English ivy climbing a tree trunk can look charming, and it's everywhere in North Metro Atlanta's older neighborhoods. Left alone, though, it causes real problems for the tree it's growing on.
Thick ivy covers the trunk so completely that cracks, cavities, fungal growth, and decay stay hidden until they become serious. Once it reaches the canopy, it competes with the tree's own leaves for sunlight and adds weight that catches wind and holds ice in winter storms. Ivy also keeps bark damp, which can encourage rot.
The usual fix is to cut every vine at about shoulder height and pull the ivy back from the base, leaving the upper vines to die and dry out on their own instead of ripping them down and tearing bark. If the ivy has already reached well into the crown, or the tree stands near the house, our certified arborists can assess what's hiding underneath and recommend next steps.
Do you have a tree on your property that's been swallowed by ivy, and have you ever seen what the trunk looks like underneath?
#TreeHealth #NorthAtlanta
Authentic photo of an ivy-covered trunk on a North Atlanta job, ideally paired with the same trunk after the vines were cut and cleared from the base. Real job photos strongly preferred over stock.
Canva text suggestion: "Ivy Hides What's Wrong With Your Tree" or "Cut the Vines at Shoulder Height"