Removing Established Ivy: Root Removal & Herbicide Finish

A gardener clearing a walled border smothered in ivy had pulled tops but hundreds of roots remained. Asked about poisoning vs. soil harm.

Strategy

1. Dig out all accessible roots. Use mattock, fork, persistence.
2. For roots in/under wall: Cut stems at base. Immediately paint cut ends with concentrated glyphosate (Roundup) or triclopyr (Brush-B-Gon).
3. Wait 2–3 weeks. Herbicide translocates to roots.
4. Second application 7–10 days later on any regrowth.
5. Wait 3–4 weeks. Then amend soil with compost, plant.

Herbicide Notes

• Glyphosate: Binds to soil, degrades in weeks. Low toxicity to microbes at label rates.
• Cut-stump treatment uses <1% of broadcast spray volume.
• Organic alternative: Repeated cutting + smothering (cardboard + 12" mulch, 1–2 years).

Soil Recovery

After herbicide wait period, soil is safe. Add compost to boost biology. Test pH if concerned.

Dig what you can, treat the rest, wait, plant. The wall makes total digging impossible—herbicide is the practical finish.