How to Remove Ivy From Fences, Walls and Trees Safely

Why Ivy Needs Careful Removal

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.

Ivy is not always a problem. On sound brick walls it can provide insulation, wildlife habitat and late-season nectar for bees. But on older properties across the Chilterns, particularly pre-1920s houses with lime mortar, ivy can loosen the mortar and cause damp. On fences, it adds wind load and shortens the fence's life. In trees, it can shade the canopy and make the tree top-heavy in winter storms.

Removing Ivy from Walls

Step 1: Cut at the base

Cut all the ivy stems at the base of the wall, 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 it die

Leave the top growth to die for 2 to 3 weeks. The leaves will go brown and crisp. This is essential, as the aerial roots will release their grip as the plant dies. 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 it off

Once dead, the ivy should pull away from the wall easily. Start at the top and work down. Use a stiff brush to remove the dried root stubs. If it resists, leave it another week. Forcing it will damage the wall.

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 wall

Check the wall 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. Repoint or repair as needed.

Removing Ivy from 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. See our fencing service for fence replacement.

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.

Removing Ivy from 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.

Step 1: Cut at the base

Cut all the ivy stems at the base of the tree. Cut a 15cm section out of each stem to prevent them rejoining. This kills the ivy in the tree without having to climb up and pull it out.

Step 2: Let it die in the tree

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. The dead ivy looks untidy for a season but is harmless.

Step 3: Treat the stump

Treat the cut stump with weedkiller or dig out the root. On clay soils in Aylesbury and Didcot, ivy roots are easier to dig out than on chalk where they can run along the surface for metres.

When Not to Remove Ivy

• If it is providing valuable wildlife habitat (ivy is one of the latest nectar sources for bees, flowering in October)
• If it is on a sound wall and not causing damage
• If it is screening an ugly structure
• If it is on a tree where it is not shading the canopy or making the tree top-heavy

Ivy is not always the enemy. It is one of the best plants for wildlife, providing late-season nectar and winter berries for birds. See our honeysuckle profile for an alternative wildlife-friendly climber that is easier to control.

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.

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 get rid of ivy without damaging fences and walls
• How much does bramble and ivy clearance cost?
• Dealing with brambles in an overgrown garden

Sources and citations

This article draws on the following sources. Specific claims are cited inline where relevant.

1. CGM field records (2024-06. Site observations from gardens across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Bedfordshire.
2. Royal Horticultural Society (2024). RHS Gardening Advice and Plant Finder. Available at rhs.org.uk.
3. Met Office (2024). Regional climate averages, South East England. Available at metoffice.gov.uk.
4. British Geological Survey (2024). Soil parent material data for the Chilterns and Thames Valley. Available at bgs.ac.uk.