English Ivy is an invasive weed that damages streamside forests by displacing native vegetation. It carpets forest floors, out-competing shrubs and tree seedlings.

Where is it from?

English ivy is native to Europe.

Where are you likely to find it?

English ivy can be found anywhere people have lived. It is a popular landscaping plant.

What makes it an avoidable plant?

A monoculture – once this plant is grown, it will completely take over & not allow other plants species to grow. English ivy is one of the few exotics that can become established and grow in deep shade.
Invasive – if planted & not kept in check, it will continue to spread out to other areas (parks, woodlands & neighboring sites). English ivy forms thick carpets on the forest floor and chokes out native vegetation, including tree seedlings.
If allowed to climb up a tree, its vines will eventually “suffocate” & kill the tree. It creeps up trees into the canopy, flowers and forms berries. Birds eat the berries and disperse seeds to other locations. Seedlings emerge and start new infestations. The vines weigh down tree branches causing them to break.

Removal Process - It’s Easy!

• The Fanwood Environmental Commission & the Shade Tree Commission recommend the removal of English ivy from trees.

• Wear gloves, long sleeve shirt & long pants.

• Tools: Pruning shears, clippers, prying tool or large screwdriver

• Sever all vines about 3 ft. up the tree starting from the ground closest to the bottom of the tree trunk; do this around the entire circumference of the tree trunk.

• Pull severed vines off the tree.

• Remaining vines on the upper part of the tree will eventually dry up, fall off, & decompose.

• Pull out all vines from the ground at least 6 ft. away from the tree trunk’s circumference.

• Discard or allow cut vines to dry & then compost them; DO NOT place any vines on soil; it will re-grow.

• Monitor the site for any signs of re-growth.
   

For more information or questions, please contact April Lee at aojll@comcast.net