How Do I Attach Ivy to a Wood Fence?

If you dream of the carefree days of youth spending long hours in the great outdoors, you will love the comfort an ivy-covered fence can bring to your yard. Once you install the fence and plant the ivy, your work is basically done. With a little guidance from you, the ivy will soon cover the fence with lush green foliage to block out the sights and sounds of the outside world.

Establishing Ivy Plants

Establish a good stand of ivy along the length of the fence. Plant the ivy two inches from the base of the fence and spread the vines out to run horizontal to the fence. Use floral pins or U-shaped wires to pin the vine to the ground at four- to six-inch intervals. Roots sprout along the length of vine, securing it to the ground and providing support for the ivy.

Growing

Water thoroughly and keep the area evenly moist to encourage root formation. The ivy will devote much of the first year to root development, but new growth will soon appear along the vine and begin to spread upward. Growth rate increases in the second and third year.

Training Vines

Train vines to creep up the fence by gently placing the vines in the areas you wish to cover. Tiny tendrils grab the surface of the fence and hold the vine in place. If needed, tie the vine in place with a cloth strip or a section of recycled pantyhose. Remove fabric strips once the ivy attaches to the fence.

Maintenance

Monitor closely and redirect any stray vines back to the fence and secure with fabric strips if necessary. Trim terminal ends of vines that extend beyond the shape of the fence.

References

• American Ivy Society
• Garden and Beyond

Resources

• About English Ivy