How to Clip an Ivy

Thin ivy climbing a wall to six main stems originating from the plant's base. In early spring, clip each branch down 6 to 12 inches to keep the ivy's length under control. Make the cut anywhere between two sets of leaves. If you intend for the ivy to cover the entire wall, prune the tips lightly to keep the branches within the structure's boundaries.

Control invasive English ivy by cutting the stems at the point they emerge from the ground. If the ivy has climbed a tree or another structure, cut it again 2 to 3 feet up to make it easy to pull the stems off the support. Mow the vine that sprouts from the stubs left on the ground. Alternatively, use a weed trimmer to keep the ivy from spreading again.

Prune ivy with foliage covered in yellow spots and webbing, signs of spider mite infestation. The bugs are so small you may never see them. Clip all the stems bearing symptomatic leaves. Trim ivies if they also become infested with aphids, scales, mealybugs or whiteflies. These insects are also small, but visible to the naked eye.