Here in Greensboro, NC, English Ivy is prevalent in all established neighborhoods like Fisher Park and Irving Park, and is taking over. Let’s look at the damage this beautiful evergreen groundcover can cause and where it can be used safely.
Groundcovers are a great way to cut down on the surface area of your property to be mowed. Established neighborhoods have an abundant amount of English Ivy because that was the trend, like boxwoods. Is your English Ivy planted at the foundation of your home or at the front entryway? If so, this should be removed. This groundcover will climb your home and destroy the mortar or paint. It is a RAPID grower, especially if planted in part shade or shade. We have problems with Copperhead snakes in Greensboro and English Ivy planted by the front entryway serves as a nice cool hangout and potential danger.
English Ivy should never be planted in a natural area where trees are also planted unless a regular landscape maintenance program includes removing from tree trunks. Mentioned above, English Ivy grows very fast and will eventually grow into the canopy of trees and smoother foliage in need of sunlight for photosynthesis.
English Ivy makes a great addition to outdoor pots. It provides evergreen interest with foliage cascading over the edges.
English Ivy is perfect for shady slopes where mowing on an incline is almost impossible. The slope below is perfect for the groundcover.
English Ivy is perfect for large natural beds in shady locations without trees or shrubs within. With Piedmont Triad properties having large outdoor spaces, natural beds reduce maintenance.
English Ivy is wonderful for front landscaping because of its manicured and evergreen growing habit. Remember, 75% of your front landscaping should be evergreen to provide year round curb appeal.
Love the fact that English Ivy is a great addition to centerpieces too.
Happy Planting and Removing! Here is a company I recommend for the English Ivy Removal, 360 Landscape and Lawn Maintenance
DianaDigsDirt
Roch101
January 3, 2011 at 7:22 pm
Thanks for the tips? What about on wooden fences? We have a lot on portions of our privacy fence. I like the way it looks, but I have wondered if it could do damage and have been thinking about removing it this winter.
Diana Gardner-Williams
January 3, 2011 at 9:01 pm
Here is more information from Danny Lipford,
•Wooden Walls and Fences: Ivy can easily work its way between boards, opening the joints and damaging the structure. The roots can also penetrate small weaknesses and cracks in the wood grain, increasing the risk of rot. And, if that’s not enough, ivy can harbor wood destroying insects and other pests.
•Siding: Any siding or shakes with seams are vulnerable to penetration by ivy roots, which can cause damage both as the ivy’s growing and when it’s pulled off.
Roch101
January 5, 2011 at 10:25 pm
Hmmm. I guess that settles it, then. Thanks again.