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Rebuilding Native Habitat

Home Case Studies English Ivy Removal
It doesn't even look good...why does anybody even plant this stuff to begin with?
It doesn't even look good...why does anybody even plant this stuff to begin with?
The steady creep of English ivy represents a death sentence to native trees. It is not deciduous, so it weighs down the tree over the winter and adds a ton of stress to vulnerable limbs. Furthermore, it smothers the tree and, over time, outcompetes the tree for light.
The steady creep of English ivy represents a death sentence to native trees. It is not deciduous, so it weighs down the tree over the winter and adds a ton of stress to vulnerable limbs. Furthermore, it smothers the tree and, over time, outcompetes the tree for light.
A newly liberated oak tree, sassafras sapling, and newly planted native ferns.
A newly liberated oak tree, sassafras sapling, and newly planted native ferns.
Yes I know, arbor vitae is, but at least the English ivy is gone!
Yes I know, arbor vitae is, but at least the English ivy is gone!

Some people enjoy the ubiquitous suburban ground-cover--English ivy (Hedera helix). Unfortunately, this plant weighs down and ultimately kills native trees.

What’s worse, no matter how well that you think your patch is contained–you’re not stopping the birds from spreading this plant into neighboring natural areas and preserves.

The good news is, you don’t have to struggle to yank it off the tree (this is actually bad for the tree). Simply clip it at the base and enjoy watching it “melt”. Be sure to also yank the rest of it off the ground.

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