Neighbours causing such a fuss about ivy! Really?

[Peekaboooooo]

Our neighbours have told us about ivy coming over from our side onto their side at least 5 times in the last couple of months. They are a retired, active couple in their late 70s who maintain their garden well.
Firstly, the ivy was not that bad but we did what they asked and cut some back along the fence. Since then, our neighbour has asked again and has almost sounded a bit rude. He says he doesn't like ivy.
This morning he spoke to my husband again about it and this time my husband had to say that we like ivy and we'd like to keep it. Dh said we'd cut back a bit more but then that's it.
I've checked the fence out carefully this evening, both sides, and I can't understand what the problem is. Any ivy coming through the fence is minimal. Plus they can't even see it because it's behind their shrubs and they can't see that part of the garden from their house. And, it's our fence!

What's really got to me is their attitude towards us. Our neighbour even called my husband lazy once which was so untrue and unfair. We both work, have two young children (one with SEN) and lots of life stuff going on as most people do. Our house isn't perfect and may not be as immaculate as our neighbours but we do our best.

I kind of feel like we're being judged. Sometimes I've noticed our neighbour look up our driveway as he walks past and now I'm wondering what he's thinking.

AIBU or are our neighbours ivy grumbles and criticisms justified?

Such a shame because they've been fine for the most part of living here (nearly 4 years) and have been friendly up until now.

You're not listening to people.

As pp has said - once it roots inside the fence or underneath it they can’t get rid of it unless you kill off the roots on your side which is what you need to do x

Once it gets a hold it's very difficult to contain.

Our neighbours had ivy and we were constantly having to dig it out our flower bed.

We had a real nightmare with ivy when we bought our house. It had grown huge taking over both sides of the fence and weaving itself through any gaps, ripping the panels apart.

Our neighbours wanted to keep some on their side which is fine but I’d be annoyed if it started coming through to our side and they didn’t remove every encroaching bit. I don’t want to pay for another new fence!

I’m team ivy! It’s OP’s fence and ivy is a good wildlife habitat – for birds, bats, insects, pollinators. If the neighbours don’t like it on their side, up to them to cut it back to the boundary as they would any other plant or shrub or tree growing over. It’s really not OP’s problem.

The op could grow ivy where it wouldn't encroach on the neighbours. If she isn't worried about it destroying her fence, then maybe she'd be happy with it growing up the side of her house rather than causing a nightmare for the neighbours

Open your ears and listen to PP. There’s enough ivy in the wild to benefit nature. It’s a real problem in a domestic setting

I don’t blame them, ivy is horrendous to get rid of.

I used the vinegar, salt and fairy liquid solution on any ivy that grow from next door. Leave it for. Few days and it kills whatever is growing through. Send them the link and let them treat it from their side if it grows through

https://www.homesandgardens.com/gardens/how-to-get-rid-of-ivy

Ivy is awful. Over took my garden and cost me hundred to get it cut back

Believe them. It's the ivy.

Ivy is fast growing and invasive. It might look pretty, but it can cause serious damage to the structures and buildings it climbs on.

Your neighbours are right to complain and you have a responsibility to make sure such a destructive plant doesn't spread to their garden.

It's mere presence near a house can significantly affect the value and saleability of a property. Ivy can be very difficult to manage once it is out of control.

Do yourself and your neighbour a big favour and cut it right back or - better still - destroy it.

Just do as they ask and cut it right back, I don't blame them. We have a serious ivy problem at ours which we are constantly having to tackle. When we moved in large patches of the house were covered in ivy, the damage was incredible. It's your side, it's your responsibility.

This is ten too many.

Our neighbour has ivy and it is a total pain. It has gone from the fence we share, along the bottom of our garden and has taken over the fence we share with a different neighbour. We’ve spent hours cutting it back and it is relentless

Oh god who cares! People waste their lives thinking and arguing about pointless things. Ignore them.

Sounds like the neighbours are right about the ivy, but have been very rude in the way they have spoken to you and as a result you aren’t inclined to listen.

I just don't know if it's because they're an older couple with too much time on their hands.

i let the stupid ageism of your first post go. But not this. Pack the fuck in and stop being ageist. Spend the time cutting back your ivy instead

Ivy is a nightmare, you should cut it back and watch it like a hawk. My brother had a 20 foot stretch of stone wall pulled down by ivy, cost £’000

Seems everyone gets pretty exercised about icy. I'm much more annoyed by brambles that keep creeping under and ove rour France, but I wouldn't dream of discussing it with the neighbour. I think your neighbours lack manners, but maybe there's some other issue.

Slugs & snails thrive amongst ivy. It’s a bastard

If it’s contained to your side on your fence then tough shit. Take no notice.
A lot of people who think because they live a certain way and have their garden how they like think everyone else should be the same
My neighbour is like this- sparse landscaped garden. She always makes little comments about my garden being wild. I just say ‘oh isn’t it? I love it- so beautiful!’
It’s not impacting her garden at all- she just thinks our street should all look like her preference.

Oh I had brambles as well from the neighbours. BLACKBERRY bush literally overtook my garden along with the Ivy total hell

Exactly. Then put down plastic grass. It's not a nuisance, it supports ecosystems and is absolutely vital in the garden for insects birds and small mammals. I'd trim it, which the OP already has, and leave it at that.

https://www.hiwwt.org.uk/blog/claire-thorpe/importance-ivy

I had no idea that a bit of ivy (and I mean a bit) stressed people out so much! So the neighbours being rude and off to us and calling my husband lazy (despite us cutting it right back) is obviously completely justified. And the plants that come over to our side and cause a mess in our garden are justified too?! Just as long as it's not A BIT of ivy

That's the problem though it's not contained on ops side it coming through the fence. Ivy grows fast and will root in the neighbours garden creating an ongoing battle for them to contain the ivy problem. Ivy is invasive and destructive
Your situation sounds completely different