How to Get Rid of Dead Ivy on the Wall

Dead ivy is unattractive on walls.

No matter the structure, ivy climbs it and spreads. Ivy growth is especially common on brick walls, as their grooves and rough texturing provide convenient handles for ivy roots to grip. Since ivy roots are so strong, they generally remain attached to walls long after the ivy plant itself is dead. These roots eventually present challenges as they penetrate and widen crevices in walls. Dead ivy also provides shelter for insects and other pests. Promptly removing dead ivy from walls prevents damage and restores their appearance.

Things You'll Need

• Gardening gloves
• Wooden scraper
• Household scrub brush
• 2-gallon bucket
• 1 tablespoon liquid of dishwashing detergent
• Stirring utensil
• Garden hose

Instructions

1. Pull the dead ivy off the wall while wearing gardening gloves. Tug very gently at the vines, detaching as much overgrowth as possible.

2. Loosen the stuck-on roots and stems using a wooden scraper. Gently scrape the wall to avoid damaging it.

3. Scrub off the dead ivy tendrils using a household scrub brush. Lightly scrub the wall if it is damaged. Remove as many dead tendrils as possible.

4. Prepare a detergent solution if difficult tendrils remain on the wall. Fill an ordinary 2-gallon bucket with warm water and 1 tablespoon of liquid dishwashing detergent. Mix the soapy water well.

5. Scrub off the remaining dead tendrils using the brush and soapy solution. Use the previous scrubbing techniques to avoid damaging the wall.

6. Rinse the wall with clean water.

Tips & Warnings

• Cut off large ivy vines using pruning shears.

• Hire a professional to remove dead ivy from unsound walls, as they may crumble and become hazardous.

References

• Danny Lipford; Can Ivy Damage Brick or Wood on Your Home?; Julie Day
• Danny Lipford; How to Remove Ivy from Walls; Julie Day
• "This Old House"; How to Remove Ivy from a House; Roger Cook