The Pitfalls of English Ivy
One of the more common groundcovers we come across, English ivy also happens to be one of the most invasive.
English ivy was brought to the United States in the 18th century and has long been marketed as a groundcover in American landscapes. Its aggressive growth and gripping tendrils, however, make it a true menace in the landscape. As many readers have likely observed, English Ivy does not respect boundaries. It will grow up, around, across, or through any fence, building, tree, or shrub that stands in its path.
In the landscape environment, English ivy contributes to massive amounts of property damage. When it is not diligently maintained, it will grow over and across fences, walls, up power lines, and through gutters. We have seen it pull mortar right out of a brick wall, strip the paint off a fence, or catch fire to an overhead electrical line.
When English ivy escapes the landscape environment and enters forest settings, it quickly grows up the trunks of trees, prohibiting photosynthesis and nutrient dispersal while also trapping moisture against the tree’s trunk. Many mature trees suffocate this way, strangled to death by English ivy’s grasping tendrils.
Luckily, compared to some other invasives, removing English ivy is pretty simple, and there are numerous native alternatives to English ivy for those hoping to enjoy the benefits of groundcover.