We have a very attractive wisteria growing up a trellis on the side of
the house, and which grows at an incredible rate, such that I keep
having to get the ladders out and chopping it back at eaves level, where
it persists in trying to grow under the roof tiles and generally make a
nuisance of itself up there. This needs doing a couple of times a
season, at least; which is tedious, and unpleasant for a ladder-phobe.

I appreciate the obvious answer is to chop the beast back to about a
metre away from the eaves, and I was planning on doing that; however,
before I do so, I just wondered if anyone knew of anything I can maybe
paint over the roof edges and eaves which would discourage its advances?

Thanks
David

"Lobster" wrote in message
...
We have a very attractive wisteria growing up a trellis on the side of
the house, and which grows at an incredible rate, such that I keep
having to get the ladders out and chopping it back at eaves level, where
it persists in trying to grow under the roof tiles and generally make a
nuisance of itself up there. This needs doing a couple of times a
season, at least; which is tedious, and unpleasant for a ladder-phobe.

I appreciate the obvious answer is to chop the beast back to about a
metre away from the eaves, and I was planning on doing that; however,
before I do so, I just wondered if anyone knew of anything I can maybe
paint over the roof edges and eaves which would discourage its advances?

Thanks
David

As you have got to seal the minute gaps under the tiles to stop the
'creeper' creeping/sneaking under. I would suggest a clear mastic applied
with great precision to ensure there are no gaps at all. Bit of a tedious
job and again one on the ladder a task for a ladder phobe :-((

BUT, what happens next year and the following year if you DON'T get up there
and cut it back???????????? The task of a short back and sides will continue
I am afraid, but at least it 'shouldn't' hopefully be under the tiles

Mike

--
National Service (RAF) Ass. Cosford 24 - 27 June Spitfire Fly Past
H.M.S.Impregnable Ass. Sussex 1 - 4 July Visit to Int. Fest of the Sea
RAF Regiment Assoc. Scarborough 2 - 5 Sept. Visit to Eden Camp
H.M.S.Collingwood Assn Trafalgar Dinner. Coventry October 21 - 24

"Lobster" wrote ...
We have a very attractive wisteria growing up a trellis on the side of
the house, and which grows at an incredible rate, such that I keep
having to get the ladders out and chopping it back at eaves level, where
it persists in trying to grow under the roof tiles and generally make a
nuisance of itself up there. This needs doing a couple of times a
season, at least; which is tedious, and unpleasant for a ladder-phobe.

I appreciate the obvious answer is to chop the beast back to about a metre
away from the eaves, and I was planning on doing that; however, before I
do so, I just wondered if anyone knew of anything I can maybe paint over
the roof edges and eaves which would discourage its advances?


Wisteria have to be pruned a few times every year anyway, lightly over the
growing season to keep it tidy then hard in winter to promote flowering
spurs, so if you don't like the job then you have the wrong plant and should
cut it down and remove it completely.

--
Regards
Bob
In Runnymede, 17 miles West of London

"Dave Poole" wrote in message
...
Lobster wrote:

We have a very attractive wisteria growing up a trellis on the side of
the house, and which grows at an incredible rate,

They do that at this time of year, it's par for the course.

[Snip]

I appreciate the obvious answer is to chop the beast back to about a
metre away from the eaves, and I was planning on doing that; however,
before I do so, I just wondered if anyone knew of anything I can maybe
paint over the roof edges and eaves which would discourage its advances?

Sorry, any vigorous climber will do exactly the same thing and apart
from cutting it back, there's nothing you can do.


Dave Poole
Torquay, Coastal South Devon UK
Winter min -2°C. Summer max 34°C.
Growing season: March - November

Bit late to point out that if Wisteria floribunda had been chosen instead of
W. sinensis the problem would be much reduced!

--
Charlie, gardening in Cornwall.
http://www.roselandhouse.co.uk
Holders of National Plant Collection of Clematis viticella (cvs)