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How to Use Borax to Kill Ivy
How to Use Borax to Kill Ivy. Borax is a naturally occurring mineral salt that has many household uses, most often as a cleaning agent. This substance also has outdoor uses, however, including its application in the elimination or control of many types of plants, such as invasive ivy vines. Use borax with extreme caution in a yard or garden, as...
Borax is a naturally occurring mineral salt that has many household uses, most often as a cleaning agent. This substance also has outdoor uses, however, including its application in the elimination or control of many types of plants, such as invasive ivy vines. Use borax with extreme caution in a yard or garden, as high concentrations have the potential to damage soil and make it difficult to grow new plant life.
Things You'll Need
Borax
Water
Garden sprayer
Practice using a garden sprayer so you get used to how wide and how powerful it sprays. It's important to know exactly how the garden sprayer sprays to ensure effective removal of the ivy with minimal damage to other plant life.
Mix a borax solution in the tank of a garden sprayer. For every 25 square feet, add 5 tsp. of borax and 1 quart of water. Place the lid on the tank and shake the tank to dissolve the borax.
Spray the borax solution evenly over the ivy. All of the leaves and stems should be lightly coated with the solution. Do not exceed the recommended amount as it may damage other plant life, including grass.
Repeat the process the following year, if necessary. Horticulture technician David Lunsford of the University of Minnesota Extension Service recommends only one application per year for a maximum of two consecutive years.
