Ivy – Friend or Foe?

Ivy is often thought of as a festive plant in partnership with holly.  It is a familiar vigorous evergreen climber and it is found almost everywhere in our countryside up to an altitude of about 600 metres.  Ivy is often seen at this time of the year growing on the bare branches of many trees.

Ivy is an important native wildlife plant. In the winter, the berries are a source of food for birds such as blackbirds and thrushes when other food sources are running out. It is also provides a winter habitat for a wide variety of insects.

It is commonly thought that ivy kills trees. Contrary to popular belief, ivy does not actually feed on the tree and it does not directly affect the health of the trees it climbs. Ivy uses trees for support, but it will compete with the tree for light, nutrients and water.

Dense ivy growth, particularly in the upper crown of the tree, may affect its stability. The natural balance of the crown, stem and roots may be adversely affected and may raise the weight and wind resistance of the overall canopy. This means that the tree is more likely to suffer damage in stormy conditions and is therefore more liable to "wind throw".   Where such trees are near houses, buildings, footpaths or public roads consider removing ivy in the interests of safety.

To remove ivy from the tree you will need to cut away a section about a 30cm (one foot) in length at the base of the tree to isolate from upper portions in the tree. This will then wilt, die back and fall away or can be pulled from the tree. Allowing ivy to wilt and die off slowly over a period of time allows wildlife to accommodate this change in their environment by relocating elsewhere.

For further information on any aspect of countryside management is available from your local DARD Countryside Delivery Management Branch.

At this stage it is time to control the growth of ivy.