Finding the best herbicide for English Ivy can be a challenge, especially with its invasive nature and resilience. English Ivy is a persistent plant that can quickly spread across gardens, lawns, and landscapes.Choosing the right herbicide is essential for effective control, and there are numerous options available on the market.

Whether you’re dealing with indoor or outdoor ivy infestations, selecting the best herbicide requires understanding your needs and knowing what kind of herbicide works best for specific ivy varieties.

This article reviews the 10 best herbicides for English Ivy, breaking down their effectiveness, application methods, and the most suitable situations for each product. If you’re looking for a solution to your ivy problems, this guide is here to help.

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Tips for Choosing the Best Herbicide for English Ivy:

• Consider the type of herbicide: Decide between selective or non-selective herbicides, as some are only effective on specific plants, while others will kill everything they come in contact with.
• Determine the best timing: The effectiveness of a herbicide can vary depending on whether you’re using it before or after ivy growth.
• Select based on action: Choose between systemic herbicides (which are absorbed by the plant and kill from within) and contact herbicides (which kill on contact).
• Be mindful of environmental impact: Organic herbicides are a more eco-friendly option, while synthetic herbicides tend to be more potent but may have harsher environmental effects.
• Understand the Ivy type: Different varieties of English Ivy may require specific herbicide strengths or application techniques, so tailor your choice accordingly.

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10 Best Herbicide For English Ivy

1. Roundup Concentrate Max Control 365 – Best Non-Selective Herbicide For English Ivy

Roundup Concentrate Max Control 365 is a popular choice for homeowners dealing with English Ivy infestations. This non-selective herbicide kills all types of vegetation it touches, including English Ivy, providing effective and long-lasting results. It is designed for both large and small-scale applications, making it versatile for different environments. The active ingredient glyphosate works by inhibiting an enzyme essential for plant growth, effectively stopping ivy and other unwanted plants from spreading.

The herbicide works in all seasons and can target English Ivy effectively during its growing stages. It requires careful application to avoid damage to surrounding plants, especially in areas with valuable crops. This product is also a systemic herbicide, meaning it is absorbed by the ivy and distributed throughout the plant, ensuring thorough eradication from roots to leaves.

Roundup Concentrate Max Control 365 has become a go-to choice for homeowners and landscapers alike, as it promises long-term control for English Ivy without constant reapplication. For the best results, apply it when the ivy is actively growing, ensuring the herbicide is absorbed effectively.

Pros:

• Long-lasting results
• Kills all plants
• Fast-acting formula
• Works in all seasons
• Systemic action
• Easy to use
• Wide coverage

Cons:

• Can harm desirable plants
• Strong odor
• May require reapplication

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2. Ortho GroundClear Vegetation Killer – Best Broad-Spectrum Herbicide for English Ivy

Ortho GroundClear Vegetation Killer is a highly effective broad-spectrum herbicide designed to eliminate unwanted plants, including English Ivy. This contact herbicide works immediately upon contact with the plant, targeting the ivy’s cells and causing it to die. Unlike systemic herbicides, it doesn’t need to be absorbed through the roots, which can make it faster for visible results.

The formula is ideal for use on driveways, sidewalks, and other areas where you need quick ivy control. It’s particularly useful for clearing ivy from areas where other plants may not be a concern. However, since it is a non-selective herbicide, it’s important to apply it carefully to avoid affecting neighboring plants or crops.

Ortho GroundClear is available in a ready-to-use formula, making it convenient for immediate applications. Its potent formulation ensures that even the toughest English Ivy won’t be able to regrow after treatment.

Pros:

• Quick results
• Easy to apply
• Broad-spectrum
• Convenient ready-to-use formula
• Effective on tough ivy
• No mixing required
• Works on hard surfaces

Cons:

• Can harm surrounding plants
• Not systemic
• Requires careful application

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3. VPG Fertilome Over-the-Top Weed Killer – Best Pre-Emergent Herbicide For English Ivy

VPG Fertilome Over-the-Top Weed Killer is an excellent option for those looking for a pre-emergent herbicide to control English Ivy. This product is designed to stop ivy seeds from germinating, preventing future growth and spreading. When applied to areas where English Ivy is likely to grow, it prevents the establishment of new plants before they can take hold.

As a residual herbicide, it remains effective for weeks or months, depending on environmental conditions. It is ideal for preventing regrowth in areas that have previously been treated or where ivy seeds may be present. This makes it a great option for long-term maintenance and protection against future infestations.

Although it’s highly effective at preventing growth, it won’t eliminate existing ivy that has already established itself. Therefore, it’s recommended to combine it with other treatments for complete eradication.

Pros:

• Prevents new growth
• Long-lasting protection
• Ideal for maintenance
• Effective on seeds
• Easy to apply
• Low environmental impact
• Prevents spreading

Cons:

• Doesn’t kill existing ivy
• Limited to certain areas
• Requires careful timing

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4. Bonide Weed Beater – Best Post-Emergent Herbicide For English Ivy

Bonide Weed Beater is a post-emergent herbicide that targets and kills English Ivy after it has grown. This product is perfect for treating mature ivy that has already spread. It uses a unique formula to disrupt the plant’s metabolism, causing it to die back within days of application.

Bonide Weed Beater is an effective systemic herbicide that works its way through the ivy’s vascular system, targeting the roots and ensuring the plant does not regrow. Unlike contact herbicides, it provides deeper penetration, offering better long-term control of ivy infestations.

This product is safe for use on a variety of surfaces, but as a non-residual herbicide, it requires reapplication for ongoing ivy control.

Pros:

• Effective on mature ivy
• Systemic action
• Fast-acting
• Can be used on multiple surfaces
• Long-term control
• Easy to apply
• Deep root penetration

Cons:

• Requires reapplication
• May not kill all ivy varieties
• Can harm surrounding plants

5. Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer – Best Contact Herbicide for English Ivy

Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer is a powerful contact herbicide that effectively targets English Ivy. When sprayed directly onto the plant, it kills ivy on contact, ensuring fast results. It contains the active ingredient diquat dibromide, which works by disrupting the plant’s ability to photosynthesize, causing it to quickly die.

This herbicide is particularly effective for clearing smaller infestations of English Ivy. However, because it is a contact herbicide, it does not provide residual control, meaning it won’t prevent regrowth. As such, reapplication may be necessary if the ivy grows back.

Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer is an excellent choice for immediate control of ivy in gardens or areas with minimal surrounding vegetation. It’s easy to apply and is available in a convenient ready-to-use formula.

Pros:

• Fast results
• Easy to apply
• Kills on contact
• Suitable for small infestations
• Convenient formula
• Effective for spot treatments
• Works on various weeds

Cons:

• Requires reapplication
• No residual control
• May harm nearby plants

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6. Gallup Glyphosate Herbicide – Best Systemic Herbicide for English Ivy

Gallup Glyphosate Herbicide is one of the most trusted systemic herbicides for killing English Ivy. This powerful herbicide contains glyphosate, a broad-spectrum chemical that works by being absorbed into the plant’s leaves and traveling down to the roots, where it disrupts the plant’s growth processes. This systemic action ensures that the ivy is eradicated at its core.

Gallup Glyphosate is effective on a wide range of weeds, including English Ivy, and it provides long-lasting control. It’s best used during the growing season when the plant is actively absorbing nutrients. The herbicide is suitable for both large-scale applications and smaller, localized infestations.

However, because it is a non-selective herbicide, care must be taken not to apply it to desirable plants. It may also require reapplication for complete eradication in areas where the ivy is particularly persistent.

Pros:

• Systemic action
• Effective on tough ivy
• Long-lasting effects
• Suitable for large applications
• Broad-spectrum
• Ideal for complete eradication
• High effectiveness

Cons:

• Can harm surrounding plants
• May require multiple applications
• Strong odor

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7. Killzall Weed and Grass Killer – Best Non-Residual Herbicide for English Ivy

Killzall Weed and Grass Killer is a non-residual herbicide that offers effective control for English Ivy. It is made with glyphosate, which is absorbed by the plant and works to kill ivy at the root level. As a non-residual herbicide, it doesn’t leave lasting effects on the soil, making it safe for planting new vegetation after application.

This herbicide is particularly useful for controlling ivy in areas where you want to prevent future plant growth or replanting. However, since it is non-selective, caution must be exercised to protect surrounding plants from unintended damage.

Killzall is highly effective in areas where other herbicides might fail. It provides fast results, and its easy-to-use formula allows for convenient application on large and small infestations alike.

Pros:

• Non-residual action
• Effective on roots
• Quick results
• Easy to apply
• No soil toxicity
• Broad-spectrum
• Ideal for maintenance

Cons:

• Can harm other plants
• Requires careful application
• Not ideal for regrowth prevention

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8. Southern Ag Crossbow – Best Herbicide for Persistent English Ivy

Southern Ag Crossbow is a powerful herbicide designed to handle even the most persistent English Ivy infestations. It contains a mixture of triclopyr and 2,4-D, two active ingredients that are known for their ability to kill woody and invasive plants like ivy. This systemic herbicide works by entering the plant’s vascular system and eliminating it from the inside out.

Southern Ag Crossbow is especially effective on mature, established ivy that has become resistant to other herbicides. It’s highly effective for large-scale applications and can be used on both woody and herbaceous plants. While it can eliminate even the toughest ivy, it should be applied carefully to avoid harming surrounding desirable vegetation.

This herbicide provides lasting control and helps prevent regrowth, making it ideal for persistent ivy problems. It can be used in various environments, including forests, fields, and landscaping areas.

Pros:

• Effective on mature ivy
• Systemic action
• Long-lasting effects
• Kills tough, resistant plants
• Prevents regrowth
• Ideal for large-scale areas
• Fast-acting

Cons:

• May harm nearby plants
• Requires careful application
• Can be toxic to wildlife

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9. EcoClear Weed and Grass Killer – Best Organic Herbicide for English Ivy

EcoClear Weed and Grass Killer is an organic herbicide that provides a natural solution for controlling English Ivy. Made with plant-based ingredients, it is safe to use around pets and children while still offering effective control over ivy. It works as a contact herbicide, killing ivy by disrupting its cell structure on contact.

EcoClear is a great choice for eco-conscious homeowners who want to avoid synthetic chemicals. While it offers effective control for smaller ivy infestations, it may require multiple applications to eradicate larger, more established plants. It’s best used on areas where chemical herbicides are not preferred, such as vegetable gardens or lawns.

The product’s organic nature means it’s less harmful to the environment compared to synthetic herbicides, but it’s important to note that it may not provide as long-lasting effects as some chemical options.

Pros:

• Organic ingredients
• Safe for pets and children
• Eco-friendly
• Quick acting
• Non-toxic to wildlife
• Easy to apply
• Ideal for small infestations

Cons:

• May require multiple applications
• Less effective on large infestations
• Not systemic

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10. Weed Out with Crabgrass Killer – Best Herbicide for Multiple Weeds Including English Ivy

Weed Out with Crabgrass Killer is a versatile herbicide that is effective in treating not just English Ivy but also a variety of other common weeds. This product is particularly useful for homeowners dealing with multiple types of weeds in their landscape. It works as a systemic herbicide that kills ivy by being absorbed through the plant’s leaves and stems.

This herbicide is great for large lawns or garden areas where multiple weeds are present. It is selective, meaning it targets weeds like English Ivy while leaving your grass unharmed. This makes it an ideal choice for turf areas, but care should be taken when applying it around ornamental plants.

Weed Out with Crabgrass Killer is a great option for those looking for a multi-purpose solution to their ivy and weed problems. Its easy-to-apply formula makes it convenient for homeowners and landscapers alike.

Pros:

• Targets multiple weeds
• Systemic action
• Safe for grass
• Selective herbicide
• Easy to apply
• Fast-acting
• Convenient formula

Cons:

• May harm surrounding plants
• Not ideal for established ivy
• Requires careful application

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Best Herbicide For English Ivy FAQs 

1. What is the best herbicide for killing English Ivy? The best herbicide for killing English Ivy depends on your needs, but Roundup Concentrate Max Control 365 and Ortho GroundClear Vegetation Killer are among the top options.
2. How do I apply herbicides to control English Ivy? Herbicides can be applied by spraying directly onto the ivy, ensuring thorough coverage of the leaves and stems. Be mindful of the timing and weather conditions.
3. Is Roundup effective for killing English Ivy? Yes, Roundup is highly effective for killing English Ivy, particularly Roundup Concentrate Max Control 365, as it uses systemic action to target the plant’s roots.
4. What are systemic herbicides, and how do they work on English Ivy? Systemic herbicides are absorbed by the plant and transported throughout its system, killing it from the inside out. This ensures thorough eradication of English Ivy.
5. Can I use organic herbicides for English Ivy control? Yes, EcoClear Weed and Grass Killer is an organic option for controlling English Ivy, though it may require multiple applications for larger infestations.
6. How long does it take for herbicides to kill English Ivy? The time varies by product, but most herbicides will begin to show results within 1-2 weeks.
7. Are there any natural alternatives to chemical herbicides for English Ivy? Yes, EcoClear and other organic herbicides provide a natural solution for controlling English Ivy without harsh chemicals.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the best herbicide for English Ivy requires careful consideration of both the type of herbicide and its action.

After reviewing the top products, Roundup Concentrate Max Control 365 stands out as the best English Ivy herbicide overall choice due to its long-lasting systemic action that kills ivy at the root level, ensuring complete eradication.

For those looking for an eco-friendly English Ivy herbicide alternative, Ortho GroundClear Vegetation Killer serves as a solid runner-up, providing fast results and broad-spectrum effectiveness.

Both products offer unique benefits, and the choice depends on your preference for chemical or natural solutions, as well as the scale of your ivy problem