Report #147 - Report: Ivy, English or Atlantic (Hedera helix or Hedera hibernica)

Ivy, English or Atlantic (Hedera helix or Hedera hibernica) on Jul 13, 2008

Submitter has sample

Description of specimen

ground-covering also covers tree trunks, leaves are three-lobed, color is dark green to medium green, leave stems are green-red to wooden.

Commentary

What is the best way to remove them? Are the neighbors are required to remove the ivy?

Reporter
July 13, 2008, 7:50 a.m.

Thank you for your report. Unfortunately ivy is a widespread problem in Oregon and we are working to prevent it from spreading even further. Many volunteers in the Portland area are helping by removing ivy from special places like forest park.

If you are interested, I would encourage you to contact your local Soil and Water Conservation District (www.emswcd.org or http://westmultconserv.org/swcd/), or The Nature Conservancy (www.nature.org/oregon) to find out more about actions people are taking (and possibly join forces) to reclaim our parks from the ivy and other invasive species. Here's a hyperlink to a Nature Conservancy document that describes the best way to remove English Ivy in the Pacific Northwest: http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu/moredocs/hedhel02.pdf

No, at this point in time, no legislation exists in Oregon that requires landowners to remove invasive species on their property.

Thanks again for your submission.

Keep on reporting!

Lisa DeBruyckere
July 15, 2008, 6:39 a.m.

Remedy

Thanks for your report! Unfortunately ivy is too widespread and resources are too thin for land managers to assist with control. Controlling this species is of high importance, and we encourage you to take the steps to control this plant on your property. Below is some information to help you with this. Don't despair, you can do it!

Tackling an infestation of ivy is no easy task, but well worth the investment. If you notice a small infestation, do not delay in removing it. The longer one waits to treat ivy, the effort it takes to remedy the situation increases exponentially. If you have a large infestation that seems overwhelming try breaking the project into smaller more manageable areas, and tackle new areas as time allows. If you set smaller goals you might be less likely to be discouraged.

Follow these simple steps for an ivy free landscape.
• Carefully cut vines climbing trees and pull these vines away from the base of the tree. • Pull vines and roots from ivy creeping along the ground. Don’t forget your gloves and scissors.
• Dispose of cut vines in yard waste, or dry out completely and compost • Re-visit the site regularly to control re-growth

For more detailed information on English ivy and its control see this handout from King County Noxious Weed Control

Ivy, English or Atlantic (Hedera helix or Hedera hibernica) on Jul 13, 2008

Description of specimen

Commentary

Remedy

Resources

Location

Expert Reviewer