English ivy is one of America’s foremost invasives, taking over natural areas especially along both coasts. It aggressively colonizes both the ground level and the tree canopy, where it reaches sexual maturity, setting berries. Ivy on a tree blocks sunlight, impeding photosynthesis, and adds weight that can topple a weakened tree. Besides being invasive, ivy also hosts the Xylella fastidiosa pathogen, which is a threat to Oak, Elm, Maple and Sweetgum trees, among other plants. While ivy does not support many native creatures, it does support rats, mosquitoes and ticks. People mistakenly think that ivy is good for erosion control, but, in fact, ivy’s shallow roots do little to stabilize banks. Check out this article for great alternatives to English Ivy.
