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November 20, 2008, 06:07:40 AM

Permaculture Forums | substance | organic practices | Topic: while we're on the topic of eliminating invasives....

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while we're on the topic of eliminating invasives....

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rachael hamblin
Posts: 129

May 01, 2008, 11:44:07 PM

Any one got any tips of getting rid of ivy? It's springing up everywhere in our yard (not to mention eating all the forests around here).


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paul wheaton
Administrator
Posts: 1331

May 02, 2008, 09:17:44 AM

I wonder if there are any farm animals that eat it.

The only thing I've heard of is removing it by hand. But, I have very limited experience with it.


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permaculture.dave
Posts: 113

May 03, 2008, 12:20:12 PM

Use it if you've got it...ivy has medicinal qualities (check it out at http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Hedera+helix). Herb shops often sell ivy pills.

My strategy would be to do an initial removal blast. Then continue hitting it back every time it send up shoots. This will take years, but doesn't involve herbicides and tends to work eventually (even the burliest plants will eventually die if you keep depriving them of the ability to access the sun. This is how I'm managing a patch of morning glory that came in on a bamboo planted by my cabin. It is getting weaker every year.

Dave


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Leah Sattler
Administrator
Posts: 593

June 26, 2008, 01:26:37 PM

Quote from: paul wheaton on May 02, 2008, 09:17:44 AM

I wonder if there are any farm animals that eat it.

The only thing I've heard of is removing it by hand. But, I have very limited experience with it.

Hi, I'm new here but I just had to chime in about this. Goats LOVE ivy (english or poison). Of course depending on the location they may not be allowed. Sometimes city ordinances will allow for pygmy goats since they are primarily used as pets. Or as long as your neigbors don't mind?? it is relatively easy to construct a portable pen to move them to areas that need the vegetation to be removed. With a little effort it could even be made attractive. I put all my goats to work eating the poison ivy on my property. They think its yummy.


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Put a bit of sunshine in each day;
Others need its cheer and so do you-
Need it most when outer sky's dull gray
Leaves the sunshine-making yours to do.
-"scatter sunshine" Jaunita Stafford

SueinWA
Posts: 303

October 15, 2008, 02:08:24 PM

There are a few bright people out there who do a Rental- Goat or Rental-Sheep Services, sometimes even for the county.

All they need is a trailer for the animals, some of that electric mesh fencing and posts (some kinds come fastened together), and a chair and book. They put out their fencing, put the animals inside, and let them eat, eat, eat. Some don't bother with the fence and just take a good sheepdog with them.

And it cuts down on their feed bill, too.

Sue


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