Ivy is a woody stemmed, self-clinging climber that can grow quickly into the canopy of a tree. Where it grows as a trailing, ground-cover plant it roots in at many points and its stems extend over a wide area. Ivies have enormous value to wildlife, providing all-important year-round shelter for huge numbers of creatures including birds, small mammals and invertebrates. For more on the benefits of ivy and how to grow it, see our page on Hedera.

The botanical name for ivy referred to on this page is Hedera and it includes the native climber English ivy (Hedera helix). These are unrelated to the deciduous climbers known as Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) and Virginia creeper (P. quinquefolia). This page looks at options for gardeners when ivy is becoming a problem on trees or in borders.

How to recognise ivy;

• Ivy is identifiable as a dense-leaved, evergreen climber. In its climbing state it has three- to five-lobed glossy leaves
• Once it reaches the upper parts of a tree’s canopy, ivy often produces shrubby (arboreal), mature growth which bears yellow-green flowers followed by black berries. The leaves are then heart-shaped
• On the ground, ivy forms dense evergreen ground cover with three- to five-lobed glossy leaves

Ivy growing on trees is often thought to be a serious problem, endangering the health of even very large trees. However, its presence on the trunk is not damaging and where it grows into the crown this is usually only because the trees are already in decline or are diseased and slowly dying.

When to tolerate ivy

• On most trees that are in sound health and are not being grown for their attractive bark, ivy can be allowed to grow on the trunk without concern for the tree's health or vigour
• Ivy is not a parasite like mistletoe and does not penetrate a tree's bark or roots; the short, root-like growths which form along climbing stems are for support only. Its own root system below ground supplies it with water and nutrients and is unlikely to be strongly competitive with the trees on which it is growing. It is also found mainly on established or mature trees where, unlike young trees, some competition can be tolerated
• Ivy has much wildlife value. As ground cover in woodland, ivy greatly lessens the effect of frost, enabling birds and woodland creatures to forage in leaf litter during bitter spells. Growing on trees, it provides hiding, roosting, hibernating and nesting places for various animals, birds and insects (including butterflies), particularly during the winter months and in areas where there are few other evergreens. The arboreal form is also an invaluable late nectar source for many pollinating insects

When to consider controlling ivy

• If the branch canopy becomes thin and allows sufficient light to enter, the ivy will develop into its arboreal form. Fraxinus (ash) and Larix (larch), are both trees with a naturally thin, open crown so may suffer heavy infestation. For this reason ivy on ash and larch trees is often controlled
• Where ivy may be a problem is with very old or damaged trees. Firstly, its dense evergreen cover may hide cavities or areas of decay. Secondly, it can become an additional weight in the canopy which, in time, could affect stability of the tree, particularly in windy conditions
• When trees are grown for their attractive stem or bark, such as birch and some acers, it is sensible to keep the stems or trunks free from ivy so as not to obscure this key ornamental feature

Note: The presence of ivy may indicate a tree is in ill health. This should be investigated. If you are concerned about an old or diseased tree, always seek professional advice from an arboriculturist or tree surgeon.

When to control

When undertaking work on ivy check that there are no birds nesting, as it is an offence under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 to damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built. The bird nesting season is usually considered to run March to August (though it may last longer for certain species or multiple broods so always check if in doubt).

As ivy is not directly harmful to trees and is beneficial to wildlife, control is not usually necessary. However, where it is undesirable either by obscuring attractive bark or adding weight to an ailing tree, control will be needed. Consider whether this can be done using non-chemical means such as digging out or cutting through the stems at ground level. 

The RHS believes that avoiding pests, diseases and weeds by good practice in cultivation methods, cultivar selection, garden hygiene and encouraging or introducing natural enemies, should be the first line of control. If chemical controls are used, they should be used only in a minimal and highly targeted manner.

Cultural control

On trees

Where possible, the stems should be cut back to the ground and the woody stump dug out. If proximity to the tree’s roots prevents removal, regular cutting of the stems to ground level may weaken the ivy over time but is unlikely to kill it.

As an unwanted ground cover

Dig up all stems and woody roots. This may be difficult on heavy soils or where vegetation is very dense. Where the site is not needed for planting, an alternative control method is to clear away all top growth before laying weed-control fabric and a 10-15cm (4-6in) deep layer of bark mulch. Leave in place for at least two growing seasons.

Weedkiller control

The RHS does not support the use of weedkillers and recommends that alternative control methods are used. However, we do note that when gardeners struggle to control plants with cultural methods, regulated weedkillers/pesticides for home gardeners are available for use legally. Garden centres and large retailers selling weedkillers have trained staff who can advise on suitable products for your needs.

Weeds: non-chemical control