Ivy plants may charm onlookers with their ability to dress up homes and fences, but it comes with a catch. 

These pretty climbers can attach too well, with their adhesive aerial roots causing potential ruin.

Chris Bonnett from Gardening Express has shared just how deceptive this plant’s beauty can be. He said: “A few strands of ivy can look great in a garden as the plant can add some much-needed greenery into the space and transform dull-like fences or walls to look visually appealing.”

However, Chris was quick to issue a warning: “However, ivy can be a nuisance to keep in the garden as it can grow quickly and attach itself to houses and trees.”

He shared the threats it poses, adding: “In some cases, it can make trees become top heavy which can ultimately make them topple over.”

The green-fingered guru also highlighted another risk: “If English ivy starts to grow over leaves and plants it can cause significant damage as they’ll not be able to receive the nutrients they need from sunlight.”

Tackling invasive ivy requires killing the roots first – a crucial step, according to the gardening expert. Without ripping the roots out, ivy snakes mercilessly across gardens.

In combating stubborn ivy remnants, Chris recommended a homemade solution: “Apple cider vinegar and salt can be used to get rid of any lingering strands and prevent them from returning.”

He cautioned against spraying the mixture, advising instead to manually apply it with care: “Put on some gardening gloves and rub the solvent onto the ivy as using a spray bottle could damage nearby plants.”

The mixture’s acid and salt content is lethal for ivy, sapping its life and moisture away and salt, being a notorious dehydrator, knocks out the plant’s water balance, spelling its end.

Ensure to apply the solution on a dry day or when the weather forecast predicts dry conditions for several days.

The mixture should start working immediately, eliminating the remaining ivy within five days.

Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO of Lawn Love also recommends this method but suggests adding washing up liquid too.

He said: “I have tried a handful of DIY solutions for getting rid of ivy, but the solution that’s worked best is a combination of apple cider vinegar, dish soap, and salt.”