Banish ‘nightmare’ ivy naturally without ‘damaging’ fences – gardeners’ advice

English ivy can look idyllic and pretty in certain areas of the garden and on buildings, however, it can also cause considerable damage.

The plant has been known to lift roof tiles, damage fences, strangle trees and pull down walls.

With this in mind, gardener Nicola Baker asked Mrs Hinch gardening enthusiasts on Facebook how she could remove the ivy covering her garden fence.

Mrs Hinch, whose full name is Sophie Hinchliffe, is a cleaning and lifestyle influencer with more than 4.7 million followers on Instagram.

On the group, Mrs Hinch Gardening Tips, Facebook user Nicola Baker asked: “How can I get rid of ivy from over the back and be rid of it as well using household items like cleaning or food items say like vinegar etc? Thanks in advance.”

READ MORE: Keep English ivy out of your garden with this effective and natural weedkiller

Gardening: How to remove ivy from brickwork and trees

Nicola’s post was inundated with responses from other members of the Facebook group, Mrs Hinch Gardening Tips.

The most suggested response was to hammer copper nails into the plant.

Judy Smith said: “If the stem is thick enough at the base. Hammer some copper nails into it. It will die off without causing damage to the fence.”

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Becky Smith commented: “We’ve got the same problem and it’s a nightmare. Find the root and cut it, or hammer copper nails into it.”

Copper nails can be bought online and from DIY stores. According to experts, hammering a couple of copper nails into trees and ivy can stop it from growing and kill it.

Copper nails can be bought from Amazon for £4.94 and large copper clout nails can be purchased from eBay for £1.79 each.

Other suggestions from Mrs Hinch fans included using lemon juice and cutting it back.

Marian James replied: “I used neat lemon juice and it’s never come back.”

Milvia Pearce said: “Cut at the bottom, the top will die and it will be easier to remove. Then, dig the root up as it spreads like wildfire.”

Sarah Jones suggested: “Find the stems and cut twice an inch apart and remove that section, then it will die off and be easier to peel off.”

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