Ivy (not Noidea!)

[dora]

The white painted cottage we've just moved into had ivy growing up a wall. The PMJ has cut the ivy down, but the 'sucker' things are still there even after pressure washing the wall.

Anybody know what'll get rid of them?

Ta!

[carlott]

Not sure I should tell you this but pressure washing a brick or stone built wall is definitely NOT a good idea Click here gently

The usual technique I think is to first cut the stem so that the Ivy dies off. Then the rest is peeled off. I did it this way at the Cottage I had and there was no residual marks left (I think it may have taken 6 months for them to finally disappear. The current house had ivy all up the front at one time but again no sign now exists.

I found this for you -

Removal of Ivy From Brickwork Back to top
If you ever want to remove the ivy, be very cautious as you can easily pull the mortar off with the ivy. You may want to consult with a mason, who can help you evaluate the consequences of removing it or leaving it alone.

1.Cut the stems: Working in late winter or early cut the ivy stems as low down to the wall as you can manage. If you have some ivy-killing herbicide then paint this onto the exposed cuts parts of the ivy that connect to the root system, this will help prevent the roots from re-growing, note this will only help prevent the roots from re-growing, see 'Permanent removal of Ivy' for more details on how tokill ivy completely.

2. Prune Aggressively: As with removing from ivy from trees it is best to leave the cut ivy to die for 1-2years before attempting to remove from the brickwork. However it is not so beneficial to wait as the ivy tends to come away from walls easier, and there is less chance of it pulling the material that it is clinging to away with it.So either immediately or after a period of time simply prune, cut and generally pull the ivy off the brickwork. Whatever the state of the ivy, be prepared for this to behard-work!

3. Scrape off Tendrils and Suckers: Use a stiff-blade scraper to remove the part of the vines that remain fastened to the wall. Work slowly and scrape at a relatively low angle (about 20 to 30 degrees) to minimize scratching brick, and wear gloves to protect your scraping hand. If you are working from a ladder, make sure your ladder is on firm, level ground; keep one hand on the ladder and don't overextend your reach.

4. Scrub or Burn off Residue: If some plant material remains, you may be able to scrub it off with a moderately stiff brush (wire brushes and even very stiff brushes may scratch brick), use a paint scraper (with a small amount of paint remover for stubborn areas) or use a propane torch to burn it off. Caution: If you use a torch, remember to wear goggles, and keep it well away from any wood or cracks. Remember that there's more flame than you may be able to see, especially in strong sunlight. Test in an inconspicuous area to make sure using the torch won't permanently scorch the masonry.

Permanent Removal of Ivy

If you do wish to permanently kill ivy then you have a lot of work ahead of you!

[Lucy Lastic]

dora said:

The white painted cottage we've just moved into had ivy growing up a wall. The PMJ has cut the ivy down, but the 'sucker' things are still there even after pressure washing the wall.

Anybody know what'll get rid of them?

Ta!

Each to their own but I LIKE ivy on a building and contrary to popular belief it doesn't do harm to the stonework - not a good idea to let it grow under the slates though.

I have ivy and Virginia Creeper on my house walls. I love the colour of the Virginia Creeper and they provide nesting sites for the small birds as well as places for them to find insects.

[carlott]

lucylastic said:

dora said:

The white painted cottage we've just moved into had ivy growing up a wall. The PMJ has cut the ivy down, but the 'sucker' things are still there even after pressure washing the wall.

Anybody know what'll get rid of them?

Ta!

Each to their own but I LIKE ivy on a building and contrary to popular belief it doesn't do harm to the stonework - not a good idea to let it grow under the slates though.

I have ivy and Virginia Creeper on my house walls. I love the colour of the Virginia Creeper and they provide nesting sites for the small birds as well as places for them to find insects.

I agree but only in part. On my last house the Ivy roots were growing throught he air brick into the underside of the floor causing all sorts of trouble. Also whilst you re correct that the clinging to the brickwork may do little harm it can hold dampness between it [the Ivy] and the wall which if the temperature drops below freezing can cause surface damage to the brick through water expansion.

[Lucy Lastic]

carlott said:

lucylastic said:

Each to their own but I LIKE ivy on a building and contrary to popular belief it doesn't do harm to the stonework - not a good idea to let it grow under the slates though.

I have ivy and Virginia Creeper on my house walls. I love the colour of the Virginia Creeper and they provide nesting sites for the small birds as well as places for them to find insects.

I agree but only in part. On my last house the Ivy roots were growing throught he air brick into the underside of the floor causing all sorts of trouble. Also whilst you re correct that the clinging to the brickwork may do little harm it can hold dampness between it [the Ivy] and the wall which if the temperature drops below freezing can cause surface damage to the brick through water expansion.

I take your point Carl, I wasn't thinking about modern brick built houses with thinner walls. My house is nearly 300 years old with 3 ft thick stone walls and no air bricks so the climbers aren't going to do any harm unless they get under the slates or into the eaves. I know there are gaps cos that's where the bats get in and there's a sparrows nest there too.

[carlott]

Just like ot add that our neighbour has an Ivy growing along and over the boundary wall - we have assured her that we love the look of it and ot not cut it back hard. Once it reaches flowering stage it can provide pollen late in the year when other plants have ceased. Also we are still hopeful of attracting the wrne to nest there. One did make a nest in the climber adjacent to the back door but his missus did not like it - the male builds around 5 nests for his partner to choose from; now there's a modern male.

[dora]

Thanks Carl. The house is cement rendered and the tendrils are stuck to the covering masonry paint. PMJ wants to re-paint the cottage but doesn't want to paint over the bits of vegetation.

He'll probably try a scraper as he's going to re-paint anyway.