, notorious for its invasive growth, can wreak havoc by climbing and suffocating everything in its path, including buildings, shrubs, and trees. Its roots can penetrate masonry, leading to structural damage, and on wooden siding, the dense foliage traps moisture, promoting rot and decay while prying apart the siding. As ground cover, it stifles other by overshadowing them and eventually leading to their demise.

Fortunately, founder and editor at blog Good Grow, Chelsey, has a natural solution for eradicating ivy. She explained that when considering methods to banish ivy, salt may come up as a potential solution. However, not just any salt, the gardening pro recommends using rock salt as a "faster-acting" method. Before gardeners use this method, they need to be aware that it can damage neighbouring plants.

Chelsey warned: "Salt can dramatically increase the salinity of the soil and may lead to the death of nearby plants as a result. The application of salt should be done with care, as its residual effects can last for an extended period."

Rock salt is commonly used for de-icing roads and can "dehydrate plants", including English ivy, leading to "cell collapse".

When rock salt is applied around the ivy, it's absorbed by the roots and can be "effective in as little as a week."

Make sure to always wear gloves and protective eyewear if you use this method, as salt can irritate your skin and eyes.

Also, weather forecasts before applying the salt to ensure no rain is expected, preventing salt from washing into unintended areas.

To "properly" get rid of ivy using rock salt, start by locating the many roots of the plants before pouring a layer of rock salt at the base.

Check daily and reapply rock salt if plants show no sign of decay within a week. Continue applying weekly until "the ivy dies and is gone for good".

The gardening experts at Buckinghamshire Landscape Gardeners also agree with using the rock salt method.

They stated: "Ivy has a serious dislike of rock salt, especially when it comes into contact with its inner parts. If you have a stubborn Ivy plant, which has a thick base, rock salt can help to kill it."