Report #85 - Report: Ivy, English or Atlantic (Hedera helix or Hedera hibernica)

Ivy, English or Atlantic (Hedera helix or Hedera hibernica) on May 25, 2008

Submitter does not have a specimen

Description of specimen

The ivy is rampant and has pulled down numerous trees.

Commentary

Hello Jeffery,

Thanks for your report of English Ivy. I will forward this to the Marion County Soil and Water Conservation District so they can determine who the property owner is. Unfortunately people responsible for controlling invasive species (Oregon Department of Agriculture and Public Land Managers) don’t have enough resources to attack all the Ivy in the state – there is just too much! However, this sounds like a particularly nasty infestation that should be prioritized for control. Private land owners are responsible for controlling weeds on their property, but the SWCD may be able to provide guidance and help http://www.marionswcd.org/index.htm. Often local volunteer groups can make a huge difference by adopting an important area like the one you described and controlling invasives. If it is a near a school, it sounds like a great project for students. Thanks so much for reporting. Hopefully your report will bring attention to this infestation and it will be prioritized for control

Tania Siemens
Oregon State University Sea Grant Extension

Tania Siemens
May 30, 2008, 10:43 p.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

Location

This woodlot bordered by Portland Road NE on the East side, and Chemawa Indian School on the West side, is covered in English Ivy. Despite Chemawa Indian School's Facilities' Staff efforts, the ivy continues to encroach on school property and has caused an immense amount of damage to the trees immediately to the West of the privately owned lot.

The wetlands to the Northwest are also being negatively affected by the increased erosion. The wetlands have numerous invasive species as well.

Ivy, English or Atlantic (Hedera helix or Hedera hibernica) on May 25, 2008

Description of specimen

Commentary

Remedy

Resources

Location

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