How can I remove ivy?

Ivy is something that we need to think about before planting. It is very invasive. I would spray on an herbicide to kill the ivy and then wait the recommended time before breaking up the soil (pick ax, etc.) and planting new plants.

Where our dirt was this hard we put down cardboard over it to kill anything that happened to grow. Then we edged it with planter logs (2 high) and filled it in with planting soil (6 inches or so). Then we planted roses, a small evergreen bush, a holly bush, and some variegated bushes, and filled in the rest with annuals like petunias. I had dianthas one yr and they replanted themselves and came back every year also. You would never know this area was hard barren ground!

For new plantings, you'll need to condition the soil with peat moss and manure. Visit your local nursery for help and suggestions.

The only thing I've eve found to work is just to pull it out and keep on pulling. It can take literally years.

Round Up, etc doesn't work well because the ivy leaves are glossy and the herbicide doesnt stick.

I've also found its easier to do this when the ivy is dormant - late fall, winter, early early spring.