Should ivy be removed from trees?

When ivy is growing up against a building, we tend to remove it to protect brickwork. Ivy looks beautiful, but it can become damaging to buildings in this way. But what about when it is growing against a tree? Should it still be removed? Let’s find out more.

Why has ivy been traditionally removed from trees?
Gardeners have typically cleared ivy away from trees under the belief that it limits the tree’s ability to access water, light and nutrients. However, as we begin to understand more about the relationship that exists between plants and host plants, such as ivy and trees, it is now not always considered to be necessary.

When will ivy be removed from trees?
A tree surgeon Gloucester, such as https://geoffreyurchcontracts.co.uk/tree-surgery/tree-surgeon-gloucester, will remove ivy from trees if an inspection suggests it might be beneficial to do so. This could be if the tree was under threat from the ivy and becoming covered by it, to maintain the appearance of the tree or to ensure the tree can survive in an area where food, water or light might be in short supply.

When might ivy be kept on the tree?
In other instances, a tree surgeon Gloucester might decide that the ivy serves a broader purpose in providing a ready habitat for insects and other forms of life, that can also provide food for birds and other animals. Bats, for example, can benefit from ivy as a roosting spot, and many British bat species are protected.

So in this way, ivy removal becomes a more nuanced question that should be considered by a specialist tree surgeon and a decision should be made holistically, according to the broader objectives of the landscape. This helps to get the best outcomes for the environment and ensures that healthy trees and plants aren’t compromised when they don’t need to be, or ecosystems needlessly damaged. Ivy can also look beautiful around a tree with the right maintenance!

To get the best outcomes and advice, contact a specialist tree surgeon in Gloucester for expert guidance, rather than tackling the issue yourself.