In trying to eradicate English Ivy I am considering using Clorox on the roots. I have cut off all of the leaves. Is this safe and do I need to guard against nearby roots from trees that I want to save? If the Clorox will work I am assuming that I would use it undiluted for maximum effect. Any other ideas on English Ivy eradication?
Ivy is a tough plant to eradicate, as I imagine you already know. The resources I have consulted indicate that manual removal methods are more effective than chemical methods. Ivy apparently has an excellent defense system against chemicals. I could find nothing in the literature that suggested using bleach to kill the roots of Hedera helix (English ivy).
Here are links which may be of use to you.
From King County Noxious Weed Control.
From Portland, Oregon’s No Ivy League.
Local garden writer Ann Lovejoy’s article in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Excerpt:
“Why not just poison it? Using herbicide on ivy is both futile and dangerous. Ivy’s waxy foliage repels herbicides, which run off to damage nearby plants and pollute water systems.
“To safely and steadily get rid of ivy, begin by cutting all vines that have scrambled up trees or posts. Remove as much as you can reach from each trunk. If you miss a few stubborn scraps here and there, don’t worry about it. Just be sure that none of the vines remain uncut or are left dangling.
“Now remove all ivy at ground level by pulling strands and prying roots with a small hand-mattock or hori-hori (Japanese farmers’ knife). Even if you miss a few roots (as you will), they won’t all sprout back.
“Finally, mulch with a combination of woodchips and compost if you plan to replant soon. If you just want to keep the ground clear for a while, use coarse wood chips for mulch.
“To keep the mulched area clear, check it two or three times a year. You can quickly remove any new shoots that appear, along with as much root as possible.”