English ivy (Hedera helix) is a European forest vine that is invasive in the U.S. A very effective groundcover, it was a recommended landscape staple for years. We have come to recognize its full potential as an invasive species in recent decades.
In nature, English ivy's spread through seeds causes serious economic harm. Control English ivy by mowing it, pulling it, weed whacking it — these strategies will prevent the development of the mature English ivy form, its flowers and fruits.
As English ivy transitions to its reproductive phase, the leaves change from the classic ivy leaf shape to larger heart-shaped leaves as shown in the photos. English ivy flowers and berries follow, and are eaten by starlings then deposited in bird droppings. The sticky seeds cling to birds' feet and are deposited on branches. English ivy seeds germinate easily and grow quickly, so watch for new seedlings. These are very easy to hand-pull when they are young.
Note: Use caution until you know how your skin reacts to English ivy, as some people are sensitive and develop a rash when touching or working with it.
Life-saver English ivy removal from trees
The "Life Saver" model aims to remove ivy from the base and trunk of the tree to give it some relief while more complete ivy removal is in progress. “Life Saver” refers to the Life Saver candy. A circle free of ivy 3–5 feet from the tree represents the Life Saver candy; the tree itself is the hole in the middle. See the picture sequence for details. Two people completed this sequence in two hours for the tree show in the photos.
Begin by cutting the ivy “trunks” or vines all the way around the tree at about eye level.
Begin by cutting the ivy “trunks” or vines all the way around the tree at about eye level. Clippers work well for the smaller vines and for exposing the vines themselves. Vines a half-inch or more in diameter cut more easily with a hand-held pruner. For the larger vines, a small hand saw works well. At times, you may hear a very satisfying snap as the tension in the plant's vascular system is released at cutting.
The vines attach to the bark with aerial roots that can be peeled away. Overlapping vines “fuse” together, creating a strong bond as the vines increase in diameter. In cases where the ivy has been growing for a very long time, a chainsaw may be needed.
Peel vines downward from the bark, one at a time or several at a time if they are fused. Work your way down the trunk from initial eye-level cuts to the base of the tree, then pull back the ivy from the tree at ground level at least 3–5 feet.
To clear the ground 3–5 feet from the base of the tree, some serious pulling may be required. Inevitably, vines will pull away from the roots, but they can be dug out with a digging fork after they re-sprout.
The ivy that remains on the tree will die over time. This can take several months in winter. The dying ivy will shrivel and drop its leaves. The dead ivy branches can be pulled down or will fall off over several years or during winter storms. Meanwhile, the dead ivy is doing little harm to the canopy of the tree and is not producing seeds.
Tackling the fence line
A fence that has supported ivy for a long time, can be in very bad shape. Expect to re-paint a painted fence and consider the possibility that the ivy has been supporting the fence, which may require replacement.
Estimate about an hour of time to free 2–4 linear feet of fencing from well-established ivy. Repeat the pulling and digging as new sprouts appear. Rake the area along the fence line to remove accumulated debris and make new sprouts more visible.
Cleanup and disposal
Home composting of English ivy is strongly discouraged. Using such compost may spread ivy throughout the landscape.
English ivy cuttings may be stacked up until they can be sent to a municipal yard debris composting facility by a yard debris cart or by hauling. If cuttings remain in the landscape for any period of time, take care that they are placed roots up so that they do not re-root in place. Stacking and holding cuttings of invasives is not recommend for all invasive species, but seems to work well for English ivy.
The controlled process of a municipal scale composting facility will generate sufficient heat to completely decompose ivy cuttings and render them harmless.
More information
Here are a few other links for more information if you are interested in your own ivy removal project.
