Gardening in Gwinnett

English ivy: a troublesome invasive vine – avoid planting it

   One of the most popular ornamental plants is English ivy (Hedera helix). Many homeowners enjoy using it as a ground cover. However, English ivy is highly invasive and can cause severe problems in the home landscape. Managing it on private and public lands consumes vast amounts of resources.                                                                                                                              English ivy is a woody evergreen vine. The leaves are alternately arranged along the stems; they are leathery, dark green, and up to three inches across with three to five lobes.  As a groundcover, the vines are small, but when climbing a tree or other structure, they can reach several inches in diameter. The vines develop little appendages that exude a glue-like substance to help it adhere to surfaces. Adventitious roots form along the vines, increasing its ability to spread.                         
    English ivy grows throughout the United States. It thrives in both sun and shade and is adaptable to many diverse habitats, including open fields, dense forests, wetlands and river bottoms, and urban environments. 
 English ivy has an aggressive growth pattern and can cover most everything in its path. The vines are particularly troublesome when they envelop trees. The sunlight is blocked from the foliage, thus reducing photosynthesis. The weight of the vine increases the susceptibility of the tree to being toppled by high winds. English ivy spreads bacterial leaf scorch, a harmful pathogen that affects many trees, including elms, oaks, and maples. An infested tree will decline for years before it perishes.    How can English ivy be controlled? Most importantly, avoid planting it. Surprisingly, many nurseries continue to sell it. Instead, use non-invasive alternatives such as Carolina jessamine, crossvines, Confederate and Asiatic jasmine, Boston ivy, or Virginia creeper. If English ivy has become problematic in your landscape, several tactics can be employed to remove it. Remove the individual vines by hand, preferably when the soil is moist makes it easier to pull out of the ground. If the English ivy is growing up trees, cut the vines a few feet from the ground, which will allow the ones on the upper portions to die.

    English ivy can smother trees and increase their risk of being 

    blown down in storms. Photograph by Nancy Dagley,

    Park Service, Bugwood.org.

                                         

  Chemical herbicides can be used in conjunction with other control methods. RoundUp is effective in reducing the infestation. Also, using herbicides with the active ingredient triclopyr, a component of ones labeled as ‘brush control’ or ‘tough vine killer,’ is particularly useful in controlling the vines. Start by removing as many of the plants as possible by hand, mowing, or using with shears or weedeaters. As the new growth appears, apply the herbicides. Late summer and fall are the optimal time for application. The plants are preparing for winter dormancy. They are translocating their nutrients downward into their roots and a more rapid rate than earlier in the season, thus allowing for herbicide applications to be more efficient. Remember, when using pesticides, follow all label instructions and safety precautions.
   English ivy is a troublesome plant and should never be planted under any circumstances. Consider using alternatives. If you have an infestation, utilize appropriate control methods.




English ivy spreads rapidly and can easily take over properties.
(Photograph by Timothy Daly)