Ivy plants, also known as Hedera, are versatile woody plants that either creep along the ground or shoot upwards, climbing up trees, rocks, buildings and virtually any support to wrap their stems around them.

When ivy is overtaking your garden, sometimes a natural approach is the best solution. Instead of resorting to harsh herbicides, consider simpler, less damaging methods that you may already have at home.

Gardening gurus Jim and Mary Competti of Old World Garden Farms recommend controlling ivy in the fall, calling it a “good time” to attack the plant when it is “vulnerable” and begins to “shed its leaves.”

In the fight against the climbing plague, they advise: “By treating them in early autumn with some effective natural sprays of your choice, you can eradicate them with just a few applications.”

Vinegar is the preeminent natural element for tackling stubborn ivy. Whether you choose robust garden vinegar or regular white household vinegar, the results can be remarkable.

The green-thumbed couple pointed out: “Horticultural vinegar is extremely effective at getting rid of ivy, and spraying in the fall when the leaves start to change color is a good time to remove the plant for good.

“Garden vinegar (sometimes called industrial vinegar) has a much higher acid concentration than regular kitchen vinegar.

“Kitchen vinegar typically has an acidity of about five percent, while garden vinegar can have an acidity of 30 to 45 percent. However, kitchen vinegar can also be used if you do not have garden vinegar available.”

Just as vinegar can kill weeds on driveways, patios and paving joints, it is also deadly to ivy. To use, simply fill a spray bottle with the vinegar and use it undiluted.

The gardening experts advise: “Spray the leaves generously with the solution and observe how it works. Spraying during the heat of the day and in direct sunlight increases the effectiveness even further.

“Be careful when spraying around other plants, hitting only the leaves of the ivy. Vinegar is non-specific, meaning the acid will kill any plant it comes into contact with. Usually, multiple applications spaced a few days apart are needed to completely kill the ivy down to the roots.”

Always wear safety glasses and gloves when handling highly concentrated vinegar. It is still an acid and can cause skin and eye burns if it comes into contact with it.

If vinegar isn’t for you, gardeners can still resort to a saltwater solution to “kill ivy naturally,” experts say.

To make this solution, mix two cups of salt with half a liter of water. Professionals also recommend adding a few drops of dishwashing liquid for good measure.

They explained: “This will allow the spray to stick to the ivy leaves rather than simply dripping off. Put it in a hand sprayer and spray generously onto the ivy leaves.

“Just like vinegar, the salt solution will damage any plants it comes into contact with. Be careful to spray only the leaves of the ivy and not the foliage of surrounding plants.

“To completely kill the ivy, several additional applications of the salt solution may be necessary. Spray every three to four days until the foliage is completely dead to be sure you have killed the roots.”

Spraying when the sun is at its highest can increase the effectiveness of the saline solution.

Place all plant parts in a secure bag and take them to your local waste disposal center. Be sure not to throw them in the compost pile, or you risk an unwanted comeback of the ivy.