How to Remove Ivy From Walls (2025)

Ivy and walls seem to go hand in hand in landscape design, but it takes a good bit of maintenance to keep it pruned and tidy. And if you’ve ever pulled ivy off a wall, you know that the tiny roots adhere to the brick or siding like glue. You can carefully remove ivy by pulling the vines away from the surface, scrubbing off remaining tendrils, and sometimes using tools like scrapers or pressure washers.

At my house, one wall of the porch is covered with ancient ivy tendrils from well before my time. I figure they’re a good worst-case scenario since they’re dried out and stuck like glue, and the brick is textured, so they’re embedded deep inside the nooks and crannies.

Brick wall before. Those hairy tendrils stick like glue!

Is Removing Ivy From Walls Easy?

There’s no magic chemical or spray that will remove ivy from walls. It just takes lots of elbow grease or what we call around my house “a good old-fashioned Scrub-A-Rama.” In a nutshell, you have to scrub the ivy roots off with a brush, but the trick is to find an approach that’s strong enough to remove the ivy but not so strong that it damages your brick or paint.

Of course, smooth brick or siding is going to be much easier to clean than textured brick or stone. Depending on your situation, you may not be able to erase every strand, but you can certainly improve the overall appearance.

Ivy Removal Tips

To tackle this DIY job at your house, follow these tips:

Removing Ivy: When removing ivy, pull it VERY gently off the wall, not worrying about the stems that break and stay stuck. If the roots have grown into cracks, you don’t want to damage your mortar or siding by yanking too hard.
Don’t Procrastinate: As I found with my porch, over time, the roots will harden and be nearly impossible to remove. The sooner you can clean your brick, the better.

Scraping: Start by using a wooden or plastic scraper to work loose any whole roots and stems that are still attached, being careful not to damage the mortar.
Scrubbing: Once you’re down to just the hairy tendrils, it’s time for the scrub brush. Start with a nylon household scrubber and work loose as much dried material as you can – it will crumble better if the brush is dry. If there are still tendrils remaining, try loosening them with water and mild detergent. If the scrub brush isn’t doing the job, try progressing to a stiffer wire brush or a scrubbing sponge. The stiffer the brush, the more likely you are to damage your wall, so take it easy! Test out your brush in an inconspicuous spot to be sure it doesn’t scratch the surface.
Torching: If all else fails and you have a brick or masonry wall, you can try using a propane torch to burn away the remaining roots. This has a chance of scorching your brick, so test it first. Be sure to wear goggles and keep the flame away from wood or flammable materials.

Brick wall after. Don’t damage your brick, as I did here in my test!

I have to admit, cleaning this textured wall proved to be more trouble than it’s worth. A soft brush only removed about half of the tendrils, and a stiff brush removed the surface of the brick. Yes, it reached a point where brick was coming off, and ivy wasn’t!

Even flame couldn’t erase the tucked-in strands. In order to preserve my brick, I had to accept that unless I want to pick at those roots with a needle and magnifying glass (and even I’m not that crazy), some of those tendrils are just going to have to stay there.

Pressure Washing Ivy

Pressure washing can be an effective method for removing stubborn ivy tendrils from walls, especially on sturdy surfaces like brick or stone. However, it’s crucial to use the right pressure setting to avoid damaging the wall.

I recommend starting with a low-pressure setting and gradually increasing if needed. Always test in an inconspicuous area first. Remember that pressure washing may not remove all traces of ivy, and you might need to follow up with manual scrubbing for best results.

Should You Just Cut Ivy at the Roots?

While cutting ivy at the roots can kill the plant, it doesn’t solve the problem of removing it from your walls. The dead ivy vines, roots, and tendrils will remain attached and continue to damage your wall’s surface.

Additionally, new shoots may sprout from any remaining root systems. For a complete solution, I recommend removing the entire plant with shears, including its attachment points on the wall.

Is Ivy Worth Keeping?

The decision to keep or remove ivy depends on various factors and your preferences. Ivy can provide insulation, aesthetic appeal, and habitat for wildlife. However, it can also damage your walls, hide structural issues, get inside your gutters, and harbor pests.

If you decide to keep ivy vines, regular maintenance is crucial to prevent it from becoming overgrown or causing damage. Consider the age and condition of your walls, as well as your willingness to commit to ongoing care, before making a decision.

How to Stop Ivy From Coming Back

Preventing ivy plant regrowth requires diligence. After you remove the plant, thoroughly inspect the area for any remaining roots or shoots and remove them. Apply a vegetation killer, herbicide, or weed killer to the soil around the foundation to discourage new growth.

Consider installing a root barrier, ground cover, or laying gravel or mulch around the perimeter of your home. Regularly check for and remove any new ivy growth promptly. Planting alternative, less invasive vines or creating a different landscaping feature can also help stop ivy from returning.

Final Thoughts

Removing ivy from walls is a task that requires patience, care, and the right techniques. Whether you’re using manual methods like scraping and scrubbing like I did or opting for pressure washing, the key is to work carefully to avoid damaging your walls.

Remember, prevention is just as important as removal — regular homeowner maintenance and prompt action against new growth will keep your walls ivy-free in the long run.