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.

 Bringing Year-Round Beauty to Your Garden

DIY or call us?

DIY: small, reachable areas on sound surfaces.

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

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