Ivy on Buildings: Pretty… Until It Isn’t

Ivy looks charming, but it can pry into mortar, trap moisture, hide cracks, and invite pests. Left alone, those “green walls” turn into repair bills.

📍 Serving: Chicago & surrounding suburbs • 📞 (773) 257-3147 • 🌐 606landsnow.com

Tall apartment building covered in green ivy, located on a city street with cars and a traffic light.

Stone building with green ivy covering part of the facade, four windows visible.

Home Insurance

Maintenance matters. Long-term ivy damage is often treated as deferred maintenance—not a sudden loss, so claims can be reduced or denied.

Paper trail helps. Before/after photos and a licensed, insured contractor make future claims stronger.
(Not legal advice, check your policy and ask your agent.)

Man pruning a rose bush against a white fence. He wears gloves and kneels.

Stone building facade covered in green ivy, two windows with brown frames, and a hedge.

How we remove it: without wrecking your wall

1. Assess & photo the site. Then if you want us to do the work send us pics.

Evaluate the area thoroughly before beginning. Capture clear photos of the affected surfaces, focusing on the extent of ivy growth and any visible damage.
2. Pull down ivy gently and try to pull at as much horizontal angle as possible.

Provide us with the images of the site so we can assess the scope of work and provide an accurate estimate for removal and restoration services.
3. Cut vines at the base and let them dry 1–3 weeks (they release cleanly).

Describe the item or answer the question so that site visitors who are interested get more information. You can emphasize this text with bullets, italics or bold, and add links.
4. Gently remove with brushes/scrapers, no pressure washing on masonry.

Cutting the vines at the base will help them detach naturally once they dry, ensuring they release without leaving residue or causing additional damage.
5. Treat roots and flag hidden issues for repointing, sealing, or paint touch-ups

Describe the item or answer the question so that site visitors who are interested get more information. You can emphasize this text with bullets, italics or bold, and add links.
6. DON’T FORGET about aerial roots that may be growing in the mortar.

After ivy removal, inspect for any root systems or damage to the structure. Mark areas that need repointing, sealing, or paint to maintain the integrity of the surface.
7. Document with after-photos + care tips.

Aerial roots often infiltrate mortar joints and can be overlooked. After completing the job, take detailed photos of the finished work and provide care instructions to prevent regrowth.

Imagine a perfectly manicured lawn without the hassle of pushing a heavy mower under the hot sun. Robot mowers are revolutionizing lawn care, offering convenience and efficiency with just the touch of a button.

Robot Mowers are made to mulch the grass into ultra-fine clippings that don’t result in build up and the need for dethatching. That said, we are including below a break-down for mulching vs not-mulching your lawn. What’s the best approach? Let’s explore the pros and cons of mulching vs. bagging when using robot mowers.

Landscape bed with dark brown mulch, green shrubs, and a tree, next to a brick building and grass lawn.

Mulching: The Natural Fertilizer

A person holding freshly cut green grass in their hand, with a lawn and a measuring wheel in the background.

Pros:

1. Eco-Friendly: Mulching returns nutrients to your lawn, promoting healthier, greener grass without the need for chemical fertilizers.

2. Time-Saving: No need to empty grass bags—your robot mower continuously mulches as it works.

3. Moisture Retention: Mulched grass helps retain soil moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering.

Learn more

Green lawn with line of gathered brown leaves in front of bushes and small evergreen trees.

Cons:

1. Thatch Buildup: Over-mulching can lead to thatch buildup, which may require periodic dethatching.

2. Uneven Spread: If not done correctly, mulching can leave clumps of grass, affecting the lawn’s appearance.

Learn more

Bagging: Clean and Tidy

Lawnmower with full bag mowing a lawn with leaves on a sunny day.

Pros:

1. Neat Appearance: Bagging leaves your lawn looking pristine with no leftover clippings.

2. Weed Control: Removing clippings can help reduce the spread of weeds and diseases.

3. Ideal for Allergies: Bagging can minimize exposure to grass pollen and allergens.

Learn more

Person attaching a black grass collection bag to an electric lawnmower on green grass.

Cons:

1. More Work: You’ll need to empty the grass bag frequently, adding to your workload.

2. Nutrient Loss: Bagging removes potential natural fertilizers, necessitating additional lawn treatments.

Learn more

Conclusion

Choosing between mulching and bagging depends on your lawn care priorities. If you prefer a low-maintenance, eco-friendly approach, mulching is your best bet. For a clean, meticulous look, bagging might be the way to go. Either way, robot mowers make the process easier and more efficient, giving you more time to enjoy your beautiful lawn.

Ready to upgrade your lawn care routine? Discover the latest in robot mowers today!

Robotic lawnmower cutting grass as couple relaxes in lawn chairs on sunny day.

Robot lawnmower in a yard, family playing soccer in background.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

DIY or call us?

DIY: small, reachable areas on sound surfaces.

Call us: older brick, high walls, painted/unknown layers, or moisture concerns.