English ivy is a clinging evergreen vine which grows on tree trunks, walls, fences and homes.

It has horizontal root systems which grow underground, sprouting new roots and shoots, these help the plant spread.

As well as potentially damaging your property, it can also be harmful to chickens and pets, causing allergic skin reactions if touched.

Although it can take time and patience to completely remove the plant, there are many effective non-chemical methods if you don’t want to use weedkiller.

Barnard Fencing recommended a variety of methods including one that uses vinegar.

They wrote: “Get your regular spray bottle and fill in the container with a mixture of 80 percent water and 20 percent white vinegar.

“Spray the ivy plants thoroughly, making sure you don’t affect any other plants that you don’t want to get rid of.”

The pros said this method will take a few days, so make sure the weather is dry before inspecting the results.

White vinegar can be picked up from your local supermarket for as little as 30p.

Gena Lorainne, gardener at Fantastic Services, advised Britons that the solution doesn’t touch any other plants when spraying.

This is because the acetic acid within the white vinegar will dry out and kill anything it touches.

White vinegar is an effective herbicide because it contains acetic acid which targets the plant at the root.

The solution can also be used to target weeds and get rid of them for good.

It is also possible to remove ivy by hand, and this is done by cutting through the stem with a sharp saw and then digging out the root.

The expert said: “Once the foliage has died, you can carefully remove the stuck-on stems with a wire brush.

“If it covers the ground, dig it up with a mattock or fork and dispose of it elsewhere.

“Alternatively, if the ground does not need to be planted, remove all the top growth, cover it with weed-control fabric, and add some mulch 10 to 15cm deep.”