common Ivy

Cutting the plant from the roots is the simplest way to get rid of the plant
Cutting the plant from the roots is the simplest way to get rid of the plant. Image: Canva/kayfish

While cutting and pulling the vines may seem simple, common ivy can grow back on your fence or wall, even from the smallest unattended root. 

So, how do you ensure you cut them off correctly and eliminate common ivy?

  • Cut the vines at the base of the stem
  • Let the remaining part of the plant die off 
  • Pull the vines off the fence
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Alternatively, 

  • Pull the vines that come off easily, but do so carefully so as not to damage the fence.
  • Cut back the foliage steadily down until you can see the root systems. 
  • Hand-pull the roots. 

Whichever strategy you use, remember it’s not an easy fix, and you’ll need patience to repeat the process as needed. 

Additionally, ensure the cutting process is right, as common ivy can be unforgiving. 

As one gardener on Reddit puts it, “If even an inch of shredded ivy vine touches dirt in your yard, you’ll have already lost.