Ivy and Climbers Removal
Ivy is a well known vigorous evergreen climber found almost everywhere up to an altitude of about 600 metres.
Does ivy smother trees?
Ivy has a very bad reputation and it is commonly thought that it kills trees. Contrary to popular belief, ivy does not actually feed on the tree and therefore 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.
Should ivy be controlled?
A heavy infestation of ivy, particularly in the upper crown may affect tree stability. The natural balance of the crown, stem and roots may be adversely affected by dense ivy growth raising the wind resistance of the overall canopy and thereby increases its weight which 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.
How do I control ivy?
To remove ivy from the tree you will need to cut away a section about a 30 cm (1 foot) in length further down 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 nesting birds to accommodate this change in their environment by relocating elsewhere.
Does ivy have any use or wildlife value?
Ivy is one of our most important native wildlife plants providing nectar and pollen for many insects and the berries are an important source of food for blackbirds, thrushes and several other birds when natural food is running out. It is also an important winter habitat by a wide variety of insects.
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