How to Grow Ivies on Trees

Ivy clings to trees through tiny aerial rootlets.

English ivy sprawling on old trees creates a lush, charming look. It's easy to replicate that look in your own yard, especially if you live in a cool, mild climate. In fact, in a few years, you may have a larger problem of how to control the ivy so it doesn't damage trees. When ivy grows into the branches, it can reduce leaf growth or damage the tree. In some instances, English ivy can even kill trees. Monitor ivy in trees and prune it back annually.

Things You'll Need

• Compost or peat moss
• Trowel

Instructions

1. Spread 1 to 2 inches of compost or peat moss over the soil underneath the trees, and work it into the top 3 inches of the soil. Take care not to damage any tree roots when working. Ivy grows best in rich, moist soil.

2. Dig small holes with a trowel and plant the ivy in the holes 4 to 6 inches from the base of the tree. Buy small ivy plants that don't require large planting holes to avoid damaging tree roots. Space ivy plants 12 to 18 inches apart.

3. Water the ivy thoroughly after planting, and weekly as needed to keep the soil evenly moist. The ivy will naturally cling to the tree as it grows with no help from you.

Tips & Warnings

• English ivy is hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 6. If you live north of zone 6, select Persian ivy or deciduous Boston ivy if you live in a cold climate.

• Ivy can become invasive in mild, moist climates. Prune it back frequently to control it and don't plant ivy near natural areas where it can escape into the wild and damage native plants.

• Ivy prefers moist conditions. Select trees that also prefer moisture to train ivy on.

References

• Clemson University Cooperative Extension; Ivy; Marjan Kluepfel, et al.; March 2007
• The Ardens: Why We Are Removing the Ivy
• "The Garden Primer"; Barbara Damrosch; 2008

Resources

• "This Old House"; Keeping Ivy Off Trees; Roger Cook