Self-clinging
climbers do not usually cause damage to wall surfaces, but
ivy supports itself by aerial roots and where these penetrate
cracks or joints they may cause structural damage. Its dense
cover can also hide defects in the fabric of the building
or hinder maintenance work. Ivy may also provide access for
intruders and harbour pests such as mice. Where brickwork
is sound, the main problem is to keep growth away from gutters
and paint work.
Large climbers can pose a risk to house foundations. Such problems are most likely with older buildings, those with thin foundations and those built on shrinkable clay soils.
Ivy can be killed by severing the stem and treating the stump with a proprietary stump and rootkiller (Roundup Tree Stump & Rootkiller or Deep Root Ultra Tree Stump & Weedkiller). Top growth may be treated with SBK Brushwood Killer or glyphosate, but ivy is not easily controlled by weedkiller sprays due to the glossy nature of its leaves. Repeat application may be necessary.
Dead foliage and stems are relatively easy to remove from walls but aerial roots are persistent and can only be removed using a hard brush or paint scraper.