Simple and persistent ivy removal method means plant will just 'pull away'

UK gardens often play host to English ivy, a plant loved by some but loathed by others due to its climbing nature that can grip onto almost any surface.

This growth habit makes ivy notoriously hard to get rid of due to its moisture-resistant and thick leaves. In a bid to tackle the ivy menace, followers of cleaning sensation Mrs Hinch, aka Sophie Hinchliffe, have been swapping tips on .

In the group, despairing gardener Joy Comben Allen pleaded: "This ivy is taking over not only this tree but the whole flower bed but this is the worst part. I've sprayed it every night for over a week with Round Up but it's not doing a thing."

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Despite her efforts to uproot it previously, she lamented: "I tried digging it up last year but it just keeps coming back. Any advice please." The group members came to her aid, with the top tip being to remove the roots thoroughly, reports .

Helen Reid's advice was clear: "Ivy is very persistent, you need to get the main root out and as much as the surrounding roots." She added two approaches based on location: "Depending on where it is, if nothing growing nearby, small amount of acid will kill anything left in the ground."

For close-to-plant scenarios, she suggested: "If you have nearby plants, just break anything left in the ground. It should work." Beth Carlisle shared a similar struggle, saying: "Dig up the roots - I have a similar issue creeping under the fence."

Detailing her method, she added: "I cut stems about four inches above ground to pull away the creepers but need to leave a piece at ground level to let us pull up the root." Other keen gardeners in the Hinch army recommended trying stronger weed killers to tackle the stubborn ivy. Karen Sim advised: "You need stronger ivy killer and cut then put onto the roots.

"Nothing else will kill it. I've had it in my garden for 30 years and it was the only way I could kill it. Took many attempts though. Diesel kills it as well."