English Ivy Removal

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Overview

Learn about English Ivy removal this winter! Join the Lower Merion Township Sustainability Ambassadors in an English Ivy removal demonstration or volunteer workday. There are three of these events remaining. Sign up here for any of the events below:

Volunteer Day #1: Friday, February 13, 10am - 12pm at Haverford College Arboretum
Demonstration Day #1: Sunday, March 15, 1pm - 3pm at West Mill Creek Park

NOTE: The English Ivy Removal events scheduled for January 18, January 19, January 25, and February 7 were cancelled due to inclement weather.

What is English Ivy?

First introduced to the US in the 1700’s, English Ivy is an invasive species that climbs trees, walls, and fences and spreads indefinitely within the ground layer. Though historically planted for aesthetic reasons, English Ivy causes more harm than good. On the ground, it forms dense monocultures that exclude native plants, reducing habitat for native wildlife and creating large areas where no other trees, shrubs, or ground covers can establish. In climbing trees, ivy deforms tree branches and inhibits tree growth by blocking sunlight. By holding moisture against the trunk, it also causes tree bark to rot, split, or weaken, and it hosts damaging tree diseases like bacterial leaf scorch. Ivy creates a public safety hazard on private property, streets and sidewalks since the added weight of vines increases the chances of falling limbs and trees in poor weather conditions.

How to Identify English Ivy?

Though similar to other vines, English Ivy is distinct in many ways. Identifying it is a critical first step in mitigation efforts. English Ivy leaves are dark green, waxy, and alternate sides along the stem. The leaf form, while variable, usually has three points and a heart-shaped base. While in a juvenile stage, Ivy primarily sticks to the ground. As it matures and grows, Ivy climbs upwards on trees, walls and fences, engulfing everything in its path.

How to Remove English Ivy?

Oftentimes, a tree engulfed in English Ivy will need multiple rounds of removal practices to rid of all Ivy. The first step to removal is assembling tools. You will need loppers, pruners or a hand saw, and protective gloves.

After assembling your tools, start cutting through the largest vines at waist height, making your way entirely around the tree, leaving at least a one-inch gap between the ends of the Ivy you just cut. Be careful not to harm the bark on the tree itself. From there, be sure to snip all remaining Ivy vines, as any one live vine can still help to transport nutrients upward to the rest of the Ivy.

If the Ivy grows back in the summer, the tree will need repeated removal efforts, until all Ivy vines have been cut, and the upper portions of the Ivy eventually die.

To learn more, watch this video on Ivy removal:

Alternatives to English Ivy

If you are seeking an alternative for English Ivy in your yard, check with your local greenhouse or seed distributor for similar species native to Lower Merion Township. A few alternatives include the following: