masonry care - Grannys Tips

What happens when you cut ivy flush against a wall

July 28, 2026 by Dorothy Baker

I cut my ivy flush against the wall just to tidy up the façade: a few weeks later, I saw what had come back and what staye...

Cut your ivy flush to the wall, and two things happen: fresh shoots emerge from dormant buds at ground level, while aerial roots cling to your render like they’ve been glued. Understand the hidden biology, and clearing ivy becomes far less mysterious—and far less destructive to your masonry.

Does Ivy on Walls Damage the Mortar Behind It

April 18, 2026 by Dorothy Baker

The Hidden Danger Behind Your Picture-Perfect Ivy-Covered Walls

That charming ivy clothing your Victorian home may be quietly destroying the mortar beneath, invisible until catastrophic failure strikes. While ivy’s aerial roots are relatively harmless on sound masonry, aggressive root systems and hidden water damage pose serious risks to older buildings. Understanding when ivy becomes dangerous—and how to remove it safely—is essential for protecting your property.