Killing English Ivy: Patience and Persistence with Herbicides

Glyphosate and triclopyr effectively kill English ivy, but patience is the critical ingredient. You won't see damage for weeks because ivy grows in layers—initial sprays only reach upper leaves. I spray every three weeks to maintain a three-foot ivy-free zone along my fence line.

For large, flat ivy patches, mow as low as possible first, then spray emerging sprouts in a few weeks. Herbicides do work—the key is understanding the delayed visual response and maintaining consistent follow-up.

I keep this strip at my property line clear of English ivy