English ivy spreads aggressively by rooting stems and seeds dispersed by birds, which can potentially end up smothering nearby plants. It is often seen climbing up fences, walls or on the sides of houses, and it can look lovely, but it can also cause problems, according to an expert.
Robert Quinton, property expert at Construction Megastore Building Materials, said: “Although ivy can add a charming aesthetic to your property’s brickwork, it often does more harm than good. It tends to cling to walls and can creep into small cracks, eventually damaging mortar and creating routes for damp to set in, sometimes leading to serious leaks, and eventually mould.
“While it’s possible to remove ivy yourself, it is important to wear gloves while doing so, as the sap may irritate the skin. The roots can generally be tackled with relative ease using basic tools.”
To remove ivy, begin by regularly cutting back the stems with secateurs or loppers, especially around gutters, windows, chimneys as well as walls.
To prevent regrowth, the expert recommended applying copper or zinc materials to stop ivy from clinging to these areas.
The expert added, “For complete removal, carefully cut and peel all stems from the edges inward, using tools like a blunt knife or saw as needed, and over-sever the main roots at the end.
“Finally, dig out the stump and large roots if possible, and scrub off any remaining root hairs from surfaces with a wire brush or scraper.”
This simple method can be done at home without professional help or chemicals. However, Japanese knotweed is an invasive plant that needs special intervention.
Robert continued: “It [Japanese knotweed] can reach up to three metres in height, and its roots can spread up to 20 metres underground. It’s important to remove it quickly and with professional help, as the plant can reduce a home’s value by £25,000.
“The good news is that it is possible to tackle Japanese knotweed if you’ve found it on your property. The plant can either be completely dug out and disposed of, or it can be treated in situ with herbicide.
“Though using chemicals is cheaper, treatment can take a long time, potentially several years. It also limits how you can use the land afterwards because you must avoid awakening any dormant pieces of rhizome.”
Digging out can cost around £10,000 for a small amount of Japanese knotweed on a domestic property, so it’s important to identify it fast.
