Ivy

[adik]

Any ideas how to remove ivy from the wall of the house, it has blocked the hopper at the top of the downpipe and is causing all sorts of problems

[woofgang]

getting rid of the roots is difficult to impossible. Getting rid of it off the wall is easier, just cut through the trunk as low as you can and everything above the cut will die off.

[jno]

might be worth taking a slice out where you cut it, to remove the temptation for it to heal itself and continue.

[Old_Geezer]

Shears?
Works on my garden wall.

[jakep]

Same as jno, I took out about four inches of the trunk at the bottom. It worked.

[Chipchopper]

I agree it is difficult to get rid of, but not impossible.
What I've done in the past, is cut through the stems close to the ground the pull up and away, the vines clinging to the wall to remove it.
To avoid regrowth, the remaining lower stems can be treated with a herbicide such as Brushwood killer or a glyfosate based weed killer.
Be sure to paint the weedkiller onto the cut ends of the stems otherwise it may not penetrate the plant tissues eficiently.

[SlackAlice]

The only thing I would add to this thread is once you have severed the Ivy from the roots leave it stuck to the wall and allow it to wilt, dry out a bit.

It will then be much easier to remove and cause less damage in the process.

[adik]

Thanks to all for your advice

[langara]

I have quite a large clump of mistletoe in my apple tree, about 4 yrs old, I know only female has berry's I have no berry's so can I assume it is male and I will never get any. I grew it from berries pushed into the bark, if I buy a piece is it hit or miss what sex it is.

[langara]

Sorry should have started a new link. senior moment

[langara]

for mistletoe question please look at Ivy

[langara]

I'm going to start again as I made a mess of it last time. I have quite a large clump of mistletoe growing in my apple tree, no berries so I assume it's male, it's 4 yrs old, how can I establish a female plant or is it hit or miss what sex you get. Thanks

[langara]

can't seem to get away from Ivy sorry

[Old_Geezer]

Yes, she is such a clingy lass.

I would suspect it is probably hit and miss as I would not expect the seeds to look any different. But it's just a guess. I would suggest a brand new thread, or use the one you started elsewhere http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Home-and-Garden/Gardening/Question1387240.html#answer-9437633

Maybe it you try 3 or 4 you have just a 1 in 8 or 16 chance of having all males.

[janbee]

I have a rather strong ivy clambering all over my back wall and up my bay tree. I cut it back as far as poss every year but it 's still going strong. It actually seems to thrive on it's annual haircut. I'll keep going though. I shall overcome...