- Ivy has two different types of roots
- That's how deep the roots of the ivy grow
- Remove roots from house walls
- Digging up ivy roots
Ivy has two different types of roots. While the roots in the ground ensure the absorption of food and moisture, ivy climbs up fences, walls and trees with its adhesive roots. It also holds on to the ground with its adhesive roots.
The ivy holds on with the adhesive roots
Ivy has two different types of roots
Ivy doesn't just form root systems to anchor itself to the ground. In addition, adhesive roots form on the woody shoots, which attach themselves to a suitable substrate.
The adhesive roots consist of several small root strands that are arranged in a tangle. This means that the climbing plant can also find a hold on very smooth surfaces such as concrete walls.
It becomes dangerous when ivy is pulled on walls where the joints are no longer quite strong. The adhesive roots cling particularly well here. After a while, roots grow from the shoots, which penetrate deep into the masonry. If the ivy is removed from the wall, visible traces remain at best. If the ivy has penetrated several centimeters deep, the entire wall or facade can be endangered.
That's how deep the roots of the ivy grow
In the ground, the root depth can be up to 60 centimeters, depending on age and location. The roots penetrate the masonry as deeply as they can.
Remove roots from house walls
To remove roots from house walls, you must carefully pull off the ivy from top to bottom. Nevertheless, sticking root residues remain on the facade. Most of them can be removed with a wire brush or a high-pressure cleaner (€119.90). However, if the masonry is damaged, it is better not to use high-pressure cleaners.
Digging up ivy roots
To permanently remove ivy from the garden, you need to dig up the roots. Depending on how old the plant is, the soil is loosened to a depth of 60 centimeters. The roots are then carefully lifted out and disposed of with the garbage disposal.
tips
If you want to dig up ivy roots, water the soil well beforehand. The water penetrates particularly deeply if you poke additional holes in the ground with a digging fork. This loosens the soil and makes it easier to remove the roots.