Ivy is very popularly used for landscaping and home decor throughout the USA and especially throughout Camas, Washougal, and Vancouver, Washington. However, the beauty and unique aspects of ivy can quickly turn into a nightmare when left uncontrolled. In this blog, you will read and learn about the impact ivy has when you leave it uncontained as well as some tips for how to remove and manage it once it’s taken hold.
Unchecked Ivy
Rapid Growth
Ivy, specifically English ivy, is known for its rapid growth. Unchecked, ivy can quickly surround and harm surfaces, transforming pleasant greenery into possible threats. If you notice ivy growth on your property, it’s important to act quickly if you don’t want it to spread.
Structural Damage
Ivy’s strong vines can easily attach themselves to buildings and structures by weaving into cracks and crevices. Over time, this can lead to serious structural problems, like weakening foundations and destroying siding, creating a large financial burden for homeowners, not to mention diminishing property value.
Environmental Impacts
Plant Displacement
Uncontained ivy poses a risk to neighboring plants and ecosystems. Its exuberant growth rate can consume and kill off nearby flora, causing challenges for the fragile balance of natural habitats. This can turn your once beloved garden into a tangled mess of ivy rather quickly.
Tree Strangulation
When ivy grows up a tree, it wraps around the trunk and branches with a strong grip, this is what many people call “Tree Strangulation.” This causes many risks for the trees and yourself, like decreased tree health, increased likelihood of disease, and increased odds of a tree falling onto your house or property.
Ivy Management
Pruning and Maintenance
Regularly pruning the ivy back prevents it from becoming unmanageable. This includes removing ivy from structures and trees to avoid any structural damages. Drastically cutting back your unwanted ivy during winter, ivy’s dormant period, is suggested for best results.
Root Removal
During the ivy removal process, it’s most important to address the root system. You have to completely remove all the roots in order to prevent regrowth and further spread. If roots are left behind, the ivy will quickly regrow.
Non-Invasive Varieties
The good news is not all ivy is created equally. For most people, opting for a non-invasive variety with less aggressive growth tendencies is the way to go. Selecting the appropriate species can reduce the risk of uncontrollable ivy growth.
Even though ivy makes for a creative and unique aesthetic appeal, its uncontained growth can pose a variety of dangers. By understanding what happens when you leave ivy unattended, the environmental impacts it has, and how to manage and remove it without worry, you can get rid of the unwanted invasive troubles this plant creates. Urban Eden Landscaping has many years of experience in dealing with ivy. If ivy has become an issue for your landscape, contact us today or fill out our FREE estimate form now.