How To Remove Ivy From Rendered Walls

Ivy is a beautiful plant that can add a touch of elegance to any home. However, if not properly maintained, it can become a nuisance. Ivy is quite common, including variations like Boston Ivy and English ivy, and all pose challenges.

If you want to know how to deal with tiny tendrils, fuzzy tendrils, aerial roots and common ivy issues, this guide shows you how to pull stems and tendrils from your property, with as little mess as possible!

Is Ivy Harmful To Rendered Walls?

Many people believe that ivy is harmful to rendered walls because it can cause the render to crack and fall off. However, there is no conclusive evidence to support this claim.

Review Your Walls Regularly

While it is true that ivy can put pressure on the render, cracking is more likely to occur if the wall is already in poor condition. Therefore, always check the surface of your wall, and review the condition of brick, wood, mortar and other surface materials.

Some Plants And Foliage Are Good For Your House

Ivy is also known to help insulate buildings and protect walls from the elements. Some homeowners even use ivy to cover up cracks in their walls! So while ivy may not be ideal for some situations, it is not necessarily harmful to rendered walls.

While it is true that ivy can cling tightly to surfaces, causing cracks and other damage, there are several ways to prevent this from happening.

What Is The Best Tool For Removing Ivy?

You don't need a tool to remove ivy, and some experts suggest the method for removing ivy from exterior walls is to do so by hand. Yes, some elbow grease is all you need to pull ivy roots and tendrils from a rendered or brick wall.

However, it is easy to see why this seems like hard work, which is why using a tool is a smart move.

Tools Like A Wire Brush Or Paint Scraper Remove Ivy From Walls

The most crucial tool you'll need to kill English ivy is a sharp pair of clippers or loppers, depending on the thickness of the vines. Older vines are often thick, while newer vines are as thin as flower stems.

Tiny Roots Require Tiny But Effective Tools

Failing that, a plastic scraper, a stiff brush or wire brushes will help remove tiny roots. In extreme cases, a propane torch will burn ivy tendrils at ground level. When you use more extreme tools to get rid of ivy, be careful to avoid potential damage.

Steps To Remove Stems From Bricks Or Rendered Walls

The following steps help you remove ivy from render or brick, and will prevent the spread of this blight at your home:

• Cut the ivy vines at the base of the wall using a sharp pair of gardening shears
• Work your way up the wall, cutting all of the ivy vines as you go
• Once all of the ivy vines have been cut, use a putty knife or similar tool to scrape away any remaining Ivy leaves from the wall
• If any Ivy roots are remaining, use a garden hoe or other tool to dig them out of the ground level
• Repeat these steps as necessary until all ivy is pulled from the brick or render
• Once all of the Ivy has been removed, wash the area with a garden hose to remove any dead ivy, dirt or debris
• Allow the area to dry completely before painting or staining

Following these steps ensure you have an ivy free property which looks great.

How Do You Stop Ivy Growing Back On A Wall?

The best way to stop ivy from growing back is to cut off the vines at the base and remove any roots that have already been embedded in the wall. This may require the use of a power washer or chemical herbicide, but be mindful of any nearby plant or flowers when using chemicals.

Seal Gaps And Trim Branches

Once the ivy has been removed, it is vital to take measures to prevent it from returning. This may involve sealing gaps in the wall, trimming back overhanging branches from trees and plants, and applying a coat of anti-climbing paint to the surface.

By taking these steps, you can help to ensure that ivy does not take over your home or garden.

Whether you have exposed brick or point render on your wall, ivy poses a slight risk to your property, and it might not be the look you want at your home. It is possible to remove ivy from exterior surfaces, and by following expert tips, you can do so without leaving marks, or retaining unsightly dead ivy on your wall or ground.