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.

Robot mowers have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their efficiency and convenience. These machines are designed to navigate through gardens and lawns while cutting grass to a predetermined length. However, when it comes to selecting a robot mower, one important consideration is whether or not to have a wire perimeter.

A wire perimeter is a physical boundary (like an invisible dog fence) that is set up around the lawn or garden. It is used to guide the robot mower and ensure that it does not go outside the designated mowing area. This perimeter wire is buried or stapled to the ground and is connected to the robot mower's control unit. On the other hand, a robot mower without a wire perimeter relies on sensors and software to navigate around obstacles and boundaries which increases the risk of error, as you can imagine a rogue lawnmower in your lawn or your neighbors can be a very big and/or dangerous problem.

So, what are the benefits of having a wire perimeter for a robot mower?

Increased Precision: A robot mower with a wire perimeter has increased precision because it follows a predetermined path. This allows for a more even cut and ensures that the entire lawn is mowed. In contrast, a robot mower without a perimeter wire can be less precise and may miss spots or leave uncut areas.
Improved Efficiency: A robot mower with a wire perimeter can mow a lawn more efficiently than one without. This is because it does not waste time navigating around obstacles or searching for the edges of the lawn. The wire perimeter ensures that the robot mower stays within the designated mowing area, which saves time and energy.
Better Navigation: A robot mower with a wire perimeter has better navigation than one without. When a device is properly programmed with wire perimeter it provides clear guidance for the robot mower, making it easier for it to navigate around obstacles, stay on course, and easily dock in it’s charging station. This can be especially beneficial for larger lawns or gardens with complex layouts and detached zones by sidewalks or driveways.
Increased Safety: A wire perimeter can increase the safety of a robot mower by keeping it away from areas where it should not go. For example, it can prevent the robot mower from entering a swimming pool, flower bed, or neighboring yards. This can also help prevent damage to the robot mower or other objects in the garden.

In conclusion, having a wire perimeter for a robot mower offers several benefits. It can increase precision, improve efficiency, provide better navigation, and increase safety. While a robot mower without a perimeter wire may be suitable for some lawns or gardens, a wire perimeter is a great investment for those who want a precise and efficient lawn-mowing experience.

Robot mower on grass. Text: Benefits of having a wire perimeter vs no perimeter wire.

< 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.