eyesore. Im wondering if i should get rid of it and replace with some low shrubs and other plantings or keep it and clean it up. It gets very little sun during the summer because of the trees above so that will limit me on what I can replace it with. I seem to keep coming up with reasons to get rid of it but I actually like the look of ivy so im kind of torn about this.

My pros for it are:

-its kind of good looking as long as its clean.

-its green and full all year round

-grows fast and covers the ground good

My cons for it are:

-full of leaves from above trees

-seedlings keep popping up

-constantly have to trim it

-harbors bugs and other critters right up against the house

Check out my pics below and let me know what you think.

Thanks!

flagstone it will be "floating", as in no concrete. I kind of like the idea or having a small gap between each piece that moss or grass could grow from. At the same time I realize thats a lot of extra upkeep and pavers would not have that. Pavers on the other hand seem a little more "organized" and "formal" than what im really looking for. I think if i did go with the pavers I would use something that is tumbled and rougher looking.

Can anyone tell me some pros and cons to pavers and flagstone for a patio of that size?

becoming damaged and needs replacing. I tried making little cuts in the concrete here to divert the water away and it works if there is just a sprinkle anything more and I get what you see in the pictures.

Does anyone know of something I could do or use to block the water from coming in? I have thought of using thin brick pavers or some other sort of "hump" but im not really sure whats the best route. Id rather only have to do it once than to keep coming back and trying everything under the sun.

Any suggestions?

cutting out the patch where the roots are, cutting out the roots, and doing the patch myself. Its only about a 5-10 foot square section. Anyone have any thoughts, warnings, or suggestions on this?