How Do You Remove English Ivy From Asbestos Siding?
English ivy is a handsome vine, especially in autumn when it turns shades of red and orange. However, it is very destructive to asbestos, brick and wood siding. The stem of the ivy has thousands of little roots that dig into the siding to hold the vine in place. These roots allow moisture to penetrate siding, especially asbestos and brick, which can cause crumbling and cracking. Some buildings have been condemned as unsafe because of the damage English ivy has done to the exterior siding. Wear a long-sleeve shirt and gloves when handling English ivy. It may cause contact dermatitis in some people. If you can, remove any foundation plantings you want to save. Store them in pots in a shady area and keep them moist until they can be replanted. Apply herbicide, according to package directions, to the ivy. Wait until the leaves start to turn brown before removing. You may have to apply the herbicide several times. Work from the top down. Carefully pull the plant away from the wall. You are
