Added on 29/12/2011Article

Tree's and Ivy


Unlike trees, Ivy is not designed to support its own weight and needs some kind of support on which to establish itself. It will climb on just about anything with trees being top of its list.

Ivy is commonplace within woodland areas, sometimes with the whole woodland floor consisting of an Ivy carpet. Such low locations are useless to the Ivy, the shade of trees keeps the light levels low, reducing photosynthesis; additionally pollination and seed dispersal is difficult. Ivy needs to establish itself as high as possible within the canopy and is programmed to achieve this through climbing.

Once established on a tree, Ivy offers a home for many insects and nesting places for many birds. However, it can also be the cause of many problems and may even lead to the total demise of the tree.

Ivy is an evergreen, producing leaves all year round. Once located around the trunk of a tree, its leaves prevent any light from reaching the tree bark and thus prevents activation of any dormant buds.This does not necessarily represent a problem and in some cases may even be desirable. It does however become a problem when Ivy grows into the trees crown and prevents the development of new and existing buds. Buds produce leaves and leaves produce food for the tree through the process of photosynthesis; without adequate supplies of food the tree starts to suffer.

Ivy can not harm the tree directly and the idea that it can 'strangle a tree to death' is unfounded. However, once it reaches the crown of the tree, Ivy can cause problems by way of additional weight and an increased wind sail area which can result in branch loss.

Ivy growth around the tree trunk can produce a localised humid microclimate which wood decay organisms enjoy; such a climate may increase the rate of decay on already damaged areas. Tree Inspection becomes difficult with possible hazards being hidden from view and for these reasons it is normally recommended that the Ivy be removed and the tree be inspected again.

It may be prudent to prevent Ivy from growing onto trees altogether unless this is essential for some aesthetic reason. If this is the case then Ivy growth should be limited to the tree's trunk only, with it being regularly trimmed back as it begins to enter the trees crown.

If the Ivy is already established then it can be either removed or simply cut at the base. Removal is a messy business, as any tree surgeon will tell you, dust, dirt, dead leaves, bird nests and insects invariably end up down your neck, in your mouth and in your hair. The easier method is simply to cut (sever) each and every Ivy stem around the tree trunk at around waist height. This will kill the Ivy, causing its leaves to first turn brown and then fall; this could take 1-2 years. Eventually the Ivy stems will rot, disintegrate and fall way from the tree branches; this may take anything from 3-10 years depending upon the diameter of the stems.

One important point to note regarding Ivy removal is the potential for its use for bat roosting. Thus it is essential to identify any potential roosts prior to removal and this may well require the services of a 'bat' expert.

The Ivy on this tree is beginning to invade the tree crown so should be reduced back or completely removed.



The Ivy on this tree is established within the tree crown, its growth rate will out pace the growth of the tree and eventually reduce the trees capacity to manufacture food by a significant level.





Article by Chris Skellern