How to Get Ivy to Stop Growing Without Killing What Is There

Hedera is the name typically associated with any ivy plant. The American Ivy Society recognizes more than 400 Hedera cultivars. English ivy, or Hedera helix, is the ivy species most recognized that features green, five-point leaves. Algerian ivy, or Hedera canariensis, is another common ivy that features wide-variegated leaves with white, yellow and gold edges. Ivies can become invasive in some locations and overtake areas near where they are growing. Pruning is required regularly to control the ivy's growth.

Pruning shears
Shovel

Instructions

- 1
  Trim any damaged or dead sections of the ivy at any time. Make the cuts at an angle, and cut back into a healthy section of the vine.
- 2
  Cut a 1- to 2-foot vertical segment of any ivy growing on trees to stop its growth. Go around the diameter of the tree, and remove the cut segment.
- 3
  Wait until the upper section of the ivy that is growing up the tree dies before removing it. This can take several weeks, but ivy is easier to take out after the vine has died.
- 4
  Pull the ivy off the bottom of the tree and then remove any ivy found growing on the roots around the tree.
- 5
  Create a circle extending out around the base of the tree. Prune the ivy back as needed and then physically pull or dig out any ivy within the circle. Trim ivy plants around shrubs and other objects in a similar fashion.
- 6
  Check the ivy every month or so and trim the plant as needed to stop the ivy's growth throughout the growing season.

How to Care for Hedera Ivy

Seeds for Evergreen Ground Cover

Groundcovers & Vines