How to Remove English Ivy From Bricks

English ivy begins its ascent of a brick wall.

English ivy, or Hedera helix, is recognized for its thick, waxy leaves and tolerance to cold weather. This versatile ivy climbs walls and winds around trees. Although English ivy is not considered a parasitic plant, it can take root and grow up to 80 feet tall. It quickly spreads until entire brick walls and even structures are covered in leaves, and can eventually damage mortar between bricks. Basic supplies and techniques can effectively remove English ivy from bricks.

Things You'll Need

• Work gloves
• Herbicide containing riclopyr ester
• Lopping shears
• Plastic scraper
• Plastic sheets
• 3-gallon plastic bucket
• Warm water
• 2 tbsp. mild liquid dish soap
• Nylon household scrubber
• Garden hose

Instructions

1. Put on work gloves to protect your hands. Gently pull the ivy vines off the bricks. Do not yank stubborn vines and stems too vigorously, as the brick mortar may become damaged. Cut thick ivy stems with lopping shears.

2. Loosen any remaining attached ivy roots and stems with a plastic scraper. Gently scrape off the roots and stems without damaging the brick mortar.

3. Cover the grass and vegetation surrounding the bricks with plastic sheets for protection against runoff from the detergent solution.

4. Fill a 3-gallon plastic bucket halfway with warm water. Add about 2 tbsp. of mild liquid dish soap to the water. Thoroughly mix the solution.

5. Dampen a nylon household scrubber in the soapy solution. Scrub the bricks with the household scrubber to remove remaining ivy tendrils.

6. Spray the bricks with water from a garden hose to rinse away the soapy solution. Allow the bricks to air-dry.

7. Spray the ivy roots with an herbicide containing riclopyr ester. Apply the herbicide during a calm day in the springtime. Follow the manufacturer's directions on the product's label for proper application.

8. Allow the herbicide time to work. Read the product's label for information regarding the amount of time it takes for the herbicide to kill the ivy roots.

Tips & Warnings

• Stand on a sturdy ladder to remove ivy from bricks that are difficult to reach.

• Test the nylon scrubber on an inconspicuous area of the bricks to ensure no scratching occurs.

• Do not use a pressure washer on bricks; high water pressure can damage bricks and mortar.

• Do not use extremely stiff bristle brushes; the bricks and mortar may become damaged.

References

• Danny Lipford: How to Control English Ivy
• Danny Lipford: How to Remove Ivy from Walls
• Yardener: English Ivy