The Hedera helix may look pretty, but if it creeps quietly on the ground, trees, and walls of buildings, it can cause severe damage. The small suction cup-shaped “hold” that the Hedera helix uses to attach to vertical surfaces, is strong enough to slough off bits of bark or paint. Removing the Hedera helix without causing further damage to the property requires cutting, rolling, and backfilling the vine with mulch to ensure the plant doesn't take root again. Read step one to learn more about how to get rid of the unwanted Hedera helix.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Eradicate Hedera helix on the Tree
Step 1. Prepare the equipment
The most important tools needed to eradicate Hedera helix are pruning shears or shears for cutting twigs, depending on the thickness of the vine. The older vines can grow to be as thick as a human arm, while the younger vines are as thin as a flower stalk. In addition to preparing the right cutting tools, also wear a pair of thick gardening gloves to protect your hands when removing the Hedera helix.
Step 2. Cut the vines around the base of the tree
Walk around the tree and cut off all the tendrils, which are growing up the tree, one at a time, to heel height. Even just a single vine that is not cut can nourish a vine far up the tree. So it's important to make sure all the vines are cut.
- For very old, thick vines, use a hand saw to carefully cut the vines.
- When cutting the vine, be careful not to cut the tree too. Hedera helix makes trees weaker and more susceptible to disease, and cutting through the bark can cause more damage.
Step 3. Cut again in a circle, around the tree, at shoulder height
Use the same technique to cut all the vines again. This time, gently remove from the tree the part of the vine that was cut off as you cut around the tree. By making two cuts and pulling out the Hedera helix at the bottom of the tree, you are preventing the vine at the top of the tree from getting essential nutrients, and the vine will soon die. Pile the vine pieces together and then fill it with mulch so that it doesn't take root again.
- When pulling the vine pieces from the tree, be careful not to pull too much of the bark off the tree.
- The same method can also be used to eradicate Hedera helix that grows on the outer walls of buildings.
Step 4. Examine the tree trunk for uncut vines
Check carefully to make sure all the vines are cut. Cut and discard any vines that are found uncut. Be careful not to damage the bark of the tree.
Step 5. Cut the Hedera helix on the ground
If the tree is surrounded by a bunch of Hedera helix on the ground, you'll need to root the plant so it doesn't grow back up the tree. Removing the Hedera helix around the base of the tree in a donut shape is sometimes referred to as a “lifesaving” piece. Here's how:
- Start by cutting a line through the Hedera helix in the ground, from the base of the tree away, to a distance of 1-2 m. Cut several lines in the same way, from the base of the tree away. Cutting the Hedera helix into pieces will make it easier to remove.
- Make cuts connecting all the lines 1-2 m from the base of the tree.
- Start pulling the Hedera helix tile by section. Remove all Hedera helix until there is none in the area around the tree within 1-2 m of the tree base.
Step 6. Wait for the Hedera helix to die
Now that you've cleared the bottom of the tree, the Hedera helix at the top of the tree will start to wilt and turn brown. Do not attempt to cut or uproot any vines that are at the top of the tree. Pulling the vines will also remove the bark of the tree, making the tree more susceptible to disease. Dead hedera helix will look ugly at first, but eventually the leaves will fall, and become less noticeable.
Step 7. Keep an eye on the area for new growth of Hedera helix
After removing, check back every few weeks to make sure there are no new Hedera helix creeping in the area around the tree. If there is, cut it and throw it away.
Method 2 of 2: Eradicate Hedera helix on the Ground
Step 1. Cut the Hedera helix into pieces
Cut lines on the Hedera helix along the soil to divide the plant into large sections, which will make it easier to remove the Hedera helix from the soil. While cutting, pull the pieces apart from each other. Work carefully around the plants and shoots you have.
If working on a hill, cut vertical lines from the top to the bottom of the hill to create sections that can be rolled down from the top of the hill
Step 2. Roll the parts of the Hedera helix out of the ground
Lift the end of one section of the Hedera helix, and roll it forward. Continue rolling the plant forward until the entire section is rolled into a large roll. Move the scroll to a separate area, and continue rolling all the pieces until there is no more Hedera helix on the ground.
Covering the Hedera helix rolls with mulch is the best way to eradicate and ensure the plant doesn't take root there again
Step 3. Use herbicides as an alternative
Hedera helix is difficult to eradicate with only herbicides, because the leaves have a waxy barrier that is difficult for chemicals to penetrate. Therefore, the most effective method is to combine manual eradication with the use of herbicides. Glyphosate is the most effective chemical against Hedera helix.
- Spray the area of the Hedera helix you want to eradicate, but be careful not to let the glyphosate hit other plants.
- The herbicide has a slow action, and should be repeated every 6 weeks or so.
Step 4. Use mulch to limit the Hedera helix you have
If you have a patch of Hedera helix that you want to maintain, but don't want the plant to spread out, you can use mulch to limit it. Just cover the Hedera helix with 17.5-20 cm of cut mulch or wood chips. This method takes time; let the mulch sit on the Hedera helix for at least 2 seasons. You may need to add new mulch one or more times during the growing season.
Tips
Always wear gloves and long sleeves to protect hands and arms when cutting and removing the Hedera helix
Warning
- Extreme care must be taken when cutting or removing vines from trees as the bark can also be damaged, leaving the tree vulnerable to invasive organisms or pests that can injure or kill the tree.
- Do not place Hedera helix cuttings or roots on top of the compost pile, as these will likely grow and spread over the area you are composting.
- Wear goggles to protect your eyes from dirt and pieces of Hedera helix.
