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English Ivy and Grass #872859

Asked June 12, 2024, 6:27 PM EDT

I have some English Ivy at the base of a couple dogwoods (maybe 50 sq ft). I have noticed some strips of missing grass. I believe this is due to the English Ivy growing on the grass and have been removed. Do I need to worry about the ivy growing underground and affecting the grass roots? What is the best way to remove the ivy from the base of the trees without harming the trees? What is the best season for removal?

Tioga County New York

Expert Response

Hello Steven,

Thank you for contacting us with your question.

There are a couple of options for dealing with English Ivy.
The best time to start dealing with it's removal is now, and as soon as possible. English Ivy can be invasive and take over an area.  If allowed, it may try to grow up your dogwood trees and could affect the health of those trees and other plants nearby by starving them of nutrients.

Removing by hand is a good place to start.  Pull out the vines, removing as much as possible of the roots below the soil and cut off any foliage that you can't dig out.  If it's an area you can mow, frequent mowing will also help to kill off new growth. You will need to monitor the area and have several sessions to remove as much as you can.

Another option would be to use an
herbicide to kill the plants. Please see the link below for information from North Carolina State University for chemical controls. 

https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/controlling-english-ivy-in-urban-landscapes

https://caldwell.ces.ncsu.edu/2019/04/english-ivy-friend-or-foe/


If you 'd like to consider some replacements to the ivy, please see this helpful link below.

https://armn.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/alternatives-to-english-ivy.pdf

--Sandra, CCE master gardener volunteer


An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 13, 2024, 4:13 PM EDT
Hello! Thanks for the answer.

For herbicide, is there any concern about it affecting the roots of the dogwood? Since the ivy circles the tree, not sure how it would affect the soil.

Steven

On Thu, Jun 13, 2024 at 4:13 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied June 13, 2024, 8:06 PM EDT

Hello Steven,

Let me answer this part.  I appreciate your concern about herbicide use.  Systemic herbicides, when applied following label directions will only affect the plants that it is applied to.  You will need to be careful not to overapply (just to the point of runoff on the ivy foliage) or overspray.

The chemical is absorbed by the leaves of the target plant and will not harm the roots of the tree.  It does not persist in the soil.  Read the label directions of the product thoroughly in the store before you purchase to be sure this the product you wish to use. There are formulations with other ingredients that do persist in soil for areas where you want nothing to grow (gravel driveways, brick walkways, etc. ) 

Herbicide is an option for more permanent control.

  Linda Svoboda
Horticulture Program Educator
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County

An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 14, 2024, 9:18 AM EDT

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