Hi @Suzza,
The most effective first step is to cut the main stems right down to ground level. For a trunk as thick as a hose, use loppers or a pruning saw. Once cut, peel away as much of the climbing ivy as you can, but avoid pulling too hard from walls or fences as it can damage the surface—let the top growth die back and dry out first, then it will come off more easily.
Immediately after cutting the stem at the base, apply Yates Tree And Blackberry Weed Killer Concentrate mixed 5:1, with five parts kerosene to one part weed killer, onto the fresh cut surface. Applying it to freshly cut stems will help the poison move down into the roots while they are still active. If you just spray the leaves, established ivy often resists and grows back. For large, old plants, you may need to repeat the cut-and-paint process a couple of times to fully exhaust the root system.
For any regrowth, spray the new leaves while they’re still small and tender, as they absorb herbicide much more effectively than mature leaves.
Persistence is the trick—ivy has a big underground root system, so it can take a season or two to fully eradicate.
If you’d prefer a non-chemical approach, you’ll need to dig out the main root crown with a mattock or shovel after cutting the vines, but be prepared for a workout, as the root system is usually extensive.
Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
Jacob
