Ivy will be gone for good in 3 weeks with gardener's 'only method that 100% works'

Ivy plants may appear charming, but they are invasive species that can cause chaos in your garden and home. English ivy boasts thick, glossy leaves with five lobes that vary from medium to dark green, with lighter-coloured veins running throughout.

The plant is aggressive and poses a risk to neighbouring plants. This evergreen plant grows all year round, suffocating nearby plants and providing nesting spots for pests such as rats. Gardeners may consider using white vinegar or bleach to control stubborn ivy growth in their gardens. However, while these may seem like powerful home remedies, they are not the most effective weed killers for ivy, cautioned Chelsey, editor-in-chief at gardening site Good Grow.

Not only do they not guarantee total eradication of the plant, but they can also cause damage to nearby plants and soil health.

Instead, Chelsey suggests using a herbicide that contains glyphosate. While not everyone is keen to use a potent commercial weed killer when it comes to ivy, "the only method that will 100% work is a herbicide".

For this method, start by raking over the ivy to break the waxy barrier that can prevent the weed killer from being fully absorbed.

Spray thoroughly, aiming to cover the entire ivy plant. Then, wait three to four weeks before reapplying and at least eight weeks before cutting back the ivy.

Chelsey explained: "Weed killers, which contain glyphosate, take time to work, but they do work against Ivy and they work well."

After the ivy has perished, trim it back. Avoid cutting the ivy back before applying the weed killer, as it is absorbed through the foliage. Only trim it back once the ivy has died.

To stop ivy from becoming a recurring nuisance in future, keep a well-maintained garden with regular weeding and pruning to deter ivy growth.

Additionally, it can be worthwhile to establish physical barriers, such as installing a root barrier or a fence, to stop ivy from spreading.