Removing English Ivy from Trees: A Labor-Intensive but Necessary Task

Why Remove It?

Ivy adds weight, catches wind/ice, and can shade out lower limbs. It's not a parasite, but its physical burden harms trees.

Removal Technique

1. Cut all vines at ground level with loppers or a pruning saw.
2. Use a flat pry bar and hammer to separate vines from trunk; cut again where pried loose.
3. Pull vines down from above (two-person job: one pulls, one pries). They often break at 10 ft.
4. Remaining upper vines will die slowly.

Ground Control

Mow on highest setting to expose runners. Pull and roll up the mat of vines. Sharp pruners are essential. Expect a multi-day project for large infestations.