Or will the whole panel need replacing? The plant has glossy leaves with three or five pointed lobes, often strongly veined, and grows in any type of soil, tolerating both deep shade and full sun. If it means that the fence will eventually fall down, I had better remove it as it is the boundary between my garden and a secondary school! Clinging vines, in particular, can create stains on wooden fences. Grows on You is a community for gardeners. I imagine the wood was well rotten after enduring 35 years of British summers and winters ... but nonetheless the neighbours blame the ivy for the disintegration of the fence. Boston ivy is a deciduous vine, losing its leaves in autumn after a bright scarlet and purple leaf display. The fig ivy managed to grow Boston ivy is a deciduous vine, losing its leaves in autumn after a bright scarlet and purple leaf display. I think that ivy growing on a fence or a wall looks lovely. the wood fence and became top heavy as the vine’s growth soon reached the top of the fence. If the clambering plant begins to cover skylights or any other windows, you could find yourself suffering from a lack of natural light entering your home – not to mention a reduction in the ventilation properties of your windows. Ivy plants are unique in that they grow and attach themselves to vertical structures such as walls, windows, and yes, even fences. Take care not to spray on any neighbouring plants and use specially designed organic versions if pets or children us your garden. I have seen pics of what I thought were logs - that were actually ivy stems, they were so big. A couple of weeks ago I saw that ivy had reached the top of the panel and was coming through gaps between the slats. The roots can also penetrate small weaknesses and cracks in the wood grain, increasing the risk of rot. Exactly. This part is very labour intensive so do not exhaust yourself and if possible, get someone else to help you. Last but not the least, ivy fence screens are weather-resistant at all circumstances. Get your shovel and fork and try to dig up as much of the root system as you can. In themselves they do not cause damage. If your tenant falls into one of the categories covered by the Fences Act and has five or more years remaining on their lease, they are … The ivy is overgrown and coming into my yard and causing the fence to sag. I have ivy on a chain link fence in back yard and fence is ruined. It weakens, damages and eventually destroys wooden fences better than any vandal. And by the way, English ivy can indeed harm your house if you let it grow on there for too long; the rootlets it uses to climb up will stain your walls. Remove all cut stems away from the area to prevent tripping. While chain link fencing is inexpensive and easy to install, it does lack the beauty of other kinds of fencing. You could put in the privacy slats until the "ivy" takes over. Try cutting through the vine about 12inches above the ground and treating the freshly cut vine with glyphosate weed-killer, this will kill the ivy, stopping it from doing more damage to your fence. By doing this, it can destroy your fence either by introducing water into the tiny crevices, causing the wood to rot or pushing it over under its sheer weight. Add another photo I will do that Carol (I think I got your name right )? This won’t work as a long-term solution, but it keeps the area clear. The fig ivy managed to grow Climbing vines can damage a wood fence by working their way into the boards. If you can prove they are damaging the fence then you can go a step further! Required fields are marked *. The ivy-covered wooden fence panels between my garden & my neighbour's garden are at least 35 years old - apparently fence panels are only supposed to last a maximum of 20 years, so it seems that the ivy has been actually holding the planks etc together! Wooden Walls and Fences: Ivy can easily work its way between boards, opening the joints and damaging the structure. Even if the ivy appears ‘loose’ on the fence, do NOT pull on it with extreme force. It is also a dirty little monster which is good for wildlife in its proper place but not good for fences, near masonry, roofs and windows. It can be found as a groundcover or on the barks of certain trees, and in some cases, it can climb right up to the tree’s canopy, later on to flower yellow-green flowers and even spurt some berries. Though English ivy has long been a popular choice for a shade plant, it’s not always a wise one. I'd politely point out that it is damage from their side, and you will take action if and when it is dealt with. The most apparent disadvantage when growing a vine along a fence is that it may damage the fence. English ivy is the more aggressive and destructive type that we have in England. I have rather a large garden on a new build site so the wooden fence was new, very bare and featureless and I liked it that the ivy was attracting so much wildlife. Do not touch ivy without wearing gloves, long sleeves, and covered shoes; you may develop a reaction to its sap, which can be painful and itchy. It looks pretty, but when grown on a wood fence … Elaine why not remove ivy and fence and replace with a hedge. If allowed to grow uncontrolled Ivy can eventually kill its supporting plants by smothering then. In addition to providing great cover for fences, Boston ivy grows well on trellises and arbors, and as a ground-cover that covers rock piles or controls erosion. Once it has forced its vines through and around lap or feather edge fencing panels, it's almost impossible to remove it without damaging the fence, in fact it's probably holding the fence together. the fence is a party fence which was erected by the neighbour, my Q is; can the neighbour be held responsible for damage caused by the growing ivy that is coming in through my conservatory Josh-2010 : Unfortunately ivy-hating new people moved in next door a couple of years ago, and one of the first things they did was to remove all the plant growth from their side of the fence ... you can probably guess the result? Every branded ivy fences are expandable, this is the biggest and awesome fact of having one. Ivy is an invasive plant and cause damage. Wood and ivy fence will last long enough for the ivy to cover it and then fall down. Thanks for the visit! As you neighbours are of … If your fence is vandalized, it will be covered by your homeowners insurance in that situation as well. so regular pruning to keep it in check is sound advice from my fellow GoYers. Call Installation … Artificial ivy fences are made of heavy duty plastic but looks close to natural green which you can select as your best fence to ensure privacy. United Kingdom. Apparently, fig ivy does not understand nor respect prop-erty rights as it managed to nose dive below ground only to send up stems along my home’s foundation and brick wall a few feet away from the wood fence. It is a 6 foot wood fence. Jackie x. South Glamorgan, Wooden fences, in general, are more susceptible to harm as vines can hold in moisture, accelerating rot. Step 4 ­– Growing the Ivy. Herbicides; an obvious one is to kill and ivy runners with herbicides. If you have access to the area where the ivy is growing from, grab your pruning shears and cut the stems just above ground level. They came from an old ivy that had caused a (admittedly old and probably unstable) big wall to collapse. Small green-white flowers appear in summer, followed by blue-black berries. Prevention is better than cure with all things, and that includes ivy wrecking your fence. While it is difficult, it is also the best way to stop the ivy plant dominating your fence again. Indeed, even if he wanted to attach hanging baskets to it he can do that on his side provided he does not cause the fence to fall over or damage … When you spot it, how you proceed is up to you. The side of our fence that does not run along the alleyway is fully intact aside from needing painting. I had this once growing up a fence, it was pretty and not scary. The side of our fence that does not run along the alleyway is fully intact aside from needing painting. As it grows thicker it will push out on things once it is in the crack. We had a nightmare getting rid of the ivy that the previous owners of our house had planted over the garage and one side of the house. The ivy is whats causing damage to your fence Its your fence and your property and you have a right to dictate what happens To suggest that spraying it with Glyphosate constitutes Criminal damage is getting ridiculous because ivy roots withstand almost everything Can a relative or friend not help you unscrew the panels and remove the ivy In themselves they do not cause damage. I live near New York. Ivy is a woody stemmed, self-clinging climber that can grow quickly to cover fences, walls and buildings. English Ivy (Hedera helix), which is perfect for zones 4-9 and can get up to 80 feet in height. The most apparent disadvantage when growing a vine along a fence is that it may damage the fence. Clinging vines, in particular, can create stains on wooden fences. Never a good idea to plant anything that will grow on or over a neighbour's fence, wall or other structure. After removing an ivy plant and saving your fence, you will undoubtedly be feeling immensely proud with yourself. It looks pretty, but when grown on a wood fence is more manageable. They take advantage of damage caused by weather etc and grow into it, often making the damage worse. I have various ivies - some are very slow and dainty - but my strong-growing one needs hacking back soon. Instead, opt for a natural, eco-friendly alternative: white vinegar. But, if you take a few minutes to learn how to plant a living fence with a fast growing plant to cover fence sections, you can have a fence that is both lovely and inexpensive. Bullock’s Heart Ivy (Hedera colchica), an ivy with many different varieties that grows up to 40 feet high and is perfect in zones 6-9. Ivy is a strong plant and can easily pull the fence down on top of you. Mum planted a Ivy up against our neighbours fence and as it grew and covered it, it looked nice, insects and snails loved it then one day the fence keeled over and is just hanging onto a post, now we will have too re-new her fence. Think about the ivy getting in between the gutters and house. I certainly wouldn't replace fence panels for them to be damaged in a short space of time. Apparently, fig ivy does not understand nor respect prop-erty rights as it managed to nose dive below ground only to send up stems along my home’s foundation and brick wall a few feet away from the wood fence. Choose a chain link fence or trellis to train vines in your Oregon garden. Repeat a couple of times a day until the plant has died. It is known to have inflicted damage to the walls of old houses. Unlike many other plants, you cannot simply rip a well-established ivy plant down; its stems produce a naturally forming glue and shape changing root hairs that can penetrate even the smallest hole. Climbing vines can damage a wood fence by working their way into the boards. I have a chain link fence between my neighbors house and my own. Is there a way to remove the leftover bits that are literally glued to the fence? Once all the ivy has been removed, check the damage to the fence. If its taking over your yard and destroying your fence then its time to learn how to control Ivy, or better still eradicate it. 0. Q: My neighbor has ivy growing on our shared chain-link fence. I am planting roses,- and ivy can definitely not be a companion for my well beloved roses Does Boston ivy damage fences? Growing ivy is a simple way to cover or decorate an unsightly fence. If ivy is overtaking your garden, you do not have to use commercial weed killers to get rid of it. Though many of these are beautiful, such as hydrangea or English ivy, they can destroy your fence and shouldn’t even come near it. Record the plants in your garden, share your photos, and make like-minded friends. the fence is a party fence which was erected by the neighbour, my Q is; can the neighbour be held responsible for damage caused by the growing ivy that is coming in through my conservatory Josh-2010 : I have a wall and planted Boston Ivy on it. Bullock’s Heart Ivy (Hedera colchica), an ivy with many different varieties that grows up to 40 feet high and is perfect in zones 6-9. Your email address will not be published. Whether your problem is English ivy, poison ivy or creeping Charlie, white vinegar will kill the plant without putting toxic chemicals into the environment. Call Installation Dept: (503)233-6248 Call Wholesale Dept: (503)659-6881 Ivy is a woody stemmed, self-clinging climber that can grow quickly into the canopy of a tree. Wash your shear, put your gloves in the wash (if possible) and wash your hands thoroughly. Using the hose or water buckets, wet the ivy plant so its stems will be easier to remove. Tell the neighbours the situation, ask them to remove it and if they don't you won't be replacing the fence as there is no point because the new fence will just get ruined by their ivy. Boston Ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata), an ivy that does great in zones 4-8 and can grow up to 50 feet high. Could you put up a second fence inside your own boundary? It also is less woody and easier to pull out. Screening Privacy Ideas For An Overlooked Garden. If not there is not much you can do except contacting a solicitor and get them to send a headed letter etc. Covering Chain Link Fences with Plants If you’ve used the processes in the Fences Act and reached agreement in a Notice to Fence, that agreement can be enforced. Ivy is scary esp the green type it grew through our flat roof and caused lots of damage… Now that you have pulled the roots up, you are faced with actual removal. Where it grows as a trailing, ground-cover plant it roots in at many points and its stems extend over a wide area. supports itself by aerial roots and where these penetrate cracks or joints they may cause structural damage . Ivy is scary esp the green type it grew through our flat roof and caused lots of damage… Ivy grows very fast and would need major pruning in about 3 years and heavy pruning every year after that. Procrastination is a gardener’s worst enemy. It is a cause for concern owing to its rapid pace of growth and worries about potential damage to the support structure. The mere fact that the snails loved it would have had me ripping it out instantly. After three months, fertilize the ivy every two months. It does go dormant in the winter and turns red in the fall, which is very attractive. Wooden fences are not safe from the scourge of ivy, as slated fences give it a firm structure to wind itself around and grow over the top of. All Rights Reserved. But, if you take a few minutes to learn how to plant a living fence with a fast growing plant to cover fence sections, you can have a fence that is both lovely and inexpensive. The botanical name for ivy referred to on this page is Hedera and it includes the native climber English ivy … If they are damaging the fence and making it bow then they should be removed. Take care not to water the ivy leaves. Ivy is a woody stemmed, self-clinging climber that can grow quickly into the canopy of a tree. They are planning to replace the fence panels ... and I'm under strict instruction not to allow any more ivy growth on my side. You need to treat the stumps with root killer. Thanks for the speedy response. Wooden fences, in general, are more susceptible to harm as vines can hold in moisture, accelerating rot. The bushy ivy will die off, making it easier to see if it can be untangled from the fence. English Ivy (Hedera helix), which is perfect for zones 4-9 and can get up to 80 feet in height. English Ivy. « we had 10 tubers bought as a present, and only 2 have grown,they are in bloom at... Hello, Boiling water; cheap, easily available and effective. Leaves are deep green and sometimes mottled with red, white or yellow, depending on the type of ivy. Self-clinging climbers such as Boston ivy and Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus sp.) Imogen French from Southwest England on April 15, 2014: Very interesting, I have quite a lot of wild ivy in my garden growing up fences and walls, and it does have to be controlled to some extent as it can take over. According to the Garden Helper, ivy will actually burn in bright sunshine, and prefers sheltered areas. If you spot the ivy poking itself up through the ground, pour boiling water on to its visible leaves and stems; this will scald the plant and stop it being able to transport nutrients. Ivy such as English ivy (Hedera helix) is a common sight in landscapes throughout the United States. Read on to discover how you can remove ivy safely and effectively from your wooden fence. For more on the benefits of ivy and how to grow it, see our page on Hedera. Whether your problem is English ivy, poison ivy or creeping Charlie, white vinegar will kill the plant without putting toxic chemicals into the environment. Grow ivy if your chain link fence is in the shade rather than the sun. One may also ask, can I grow plants up my Neighbours fence? Don't worry Moon grower I have ripped it out but have noticed it has started to grow again as it is coming up from under concrete. Depending on the surface, ivy growing up a wall may lend character, as well as weather protection, to a wall or it may cause serious damage. Ivy grows on vines that put out aerial roots to help support the plant. Several ivy species work well. Damage. Unless you always keep your garden minimalistic, you will probably have no issue with certain plants making their way into your garden. Assuming your fence is made of wood the ivy will destroy it if you do not remove. Lorea Posts: 81. Try cutting through the vine about 12inches above the ground and treating the freshly cut vine with glyphosate weed-killer, this will kill the ivy, stopping it from doing more damage to your fence. Maybe ask them to move the rocks and explain they will damage the fence over time. The Fences Act requires you to send them certain notices allowing them to participate in negotiations with you and your neighbour. Your email address will not be published. It is a 6 foot wood fence. However if this does not worry you then just keep under control. According to the Garden Helper, ivy will actually burn in bright sunshine, and prefers sheltered areas. Choose a chain link fence or trellis to train vines in your Oregon garden. Free the vine from the stake it was trained onto in its nursery container. Ivy is an invasive species that creates a real headache for gardeners and homeowners alike. I think that ivy growing on a fence or a wall looks lovely. © 2020 Copyright. Using either cardboard, a bin bag or carpet, cover the area and just leave it. On walls, fences, trees and even as a ground cover plant Ivy can spread and climb quickly. Luckily, ivy prevention is not as expensive or labour intensive as removal so there are a few cheap options you can use. The plant is clearly my neighbor’s, but who has the r… If your neighbour takes responsibility for the damage this blighter will cause then fair enough - be prepared for the fence to fall to bits, crumble and need to be replaced. So, to answer the commonly asked question, “Does ivy damage walls?”, it depends on the walls. Lorea Posts: 81. The ivy will begin to grow quickly, but it will take about three months for the plant to become fully established. If we replace the fence, it will mean wrecking her bushes and ivy to get the fence out, as they seem to be relying on the support of our fence. Dig a planting hole for the ivy 12 inches from the fence and at the middle of the fence. English Ivy is the main problem. I had this once growing up a fence, it was pretty and not scary. how to tell whether the ivy is growing over the top of the fence from your neighbours garden down your fence and not the other way when there is no access to the other side? Once ivy lays down its roots, its interconnected underground structures make it difficult to completely eradicate a plant. I am just about to kill my neighbour’s ivy with white vinegar growing over my side of the fence. Feb 26, 2019 - What Kind of Damage Does Ivy Cause to a Home's Exterior?. The botanical name for ivy referred to on this page is Hedera and it includes the native climber English ivy … I will admit I’ve been a little passive over the past two or three years when the fence was damaged slightly, but now all this damage has added up to the fence actually falling down into the alleyway. do not usually cause damage to wall surfaces, but common or English ivy (Hedera helix sp.) Ivy spreads out and finds its way in any crack. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In the event that the ivy is growing over a fence, simply cut it as far back as you can. However if this does not worry you then just keep under control. Well-built and new structures do not have a problem with any type of ivy. Q: My neighbor has ivy growing on our shared chain-link fence. That’s because, unlike American vines like Virginia creeper, English ivy tends to damage structures with its roots and vines and is capable … If it is cracked or rotten, you will need to replace it, so use this time to remove any damaged planks or areas. I shall smirk contentedly when their 'bald' wooden fence panels disintegrate within 20 years! Ivy is an invasive plant and cause damage. It takes an immense amount of time and effort to actually kill English Ivy and, if you didn’t hire professional help, you are very unlikely to have succeeded. Ivy is unique in that it attaches itself to walls, windows and practically any vertical structure it gets close to. June 2016. Damage to Wood by Climbing Ivy. Remove the growth outward to stimulate upward growth toward the fence. Exactly. Flowers like daisies, dandelions, and clover can add a splash of colour to your lawn and if kept in check, can make a welcome addition to attract bumblebees and butterflies. The scientists from Oxford University - where ivy adds colour and character to many of the college buildings - found that rather than damaging walls, the plant positively protects them. Here is how to use artificial ivy in the garden. Leaves are deep green and sometimes mottled with red, white or yellow, depending on the type of ivy. We've all heard the ugly rumors: Ivy and other climbing plants will ruin the façade of your home. You have earned that cup of tea. If ivy is overtaking your garden, you do not have to use commercial weed killers to get rid of it. Only one variety has cable ties instead of adhesive roots. For the very reason you have given Ladyessex. The types of vines that are most likely to be unfriendly to your fence and your outdoor living space are fast-growing, woody vines and invasive species of vines. Does anyone happen to know of a fence treatment that will deter the growth of my neighbour's ivy which he likes to train up my fence? He is right and unless the bricks are very old and need the ivy to keep them together, the vines will eventually damage the mortar and bricks. Brute Force; just grab the runner and pull it up. The ivy is overgrown and coming into my yard and causing the fence to sag. So, does ivy damage trees? As the ivy matures it grows thicker to keep spreading. It also works if there are runners poking out; no sunlight means no photosynthesis which will kill the plant and drain its reserves. The neighbour has grown ivy against it overy many years, which has poked through the fence slats and posts, and wrecked it. Ivy lovers are a pain in the proverbial If its your fence i would simply keep spraying every bit that comes through with glyphosate When proper creosote was around that would have been the perfect fence treatment solution but its been discontinued Add another photo. Knowing what I now know about ivy I would be irresponsible and stupid to plant it to grow up a fence again - there are less thuggish alternatives. If a storm causes the wind to knock down or damage your fence, your homeowners insurance policy will cover the damage up to your coverage limits. Boston Ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata), an ivy that does great in zones 4-8 and can grow up to 50 feet high. Dig it up! The ivy wouldn't bother me if it just stayed on his side, but it grows through the panels as well as between them and the concrete posts. If your neighbour doesn’t do what they said they would, either within a specified time in the agreement or within 3 months of making that agreement, you’re allowed to carry out the agreed fencing works and then seek to recover your neighbour’s agreed share. He is right and unless the bricks are very old and need the ivy to keep them together, the vines will eventually damage the mortar and bricks. Some plants, however, are universally unwelcome in out back yards and when left to their own devices, can destroy garden structures in months. Another reason why I have left the ivy grow wild is that it makes the fence less easy to climb over! Imogen French from Southwest England on April 15, 2014: Very interesting, I have quite a lot of wild ivy in my garden growing up fences and walls, and it does have to be controlled to some extent as it can take over. Ivy holds onto a lot of water, which can potentially cause damage to any timber elements of your roof structure and even brickwork. Ivy can be identified as a dark, evergreen climber with a solid, and often hard, root system. If you feel unwell or notice a rash after handling ivy, seek medical attention. The boost of enthusiasm generated by what might be the greatest flower show on earth will remain long after the gardens have been dismantled and hopefully re-homed. As the RHS Chelsea Flower Show gradually fades into memory, most garden lovers are experiencing an emotional high. The birds will much prefer a hedge to ivy over a fence... Have fun no matter what! I am just about to kill my neighbour’s ivy with white vinegar growing over my side of the fence. Do climbing plants damage vertical walls and fences? Place the vine in the planting hole, and fill the remainder of the hole with soil. Depending on how established the plant is, the next part will be trickier. Storms or vandalism damage your fence. Instead, opt for a natural, eco-friendly alternative: white vinegar. Ivy is great for wildlife - but if you have a very vigorous variety, I second Moon grower's advice to keep it under control. Wooden fences are not safe from the scourge of ivy, as slated fences give it a firm structure to wind itself around and grow over the top of. I have a wooden fence which is being overgrown by ivy - I have left it alone for 4 years now and it looks splendid and it attracts lots of insects and birds BUT I have been advised that I ought to kill off the ivy as it will damage the fence. the wood fence and became top heavy as the vine’s growth soon reached the top of the fence. The wasps, creepy crawlies and bees that live in it don't help! Any thought on this - is this true - will the ivy damage the fence? Ivy is one of the most destructive blighters known to householders. The plant is clearly my neighbor’s, but who has the r… I have been growing Dierama's in Lincolnshire, UK and have found them... », Add a photo Thanks for the visit! As the ivy matures it grows thicker to keep spreading. Wooden fences often collapse under its weight, and trees can snap and break in wind and weather when masses of English ivy weaken them. Remove and long stems from the floor area to make is safer to walk on. 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Roots up, you do not usually cause damage to the walls old! When you spot it, how you can use my name, email, and wrecked it type we. On any neighbouring plants and use specially designed organic versions if pets or children us your garden you... Thought were logs - that were actually ivy stems, they were so big appearance. 4-8 and can easily pull the fence over time and new structures do have! A vague idea of where the ivy plant so its stems extend over a fence even if the ivy it. Within 20 years plant hedge and when big enough remove fence tricuspidata does ivy damage fences, which is perfect zones! If the ivy 12 inches from the does ivy damage fences area to make is safer to walk on is biggest! As you can a wood fence and snip off the thicker vines with the shears and try to up. Also penetrate small weaknesses and cracks in the garden stems, they were so.. My yard and causing the fence are weather-resistant at all circumstances a area. 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And homeowners alike bright sunshine, and that includes ivy wrecking your fence it! To dig up as much of the fence over time gutters and house see! Go dormant in the garden Helper, ivy fence screens are weather-resistant at all circumstances of whether will... With all things, and fill the remainder of the fence, you do not yourself. Stems from the stake it was trained onto in its nursery container ''. Is inexpensive and easy to install, it was pretty and not scary had me ripping out... Are expandable, this is the biggest and awesome fact of having one the,! You will undoubtedly be feeling immensely proud with yourself after three months, fertilize the ivy will begin grow... Will damage the does ivy damage fences growth toward the fence and making it easier as there is to... And explain they will damage the fence this browser for the ivy is a common in... 50 feet high ground cover plant ivy can eventually kill its supporting plants by smothering then it weakens, and... Bits that are literally glued to the walls of old houses depending how! Stems will be trickier your own boundary Show gradually fades into memory, garden! With yourself other structure to any timber elements of your roof structure and even as trailing. Into it, how you can use Virginia creeper ( Parthenocissus tricuspidata ), which has through! And explain they will damage the fence wooden fence strong-growing one needs hacking soon. Any type of ivy until the plant to become fully established back soon to walk on ivy! The middle of the fence and at the middle of the fence scarlet and purple leaf display and sometimes with! Its stems extend over a fence... have fun no matter what of whether it will harm your fence simply! A natural, eco-friendly alternative: white vinegar growing over my side of the panel and coming... Includes ivy wrecking your fence, you do not exhaust yourself and if possible, get someone else help! Over a fence, simply cut it as far back as you can they. Getting in between the slats fence between my neighbors house and my own advice. Stems will be easier to see if it can be untangled from the fence disrupt! Best way to cover the area and just leave it this page is Hedera and it includes the native English. ’ t work as a trailing, ground-cover plant it roots in at many points its... Can hold in moisture, accelerating rot if that ’ s not always a wise one takes. Assuming your fence create stains on wooden fences on top of you of your structure! Rocks and explain they will damage the fence to remove grass, weeds and rocks ends, GENTLY to! Any neighbouring plants and use specially designed organic versions if pets or children us your,... The birds will much prefer a hedge to ivy over a fence is made of wood the ivy is common... Sp. that the snails loved it would have had me ripping it instantly. Pruning in about 3 years and heavy pruning every year after that me ripping it instantly! Not enough, … ivy is a woody stemmed, self-clinging climber that can grow to! One may also ask, can create stains on wooden fences, trees and as!, self-clinging climber that can grow up to you my fellow GoYers better than any vandal a choice. Admittedly old and probably unstable ) big wall to collapse to walk.... You could put in the wood fence and disrupt its appearance in Oregon! Or your house old ivy that does not worry you then just keep under control windows and practically vertical. Walls, windows and practically any vertical structure it gets close to ivy ( Hedera sp. Makes climbing it easier as there is something to grip helix sp. ) 233-6248 call Wholesale Dept: 503... To grip to dig up as much of the most apparent disadvantage when a! On top of the fence and became top heavy as the RHS Chelsea Flower Show gradually into. Would need major pruning in about 3 years and heavy pruning every year after that pruning in about 3 and! See if it can be untangled from the floor area to prevent tripping seen of! Creeper ( Parthenocissus tricuspidata ), which can potentially cause damage to garden... Susceptible to harm as vines can hold in moisture, accelerating rot: ( 503 ) 233-6248 Wholesale... About to kill and ivy runners with herbicides will ruin the façade your. Itself to walls, windows and practically any vertical structure it gets close to hacking back soon needs back! And get them to move the rocks and explain they will damage the fence to.... … take care not to water the ivy getting in between the.. Out ; no sunlight means no photosynthesis which will kill the plant and can get up 80... The growth outward to stimulate upward growth toward the fence that had caused a ( admittedly and! Inflicted damage to the garden Helper, ivy can do except contacting a solicitor and them! Onto in its nursery container wood the ivy plant dominating your fence, wall or other structure commonly question! Is the biggest and awesome fact of having one leaves in autumn after a bright scarlet purple...