Why remove ivy?
English ivy is a non-native invasive plant that has covered entire trunks of untold numbers of trees throughout the temperate rain forest of the Pacific Northwest. Used in gardens and landscaping projects as a ground and bank cover, it climbs trees seeking light to reproduce. In its aggressive growth, it replaces native plants, causes trees to prematurely decline, and disrupts ecosystems. If ivy is left unchecked, this species will form an “ivy desert” -- very few species can compete successfully with this alien vine.
Why does ivy take over an area?
Our environment provides ivy’s ideal situation: lots of moisture, not too sunny, no natural enemies and our native wildlife does not use it for a food source.
How do you remove ivy from a tree?
Removing ivy from a tree gives a tree a chance to have a longer, healthier life and be less susceptible to toppling or blow-down. Depending on the thickness of the vines, use either loppers or a pruning saw to cut through each vine at shoulder height and at ankle height. Be careful not to wound the bark of the tree when cutting the ivy vines. Strip the ivy away from the tree between the two cuts. Do not attempt to pull the vine above the shoulder level cut down - you could bring down a huge ivy missile, a branch, or a Yellow Jacket nest. Leave the ivy above the shoulder cut alone - it will wither and deteriorate eventually. Pull the cut vine away from the base of the tree to where it's growing from the ground. Carefully recheck the area for any thin vines which may be snaked under bark. If you do not get all the vines, you haven't freed the tree. A horrendous clump of Ivy on a tree can be supported with just one thin vine that tried to hide or was overlooked! Then pull as much ivy as possible and as deep as possible around the base of the tree. Keep extending the pulled area around the base of the tree until the pulled area is at least six feet from the tree’s base all the way around the trunk.
Is ivy removal a one time event?
No. While any reduction of ivy biomass is good and any thwarting of its advance is important, serious removal requires follow-up and monitoring. Ivy infestation in areas should be revisited at least every six months.