Read on to learn how ivy could harm your tree as it grows and how you can remove it from your trees altogether.
When tangles of long ivy start to climb on your tree’s trunk, you either love the pop of color or resent the vines that invade. But how do your property’s trees feel about this leafy green growth? Read on to learn how ivy could harm your tree as it grows and how you can remove it from your trees altogether with help from Harford Tree!
Does Ivy Growth Damage Your Trees?
Even though a few people really like the look of ivy on trees, it could cause issues and affect the health of your trees. Here are a couple of reasons why:
– Ivy and trees both depend on the same supply of nutrients. Since Ivy could be more aggressive, there is a chance your tree is not getting its fair share of nutrition.
– Ivy growth crowds tree branches, blocking sunlight from trees that have to create food.
– Vines could weigh a tree branch down, which puts it at a much higher risk of breaking during a storm.
– As time passes, an ivy invasion will weaken your tree, making it a target for opportunistic pets.
Best Techniques to Remove Ivy from Your Trees
There are only two ways to stop ivy from damaging your tree. First, pull it out by hand or cut off the main stem just above the area it’s rooted, and carefully apply herbicide to the open cut. If you’re unsure how to do this, please consult a certified arborist. Either way, killing the roots is important, so the vines will not pop up again.
How to Get Rid of Ivy’s Roots
There are some steps to take to get rid of ivy roots. Consider:
- Water beneath the tree, or wait until it is right after a rainstorm. In soft soil, ivy is much easier to remove.
- Use a hand pruner to cut the ivy stems from their roots around the base of a tree’s trunk.
- Getting deep as you can, and pulling the roots out. Remember, this is the ideal way to kill the plant.
- Leave all the ivy growing on the tree to die on its own. It is tempting to rip the plant off, but this could seriously damage the tree bark.
- Check the tree periodically to ensure any new ivy shoots have not cropped up. If they have, then repeat the process.
Tree Care and Maintenance from Harford Tree
Ready to have the beautiful yard you have always dreamed of? Harford Tree Experts & Landscaping, Inc has been in the business for decades, providing customers with quality work and quick responses all at the right price. We service the areas of Harford County, Baltimore County, and Baltimore City areas including Bel Air, Fallston, Perry Hall, Towson, Essex, Parkville, White Marsh and Middle River.
For service during business hours, reach out to us or give us a call at 410-592-7321. We offer 24/7 emergency service as well, just give us a call at 443-250-6649. For updates about our business and more informative tips, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.