Does Ortho Groundclear Kill Ivy? - Plant Care Guide

Yes, Ortho GroundClear products are designed to kill a wide variety of weeds, including ivy, but you must use the correct formulation and understand its non-selective nature. Ortho GroundClear is a powerful total vegetation killer, meaning it will not only kill ivy but also any other plant it touches, and many formulations prevent new growth for an extended period. Therefore, its use requires extreme caution and should be limited to areas where you want absolutely no plant life.

What is Ortho GroundClear and How Does it Work?

Ortho GroundClear is a brand of herbicide primarily marketed as a total vegetation killer or bare ground sterilant. It's designed for areas where you want to eliminate all existing plant growth and prevent new weeds from emerging for an extended period. Understanding its mechanism is crucial for safe and effective use.

Key characteristics and how Ortho GroundClear works:

• Non-Selective Herbicide: This is its most important feature. "Non-selective" means it will kill virtually any plant it comes into contact with, whether it's a weed, grass, or desirable ornamental plant. It does not differentiate.
• Active Ingredients: The specific active ingredients can vary by product formulation (e.g., "Weed & Grass Killer" vs. "Vegetation Killer"). Common active ingredients include:
  • Glyphosate: A systemic herbicide that targets an enzyme essential for plant growth. It is absorbed by foliage and translocates throughout the plant, killing it to the root.
  • Imazapic, Imazapyr, Diquat: These are often included in "total vegetation killer" formulations. They work as pre-emergents (preventing new seeds from sprouting) and post-emergents (killing existing plants).
  • Pelargonic Acid: A contact herbicide that burns down plant tissue quickly. Often used for fast visible results.
• Dual Action (Often): Many GroundClear products offer dual action:
  • Post-Emergent: Kills existing weeds and grass by targeting foliage.
  • Pre-Emergent: Creates a chemical barrier in the soil that prevents weed seeds from germinating for weeks, months, or even up to a year or more, depending on the specific product. This bare ground effect is a key feature.
• Systemic Action (Glyphosate): When glyphosate is an active ingredient, the chemical is absorbed by the leaves and moves throughout the entire plant, down to the roots, ensuring a complete kill.
• Contact Action (Pelargonic Acid): Some formulations provide a rapid burndown of visible foliage on contact.

Because of its potent, non-selective, and often long-lasting nature, Ortho GroundClear is a powerful tool for certain applications but demands extreme caution to avoid unintended damage to desired vegetation.

What Types of Ivy Can Ortho GroundClear Kill?

Ortho GroundClear products, particularly the total vegetation killer formulations, are designed to kill all types of ivy because they are non-selective herbicides. This includes common varieties like English Ivy, Boston Ivy, and Poison Ivy, as well as any other plant species.

Types of ivy Ortho GroundClear can kill:

1. English Ivy (Hedera helix): This is one of the most common invasive ivies in North America, known for its dense ground cover and ability to climb and smother trees and structures. Ortho GroundClear will kill it.
2. Boston Ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata): Often used ornamentally for climbing on walls, but can become invasive. Ortho GroundClear will kill it.
3. Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia): Often mistaken for ivy or poison ivy, this native vine also responds to GroundClear.
4. Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans): While not a true ivy (it's in the cashew family), it's a notorious plant that GroundClear will effectively kill. This is one of the few instances where careful, targeted use of GroundClear might be considered on bare ground where you want to eliminate this hazardous plant.
5. Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea): Also known as Creeping Charlie, this aggressive lawn weed can be killed by GroundClear.

Key considerations when using Ortho GroundClear for ivy:

• Non-Selective: Always remember that it will kill any plant it touches. If the ivy is growing on a fence or tree that you want to keep, GroundClear is not the right product for selective removal.
• Persistence: Ivy can be tenacious. Its extensive root system and ability to root along its stems (stolons) mean that even with a strong herbicide like GroundClear, multiple applications might be necessary to achieve a complete kill, especially for mature, established ivy.
• Foliar Absorption: For systemic herbicides like glyphosate (often in GroundClear), the ivy needs healthy leaves to absorb the chemical effectively.

While Ortho GroundClear can kill various ivy types, its power requires careful, targeted application to prevent collateral damage to desirable plants.

What Are the Dangers of Using Ortho GroundClear Near Desirable Plants or Trees?

The dangers of using Ortho GroundClear near desirable plants or trees are significant and can lead to irreversible damage or death of cherished vegetation. Its non-selective nature and soil-sterilizing properties demand extreme caution.

Key dangers:

1. Non-Selective Kill: This is the most obvious danger. Ortho GroundClear will kill any green plant material it touches. If spray drifts onto your ornamental shrubs, flowers, vegetables, or the foliage of desirable trees, those plants will be damaged or killed.
2. Root Uptake (Soil Activity): Many formulations of Ortho GroundClear contain active ingredients (like imazapic or imazapyr) that are designed to remain active in the soil for an extended period (weeks, months, or even over a year).
   • Leaching: These chemicals can leach through the soil, especially in sandy soils or with heavy rainfall.
   • Root Absorption: Desirable trees and shrubs nearby can absorb these chemicals through their roots, even if the foliage was never directly sprayed. This can lead to slow decline, yellowing, defoliation, and eventual death of otherwise healthy plants.
   • Damage to Adjacent Plants: A tree or shrub might die months after application because its roots slowly absorbed the herbicide from the soil.
3. Contamination of Water Sources: Runoff from treated areas, especially on slopes, can carry herbicides into storm drains, ponds, streams, or groundwater, harming aquatic life and contaminating water sources.
4. Soil Sterilization: The long-lasting residual effect of some GroundClear products essentially sterilizes the soil, making it unsuitable for growing anything (including desirable plants) for a prolonged period. This makes it challenging to plant new trees or shrubs in the area later.
5. Damage to Beneficial Organisms: While less direct, disrupting the soil microbiome with harsh chemicals can negatively impact beneficial soil organisms and mycorrhizal fungi, which are crucial for plant health.
6. Human and Pet Exposure: Direct contact with the spray or walking on recently treated areas can expose humans and pets to chemicals, potentially causing skin irritation or other health concerns. Always follow safety precautions.

Due to these severe dangers, Ortho GroundClear should only be used in areas where you want absolutely no plant growth, such as gravel driveways, pathways, fence lines, or under decks, far away from any plant you wish to preserve.

How to Safely Apply Ortho GroundClear to Kill Ivy?

If you decide to use Ortho GroundClear to kill ivy, extreme caution and precise application are essential to minimize risks to desirable plants and the environment. This is not a product for casual or broad application.

Step-by-step guide to safely applying Ortho GroundClear to kill ivy:

Step 1: Read the Label Thoroughly

1. Crucial Step: Read the entire product label of your specific Ortho GroundClear formulation before you begin. Pay close attention to:
   • Active ingredients.
   • Application rates.
   • Dwell time before rainfall.
   • Precautionary statements (PPE).
   • Replanting interval (how long before you can plant anything new).
   • Warnings regarding use near desirable plants, trees, and water sources.

Step 2: Choose the Right Conditions

1. Calm Day: Apply on a calm, wind-free day to prevent drift onto desirable plants.
2. Dry Foliage: Apply to dry ivy leaves.
3. No Rain Forecast: Check the forecast. Ensure no rain is expected for at least 24 hours (or as specified by the label) to allow the chemical to be absorbed.
4. Active Growth: Apply when the ivy is actively growing, as it will absorb the herbicide more effectively.

Step 3: Gather Safety Gear

1. Protective Personal Equipment (PPE): Wear safety glasses, chemical-resistant gloves, long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. Consider a respirator mask if working in an enclosed area or sensitive to fumes.

Step 4: Prepare the Application Area

1. Physical Barriers: If ivy is near desirable plants, create physical barriers like plastic sheeting, cardboard, or tarps to shield them from spray drift. Be mindful of roots spreading underneath the ground cover.
2. Cut Back Desirable Plants: Temporarily cut back desirable plants around the ivy to create a larger buffer zone.
3. Prepare Sprayer: If using a concentrate, mix it according to label directions in a clean garden sprayer.

Step 5: Apply the Herbicide (Targeted and Controlled)

1. Targeted Spray: Direct the spray specifically onto the ivy foliage. Do not spray broadly.
2. Low Pressure: Use a sprayer setting that produces a coarse, steady stream rather than a fine mist, which is more prone to drift.
3. Saturate but Don't Drip: Apply enough to thoroughly wet the ivy leaves, but avoid over-saturation that causes runoff or dripping onto the soil (where it could reach desirable roots).
4. Ivy on Trees/Structures: If ivy is growing on a tree or structure you want to keep, do NOT spray the ivy while it's on the tree/structure. The spray will inevitably drift or drip onto the bark/leaves of the desirable plant, or be absorbed by its roots. Cut the ivy vines at the base, allow the upper parts to die (do not pull vigorously, as this can damage bark), and then treat the regrowth on the ground once it shows healthy leaves.

Step 6: Post-Application

1. Clean Up: Clean your sprayer and dispose of any leftover chemical solution according to local regulations.
2. Wash Up: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after completing the application.
3. Monitor: Observe the ivy for signs of decline (yellowing, wilting) and the surrounding desirable plants for any unintended damage.
4. Repeat (if needed): Ivy is tough. You may need a second application on any regrowth.

Due to its potency, using Ortho GroundClear to kill ivy demands meticulous care and should be reserved for situations where no other plant life is desired in the treated area.

What Are Some Safer Alternatives to Ortho GroundClear for Ivy?

Given the significant dangers of Ortho GroundClear, especially near desirable plants, many gardeners seek safer alternatives for ivy control. These methods prioritize manual removal, less toxic herbicides, or cultural controls.

Safer alternatives to Ortho GroundClear for ivy removal:

1. Manual Removal (Most Eco-Friendly and Safe):
   • Best for: Ivy on trees, fences, and small to medium ground patches.
   • How:
     • For trees/structures: Cut all ivy vines at the base (about 1-2 feet from the ground). Leave the upper parts to die and dry out naturally. Do not pull immediately, as this can damage bark. Once dead, they may be easier to remove later.
     • For ground cover: Use a sturdy garden fork, trowel, or shovel to dig up sections of ivy, following its extensive runners. Pulling by hand can work for younger ivy.
   • Benefits: No chemicals, safe for surrounding plants, environmentally friendly.
   • Considerations: Labor-intensive, especially for mature ivy. Requires persistence as regrowth is common. Wear gloves to protect against skin irritants (especially for poison ivy).
2. Smothering / Solarization:
   • Best for: Large, open ground patches of ivy.
   • How: Cut the ivy back as much as possible. Cover the area with a thick layer of cardboard or newspaper (wet them down), then a thick layer (6-12 inches) of mulch (wood chips, shredded leaves). For solarization, use clear plastic sheeting in full sun for several weeks.
   • Benefits: No chemicals, organic, improves soil long-term.
   • Considerations: Takes time (several months).
3. Horticultural Vinegar (with Extreme Caution):
   • Best for: Weeds in cracks in pavement or gravel paths, or targeted individual ivy plants on bare ground, far from desired plants.
   • How: Use horticultural vinegar (10-20% acetic acid, much stronger than household vinegar). Spray directly onto foliage on a sunny, dry day.
   • Benefits: Natural, fast-acting visible results.
   • Considerations: Non-selective (will kill any plant it touches). Can temporarily lower soil pH. Requires full PPE (gloves, eye protection, mask) as it is corrosive to skin and eyes. Not for use near desirable plants.
4. Boiling Water:
   • Best for: Ivy in cracks in pavement, gravel paths, or very small, isolated patches of ivy on bare ground.
   • How: Carefully pour boiling water directly onto the ivy foliage and crown.
   • Benefits: Non-toxic, immediate burn-down.
   • Considerations: Non-selective (will kill anything it touches, including desirable plant roots). Not practical for large areas. Can be dangerous to handle.
5. Targeted Chemical Herbicides (Specific for Broadleaf Weeds, Not Total Killers):
   • Best for: Ivy in lawns where you want to keep the grass, or targeted spot treatment.
   • Type: Look for herbicides specifically formulated to kill broadleaf weeds (like ivy) but are safe for turfgrass. These are typically selective.
   • Caution: Always read the label carefully to ensure it's safe for your specific grass type and that it won't damage other desired plants. Often requires multiple applications for ivy.

For most situations, manual removal, smothering, or carefully targeted less-toxic options are preferable to the broad-acting and potentially damaging Ortho GroundClear for ivy control.

How to Remove Ivy from Trees Safely?

Removing ivy from trees safely is crucial to protect the tree from both the invasive ivy and potential damage during the removal process. Ivy can seriously harm trees, but aggressive removal can also be detrimental.

Step-by-step guide to safely removing ivy from trees:

Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Gear

1. Safety First: Wear gardening gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection, especially if it's poison ivy (then wear full protective clothing).
2. Tools: Sharp hand pruners, loppers, and a pruning saw for thicker vines.

Step 2: Cut the Ivy Vines at the Base

1. Locate Base: Identify all the main ivy vines climbing the tree, from the ground up to about 4-5 feet high (or as high as you can comfortably reach from the ground).
2. Make Cuts: Using your pruners or loppers, make two cuts on each vine, about 6-12 inches apart. Create a clear "gap" in the vine. This severs the connection between the ivy's roots in the ground and the vines climbing the tree.
3. Go Around the Trunk: Systematically work your way around the entire tree trunk, ensuring every single ivy vine is cut, no matter how small. Don't miss any, as they can sustain the upper growth.
4. Clear the Root Collar: Remove any ivy growing directly against the tree's root collar (where the trunk meets the ground) to prevent moisture buildup and disease.

Step 3: Let the Upper Ivy Die Naturally

1. Wait: Once the vines are cut at the base, the ivy climbing higher up the tree will gradually wither and die because it's no longer receiving water and nutrients from the ground. This process can take several weeks or months.
2. Do NOT Pull: Do NOT immediately pull the dying ivy off the tree. The aerial roots of ivy can adhere very strongly to the tree bark. Aggressive pulling can:
   • Tear away strips of the tree's bark, creating open wounds susceptible to disease and pests.
   • Dislodge pieces of the tree itself, especially smaller branches.
   • Cause structural damage to the tree.
3. Natural Decay: Once the ivy is completely dead and brittle, much of it will eventually detach and fall off on its own. You can gently remove any remaining, easily detachable dead vines without force.

Step 4: Manage Ivy Regrowth at the Base

1. Monitor: The roots of the ivy in the ground will try to send up new shoots. Regularly monitor the base of the tree.
2. Pull/Cut Regrowth: Promptly pull or cut any new ivy growth emerging from the ground. Be persistent.
3. Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the tree (keeping it away from the trunk) to suppress new ivy growth and conserve moisture for the tree.
4. Targeted Herbicide (Optional, with caution): If you have persistent regrowth on bare ground, and are very careful, you could dab a systemic herbicide (like glyphosate, diluted appropriately) directly onto the cut stems or young leaves of the ivy regrowth, avoiding the tree. This should be a last resort.

By following these safe and methodical steps, you can effectively remove ivy from trees and protect the health of your valuable landscape trees.

What Are the Environmental Concerns of Total Vegetation Killers?

Total vegetation killers like Ortho GroundClear raise significant environmental concerns due to their non-selective nature, persistence in the environment, and potential for widespread ecological impact. These chemicals should be used with a full understanding of their broader implications.

Key environmental concerns of total vegetation killers:

1. Non-Target Plant Damage:
   • Ecosystem Disruption: By killing all plants in an area, they eliminate critical food sources and habitat for insects, birds, and other wildlife.
   • Loss of Biodiversity: Repeated use contributes to a reduction in local plant diversity.
   • Contamination: Drift or runoff can kill desired plants in adjacent areas, altering garden and natural ecosystems.
2. Soil Contamination and Sterilization:
   • Long Residual Effect: Many active ingredients (e.g., imazapyr, imazapic) are designed to persist in the soil for extended periods (months to over a year). This effectively sterilizes the soil, making it barren and unsuitable for any plant growth.
   • Harm to Soil Microbes: These chemicals can disrupt the delicate balance of beneficial soil microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, earthworms) that are vital for soil fertility, nutrient cycling, and plant health.
   • Groundwater Contamination: Persistent chemicals can leach into groundwater, potentially contaminating drinking water sources.
3. Water Pollution and Aquatic Harm:
   • Runoff: Heavy rainfall or irrigation can wash these herbicides into nearby waterways (streams, rivers, ponds, lakes).
   • Aquatic Toxicity: Many active ingredients in total vegetation killers are toxic to aquatic organisms (fish, amphibians, invertebrates), impacting aquatic ecosystems.
4. Pollinator Harm (Indirect):
   • While not directly targeting pollinators, by eliminating flowering plants (weeds or desirable), these herbicides remove crucial nectar and pollen sources, negatively impacting local pollinator populations (bees, butterflies).
5. Impact on Wildlife:
   • By eliminating vegetation, total weed killers remove shelter, nesting sites, and food sources for various wildlife species, potentially forcing them out of an area or reducing their populations.
   • Animals consuming contaminated plants, even those in decline, could also be exposed.
6. Human Health Concerns (Applicator and Residual):
   • While generally considered safe when used as directed, applicators are exposed during mixing and spraying.
   • Residual chemicals can persist on surfaces, potentially leading to incidental exposure for children and pets.

Due to these profound environmental concerns, the use of total vegetation killers should be extremely limited to non-planted areas, and with a full understanding of the long-term ecological impact. Prioritizing non-chemical or highly targeted, less persistent methods is generally the more environmentally responsible approach for weed and ivy control.