Question
My neighbour has just contacted me regarding the ivy that covers the back wall of our garden.  This links onto the back of his office building and is now growing under the roof of his office.  

We moved into the property in May and the ivy has been established and growing for many years.  Roses and Clematis also grow up the same wall with a number of bedding plants underneath.

Could you advise:
1. how quickly the ivy is likely to regrow if we cut it back by 3 feet or so (i.e in 3 months or 3 years!)

2. if we have to take it out completely the least invasive and damaging way of doing this bearing in mind the other planst in the garden

3. Whose legal reponsibility would it be to pay for any damage to the garden/work done to remove the ivy

4. whether we have a legal obligation to remove it at all....

We live in London so this would be UK law.

many thanks for your help on this

Answer
Thank you for your e-mail. I'm sorry to say that ivy is a pretty fast growing plant. Taking down 3 feet will grow back quickly and thinker. If it where mine I would remove it completely. As far as how to remove it you can spray it with round up and let it die and then remove it. Or dig it out by hand. And for who is legally responsible, I'm not sure of your laws, but to keep peace with your neighbors maybe the two of you can get together one weekend and remove it together. But I'm sure if it came down to the law, it most likely be your responsibility and maybe repair cost if it has damaged there roof. It would be yours if it were here in the us. Hope I was some help. Please feel free to contact me again if you have any other questions. Good luck. Bill