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Quick Answer
To get rid of ivy without damaging fences and walls: cut the stems at the base, leave the top growth to die for 2 to 3 weeks, then pull it off. Never pull live ivy off walls or fences, as the aerial roots will damage the surface. Treat the cut stump with glyphosate to prevent regrowth. In older Chiltern properties with lime mortar, check the pointing before you start.
Why Ivy Removal Needs Care
Ivy (Hedera helix) is a native UK climber that clings to surfaces with aerial roots. These roots secrete a weak cement-like substance that grips onto brickwork, render, fence panels and tree bark. When you pull live ivy off a surface, the aerial roots come away with chunks of mortar, render or wood, causing real damage.
Dead ivy, on the other hand, releases its grip as it dries out and can be pulled off without damage. The key is patience: cut the stems, wait for the ivy to die, then remove it.
In the Chilterns, where many properties are older (pre-1920s) with lime mortar, ivy can cause particular damage. The aerial roots work into the soft mortar and loosen it over years. Removing ivy from these walls needs extra care, and you should expect to do some repointing afterwards.
The Ivy Removal Process
Step 1: Cut the stems at the base
Cut all the ivy stems at the base of the wall or fence, about 30cm above ground level. Use secateurs or loppers. Cut a 15cm section out of each stem to prevent them rejoining. This is essential: a single uncut stem will keep the whole plant alive.
Step 2: Let the top growth die
Leave the top growth to die for 2 to 3 weeks. The leaves will go brown and crisp. In a hot Chilterns summer this can take as little as 10 days. In a wet autumn it can take 4 weeks. Test a small section first: if the ivy pulls away easily, it is ready.
Step 3: Pull the dead ivy off
Start at the top and work down. Pull gently, working the stems away from the surface. Use a stiff brush to remove the dried root stubs. If it resists, leave it another week. Forcing it will damage the surface.
Step 4: Treat the stump
Treat the cut stump with a glyphosate-based weedkiller to prevent regrowth. Paint it on with a brush rather than spraying, to avoid drift onto other plants. Or dig out the root if accessible. On chalky Chiltern soils, ivy roots come out fairly easily with a fork.
Step 5: Check the surface
Check the wall or fence for damage. Ivy aerial roots can loosen mortar and render. On older properties around Henley, Marlow and Beaconsfield, repointing may be needed. If the wall has render, check for cracks where water could get in.
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Ivy on Fences
Ivy on fences is easier to remove than on walls, as fence panels are replaceable. Cut at the base, let it die, then pull it off. If the fence is old and the ivy has grown into the panels, you may need to replace the affected panels.
A common problem in Chiltern gardens is ivy growing through a hedge. In this case, cut the ivy stems at the base and let it die in the hedge. The dead ivy will gradually fall out over a year or two. Trying to pull live ivy out of a hedge damages the hedge.
See our fencing service for fence replacement.
Ivy on Trees
Ivy in trees is not always a problem. It provides shelter and food for wildlife, and it does not parasitise the tree (it uses the tree as a support, not as a food source). But if it is shading the canopy, making the tree top-heavy, or weighing down branches in winter storms, it should be removed.
- Cut all the ivy stems at the base of the tree. Cut a 15cm section out of each stem.
- Leave the ivy to die in the tree. It will gradually fall off over 1 to 2 years.
- Do not try to pull live ivy out of the canopy, as it can break branches.
- Treat the cut stump with weedkiller or dig out the root.
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When Not to Remove Ivy
Ivy is not always the enemy. It is one of the best plants for wildlife:
- Flowers in October, providing late nectar for bees and butterflies
- Berries in winter, food for birds when little else is available
- Evergreen shelter for nesting birds and roosting bats
- Insulates walls, reducing heat loss in winter
Consider leaving ivy on sound walls where it is not causing damage, especially if it is providing valuable wildlife habitat. See our wildlife plants guide.
The Cost of Ivy Removal
| Job | DIY cost | Professional cost |
|---|---|---|
| Ivy removal from 10 sqm wall | 0 (tools) | 150-300 pounds |
| Ivy removal from 20 sqm fence | 0 (tools) | 200-400 pounds |
| Ivy removal from tree | 0 (tools) | 100-300 pounds |
| Repointing (per sqm) | 20-40 (materials) | 60-120 pounds |
| Fence panel replacement | 30-60 (panel) | 80-150 pounds |
Common Mistakes
- Pulling live ivy off walls. This rips off mortar and render. Always cut and let it die first.
- Cutting only some stems. A single uncut stem keeps the whole plant alive. Cut every stem at the base.
- Not treating the stump. Ivy regrows vigorously from a cut stump. Treat with glyphosate or dig out the root.
- Removing ivy during nesting season. Dense ivy on walls and trees is a popular nest site. Check for nests before cutting between March and August.
- Not checking the wall afterwards. Ivy can hide cracks and damage. Always inspect the wall after removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ivy damage brickwork?
On sound modern brickwork with hard mortar, ivy usually causes no damage. On older properties with lime mortar (pre-1920s), ivy can loosen the mortar and cause damp. Always check the condition of the wall before letting ivy grow on it.
Will ivy kill my tree?
No. Ivy is not a parasite, it uses the tree as a support but does not take food or water from it. However, ivy can shade the tree's canopy and make it top-heavy in winter storms. If your tree is healthy and the ivy is not excessive, leave it for the wildlife.
How do I stop ivy coming back?
Dig out the root, or treat the stump with glyphosate. Even then, birds drop ivy seeds and new plants will appear. Monitor and remove seedlings when small.
Get Help with Ivy Removal
If you have ivy on walls, fences or trees in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire or Bedfordshire, send us a WhatsApp with photos and we will aim to respond within 12 to 36 hours, Monday to Sunday.
Further Reading
- How to remove ivy from fences, walls and trees
- How much does bramble and ivy clearance cost?
- Our fencing service
In mature and established gardens, always assess the existing ecosystem before making changes. Small adjustments to timing and technique can preserve decades of growth and wildlife value.
Put this advice into practice
Use the relevant CGM tool or follow a related guide, then send us a few photos if you would like a tailored plan.
Sources and citations
This article draws on the following sources. Specific claims are cited inline where relevant.
- CGM field records (2025-03. Site observations from gardens across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Bedfordshire.
- Royal Horticultural Society (2024). RHS Gardening Advice and Plant Finder. Available at rhs.org.uk.
- Met Office (2024). Regional climate averages, South East England. Available at metoffice.gov.uk.
- British Geological Survey (2024). Soil parent material data for the Chilterns and Thames Valley. Available at bgs.ac.uk.