Ahhh, Ivy! Ivy’s the sort of plant that creates two and a half types of people.
There’s those who dream about it, plant it, grow it on their walls and think it’s beautiful. Then there’s those who turn up their noses just seeing it from afar – they’d never have it, think it’s ugly and too much work.
I said two and a half, right? Because there’s a certain number of people who like it… but from a distance, not in their own home, in other people’s houses, and only when it’s well kept!
Me, personally, I wouldn’t have it at my place (think I’m part of that last half there…) It’s a plant I find really beautiful, has that rustic vibe, looks like it’s hugging the whole wall, great for soundproofing too…
But that’s until it “decides”… now I’m bored of this wall and want this window here… that door… the whole house… and at that point, my friends, you’ve lost control and it’s completely out of hand.
That’s when it doesn’t decide to become home to insects and other more venomous creatures that are always welcome but in large numbers become a problem – and let’s face it, if the ivy’s out of control, the wildlife living in it most likely is too.
Ivy usually shelters birds but also rats and wasps! So, keep it pruned!
But how can you tell if your ivy’s really out of control?
Just take a good close look (if you can barely get near it, that’s already not a good sign…) but if you can get close, can you see if it’s peeling off paint or bricks?
If yes, that’s bad!
It’s not behaving normally, it’s damaging your wall. Not good!
Is it somehow holding up the wall? Even worse! If the mortar or wood is disintegrating, you’ve got an ivy wall… big problem!
Blocking gutters? Watch out for leaks.
If you ticked one or more of these, your problems are solved!… or partially solved.
No need to rip it all out, young grasshopper! Take it easy, cut the main stems at waist height.
Here, worth remembering you should always use proper pruning shears (don’t try using those craft scissors…!!)
Let nature take its course – done this way, the top part will fall naturally and make removal easier.
For complete removal you’ll need to get the roots out, but it’s proper hard work, those roots are super clingy!
If it’s actually holding up your wall, be careful, call a professional or send us a message through the contact page.
Some important tips:
- Grow ivy on wires, not directly on walls. It’s easier to control the spread, remove and maintain.
- Keep in mind that Ivy can block the sunlight! So, keep an eye on the nearby plants.
- Instead of actual ivy, you could use other climbers like clematis or honeysuckle – they’re much better behaved and the bees love them.
- You can also consider other less aggressive climbers like jasmine or climbing hydrangea, which offer beautiful flowers and are easier to manage.
- You could also use trellises in some strategic spots.
- Ivy roots can penetrate basically every role or crack – regular maintenance and inspection are key!
Finally, if by chance you’re renting, just… don’t! Let the landlord handle it! Thank me later!
Yours, David! who’s spent more time battling ivy than he’d like to admit. Still finds leaves in his welly boots.
