How do I get overgrown ivy removed from my chimney?

Question

We just moved into a historic two story home and the previous owners allowed English Ivy to overtake one chimney. The chimney isn't even visible because the ivy is so thick. It's growing inside our windows, and I'm sure it's going down the chimney from the top. I need a QUICK, CHEAP solution. I've been pulling the ivy off where I can reach but I can't reach any further up without a taller ladder or climbing on the roof. Anyhow, any advice would be much appreciated!!!

Answer 1

Gey a copy of the local Thrifty Nickle or Pennysaver (or whatever that advertisement newspaper is called that they give away in the lobby of the grocery store and at the laundrymat) and look for handyman.

Anyone who advertises in there will work cheap.

First, cut the ivy at the ground to kill it. It will eventually dry up and die on the chimney. DIG UP THE ROOTS!

They need to climb up there and strip the ivy all the way off. It's pretty invasive, and can get into little chinks in the morter, so you may want a brick mason to look at the chimney after the ivy's gone.

It will also leave marks on the brick and on the paint where it was on the windows. Clean with a bleach solution.

Answer 2

go to where it comes out of the ground, cut it off and cut out a section up higher and watch it die. It cannot grow without a root system. If you want rid of it for good put some brush be gone on the stems where they go into the ground. It will continue to grow and climb if you do not get rid of the food source.

Answer 3

Had the same problem a couple of days ago and all I did was cut the stems at the ground level or as high as I could reach, whichever was easier. Its dying already. Maybe a climate thing but worked for us.

Answer 4

cheap solution is to do what you have been doing and that is rip the ivy down. the downside is that is does go back if you don't till the ground there and kill the roots.