English Ivy – The Invasive That Looks Nice, But Can Kill

Get your garden gloves ready! NOW is the time to tackle the invading Hedera helix in your yard. I remember seeing a woman on a street close by who was sitting on the ground pulling out her English Ivy a few years ago. It was springtime and she commented how much easier it was to pull it in April than July. And THAT is what I want to share this with you too!

Since the winter seems/appears to be over, the soil is loose and moist. The roots and vines are much, much easier to pull out because of this fact. I have been very busy in my yard getting rid of this long established invasive. It comes from each of my neighbors’ yards, so I need to stay vigilant to keep it out of our yard and off of our trees.

Did you realize that these vines can shoot underground and pop up in a different place?

Did you realize that when the vines attach and start growing up a tree/shrub, the roots grab ahold of the bark, penetrate it and disrupt the flow of fluids and
nutrients to the plant?

Did you know that the shape of the leaves change as the vines branch out while growing up a tree?

Did you know that the vines will produce a cluster for white flowers which turn into delicious blue colored berries that the birds love?

Well, that last one is nice but it should never get to that bushy point!!

Here is what you need to do if you have English Ivy in your yard and growing up your trees:

* Take some sharp pruners or loppers and cut the vine close to the
ground.

* Pull as much of the vine off of the tree as you can. The leaves and
vine will eventually die.

* If you can, pull the vines away from the base of the tree as far as
possible.

* If you feel comfortable pulling up the vines, NOW is the time!
Especially with the loose soil, cool temperatures and no new growth yet this
year.

* If you want to treat chemically, try not to allow any spray to drift
towards your trees, shrubs or other plants. You can treat with a broadleaf
herbicide.

* Once the leaves die back, the vines will loosen a bit more and will be
easier to pull.

Remember:
Even though the English Ivy does a great job holding erosion of soil at bay, it
is considered an exotic invasive plant. It spreads willy-nilly all over your
yard, up the bushes, up the trees, through stone walls, up brick walls of your
home or in the garden, etc. The vine holds on in the soil and on plants with
extra roots. These roots will destroy your other plants.

Don’t wait as long as I did to take care of the situation in your own yard! I am glad we are getting it under control and I know you will be also!