Removing Ivy

[AnswerStace]

I have ivy growing up my garage wall and onto the roof. I plan on taking it all down before the weather changes. Does anyone have any helpful hints on how to remove it easily? Its grown pretty thickly. Thanks

[diane1706]

Cut through the stems at the bottom and let it die back unless you can pull it down.Alternatively if you don't mind chemicals get a systemic weedkiller such as round up and follow the instructions carefully. Be caeful Roundup kills everything. Make sure you get a systemic weed killer. It goes through the leaves down to the roots. Good luck

[weeal]

Yep. Cutting the stems weakens the plant and it will start to die off naturally and dry up. It should then pull off. Wear gloves and protect your eyes as Ivy can be a severe irritant. My husband's eyes reacted badly when we did this years ago. We also had to power-wash the wall afterwards as the plants left some staining behind.

[Thunderbird+]

If it's reached the garage roof it must be about 8-10ft high, so what I'd do is get a ladder or steps and start stripping it down from the top ( eye protection is a good tip !) try to work above it so that most of the crud misses your face.
Cut through the stems using a pr of secautres and maybe a hacking kniffe if you have one and pull it away as you work your way down.
Use a weed killer containing 'Glyphosate' which is systemic. It will have little affect by spraying the leaves as the waxy surface will protect it and is easily washed off when the weather does change, instead treat the cut stump and cover it with some polythean to stop it getting washed away, that should take care of it from regrowing.
Good Luck. Tbird+

[AnswerStace]

Thanks for the tips. Not dreading it too much now, although hoping for a bit more rain so I can put it off a bit longer!!!