Ground ivy is a persistent broadleaf weed that can creep through lawns, driveways, and garden beds. Choosing an effective weed killer requires matching the product to the weed type, application area, and timing. Below is a curated, practical overview of popular options that target ground ivy and other tough weeds, plus a buying guide to help you compare features such as root-kill capability, soil and weather limitations, and application safety.
| Product | Brand | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Ortho GroundClear Poison Ivy & Tough Brush Killer3 | Ortho | Fast-acting, systemic formula; controls poison ivy/oak and tough brush |
| Bonide Poison Oak & Ivy Killer | Bonide | Kills roots; ready-to-use spray for home gardens |
| Ortho GroundClear Weed and Grass Killer with Comfort Wand | Ortho | Fast results; broad-spectrum; not for lawns |
| Ortho Weed B Gon Chickweed, Clover & Oxalis Killer (Concentrate) | Ortho | Kills common lawn weeds including ground ivy; treats large area |
| Roundup Poison Ivy Plus Tough Brush Killer2 | Roundup | Exclusive formula for poison ivy/oak plus other tough weeds; quick rainproofing |
These selections emphasize effectiveness against ground ivy and similar broadleaf weeds, while offering options for different application sites—from lawns to walkways and landscape beds. The following product sections present concise details to help you compare at a glance and decide which product fits your needs.
Ortho GroundClear Poison Ivy & Tough Brush Killer3
Ortho GroundClear Poison Ivy & Tough Brush Killer3 is a ready-to-use weed killer designed to control more than 60 listed weeds and brush, including poison ivy, poison oak, and other tough plants. Its fast-acting formula delivers visible results within about an hour after application, making it suitable for urgent control in problem areas. The product works systemically, killing plants down to the root, which helps prevent quick regrowth in treated zones such as driveways, paths, and landscape edges.
Bonide Poison Oak & Ivy Killer
Bonide Poison Oak & Ivy Killer is a ready-to-use spray that targets poison ivy and poison oak at home, with a fast-acting formula that begins to work overnight. It kills plants down to the root and becomes rainproof within several hours, helping to prevent wash-off from light rainfall. When used as directed, it can control poison oak, poison ivy, and a variety of broadleaf weeds without harming desirable lawn grasses. This makes it a practical option for mixed landscapes where lawn care and weed control need to occur in the same space.
Ortho GroundClear Weed and Grass Killer with Comfort Wand
This fast-acting product absorbs on contact to provide results in about 15 minutes and dries quickly to become rainproof within around 2 hours. It targets weeds in walkways, driveways, around trees, and in landscape beds but should not be used on lawns. Its broad-spectrum activity helps manage a variety of unwanted plants, including ground ivy, when used as directed. The Comfort Wand design allows precise application to minimize harm to desirable plants and turf in nearby zones.
Ortho Weed B Gon Chickweed, Clover & Oxalis Killer for Lawns (Concentrate)
Ortho Weed B Gon Chickweed, Clover & Oxalis Killer for Lawns is a concentrate designed to kill tough weeds in lawns when applied as directed. It lists ground ivy among the treated weeds, with a rainproof window of about 6 hours after application. This option is best for homeowners seeking a dedicated lawn weed control solution that targets common broadleaf species without harming established grass, provided you follow the product label and seasonal guidelines for application.
Roundup Poison Ivy Plus Tough Brush Killer2
Roundup Poison Ivy Plus Tough Brush Killer2 combines a formula designed to kill poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, wild blackberry, and other tough weeds with a Comfort Wand for targeted application. It offers quick rainfastness and visible results in hours, making it useful for fast-control scenarios in mixed landscapes, driveways, and edges where ground ivy may take hold. The product is suitable for treatments around non-lawn areas where broadleaf weeds are a concern, according to the label directions.
Roundup Dual Action 365 Weed & Grass Killer Plus 12 Month Preventer
Roundup Dual Action 365 Weed & Grass Killer Plus 12 Month Preventer provides both immediate weed control and long-term prevention for up to 12 months. It targets a broad range of weeds including clover, dandelion, crabgrass, poison ivy, and other broadleaf species. The product is rainproof quickly and shows visible results within hours, making it suitable for homeowners seeking a single-season, preventative solution in areas like walkways, driveways, and landscaped borders. Always follow label directions to ensure safe use around desired plants.
Ortho GroundClear Year Long Vegetation Killer2 Concentrate
Ortho GroundClear Year Long Vegetation Killer2 is a concentrate designed to kill and prevent vegetation for up to one year in areas where no plant growth is desired. It is suitable for use on driveways, sidewalks, fence lines, paver patios, and other non-turf spaces. The product acts quickly to kill existing vegetation down to the root and provides longer-term suppression, which is beneficial for control around borders or areas where weed reestablishment is common. Follow application instructions carefully to avoid unintended damage to nearby plants.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations for Ground Ivy Control
When choosing a weed killer for ground ivy, consider these factors to ensure effective, safe, and targeted control:
- Weed type and spectrum: Ground ivy is a broadleaf weed. Look for products labeled to kill broadleaf weeds or specifically ground ivy in lawns or non-lawn areas, depending on your site.
- Area of application: Lawns require weed killers designed for turf, such as selective lawn products, to avoid harming grass. For driveways, walkways, and beds, non-lawn formulas may be more appropriate.
- Root-kill versus contact kill: Systemic products that kill to the roots reduce regrowth but may require longer peri-od safety windows. Contact-only products act faster but may require repeat applications for full control.
- Speed of results: If rapid control is a priority, choose products advertising visible results within hours to days, while balancing the need for long-term suppression.
- Weather and rainfall considerations: Many formulas are rainfast within a few hours. Plan applications around dry conditions to maximize uptake and minimize wash-off.
- Safety and proximity: Consider pets, children, and nearby desirable plants. Use products with clear re-entry intervals and label guidance for treated areas.
- Long-term prevention: Some products offer multi-season or year-long prevention, which can reduce re-infestation, especially along edges and pathways.
- Application method: Comfort Wand and similar spray attachments help target weeds while sparing desirable vegetation. Consider the ease of use and coverage area per bottle or concentrate.
In practice, a lawn-focused option like Ortho Weed B Gon provides a lawn-targeted approach for ground ivy, while products like Ortho GroundClear Year Long Vegetation Killer2 or Roundup Dual Action 365 offer broader, long-lasting control in non-lawn zones. For urgent, site-wide clearance of poison ivy and similar tough plants, the Ready-To-Use formulas from Ortho and Roundup deliver quick, observable results, with varying re-growth prevention depending on the product.