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PRO

Ivy on Wall/House... Advice!!?

Hi all,

What's considered the best method for removing Ivy from a wall? Is it best to cut it and just try and pry it away or would it be better to cut it, and let it die back before trying to remove it?

I've been asked to deal with this,,,

Many thanks in advance

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  • PRO
    It's the wrong time of the year as there will be nesting birds in it, if someone gets stroppy you could end up with a lot of hassle.

    Better left until the end of the summer then prepare for a lot of hand work to avoid damaging the brickwork.

    Andy
  • PRO

    That doesn't look to bad, I would cut it at the bottom and leave it for a few weeks. There is a fairly good chance it would just peel off after that. 

  • cut it at the bottom and start pealing upwards a spade behind it to prize it off the wall and when you get to the thinner bitts I have used the hoe head (Wolfe garten system) if you Waite for it to die off it could be weeks and it will not come off brickwork any easier and a lot more mess to clean up

    • Exactly at David says! Its a particularly dusty job and not one for someone who is afraid of spiders!!

  • PRO
    Cheers guys, I thought as much. With regards to nesting birds, surely if I check it first and it seems clear then I can continue?
    • PRO

      I'd really wait if you can Jonny, there's a very high probability there could be nesting birds, and most likely you'd not find out until it's too late.  There again a lot of homeowners won't care, and if you won't do it, they'd get someone else in who is less ethical.  I have found live ivy to come away cleaner in long strips than dead stuff which crumbles as you pull it.

  • PRO

    I've been regularly pruning Ivy for 11 years, Personally use secateurs and a patio knife (the flat hooked ones).  Use tools that have very bright handles, so if they fall, I've got a chance of finding them again.

    Try to avoid doing it when it is wet, as you get drenched.

    Be mindful of wasps on warm days.

  • PRO

    Geoffrey is right - it is easier in my opinion when it is green, if you cut its roots then try it will be harder because it is more brittle - I did this one off a ladder in 2 days.... hard work + it took up around 12 bulk bags ... surprisingly bulky.

    https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/q82/c33.0.200.200/p20... before.... and after

    https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/q83/c33.0.200.200/p20...

    Good luck 

    Adam

  • PRO

    Firstly, thank you everyone for your responses and advice!! The client has been given the 2 options- cut at the base/roots and leave to die for now or remove the whole thing! Either way it will also depend on any birds nesting of course. Believe it or not there are two windows behind the ivy so they may need to boy themselves some curtains after this!!  

    The work is via a management company, and due to damage already caused, I believe Solicitors and Surveyors are involved so I need to take this one carefully!

    Thanks again everyone!! 

    • PRO

      Hi Jonny, If you cut it at the base, as Adam says it will be harder to remove to dead.  I've found it is easiest to remove after a wet period, when it's not quite so keen on staying attached to the wall.

      Removing the Ivy completely manually is usually virtually impossible, as it will have roots under walls, patios, embeded with other plants.  I'd suggest that if removal is required, that you gradually cut it back between 1-2m height at a time. Down to the base about 1/2m from the ground, then you will need to apply concentrated herbicide to the remaining leaves to kill the plant.  If it is a large plant with say 100mm main 'trunk' several applications and patience will be required.

      Good luck & remember to take an antihistamine tablet.

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