English ivy can choke—and killthe beautiful trees that give our yards and neighborhoodsshade and character. What looks like a lovely little greenplant can actually strangle trees, accelerate rot, attract

mosquitoes and cause mature trees tofall down during storms.

Follow instructions on the reverse sideto protect your trees today.

�Use garden clippers to cutivy at the bottom around theentire trunk of all infestedtrees.

� Pull all ivy vines out of theground around the base ofthe tree, making a 2 feet“life saver ring” around thetree. This will protect the treefrom future infestations.

�Once cut, leave ivy on thetree. Do not pull it off becausethat could harm the tree.Ivy will gradually blend intothe tree bark after it is cut.Sponsored by TreeStewards and ArlingtonRegional Master Naturalists under a grantfrom the Tree Canopy Fund.

Dangers ofEnglish Ivy

English ivy can strangle trees.Ivy adds significant weight,which cause mature trees tofall down in storms andstrong winds.

Once ivy is in the tree tops, itcan block necessary sunlightfrom the trees’ leaves orneedles. Dense ivy covercompetes with the tree fornutrients and water.

Thick ivy growth canaccelerate rot by holding inmoisture, which can alsoattract mosquitoes.

Learn how to remove ivyfrom your trees by visitingwww.TreeStewards.org orwww.ARMN.org

Ivy is a threat to the trees ofNorthern Virginia. Thankfully,it is a beatable one.Old tree-lined streets, neighborhood parks, shaded decks andsecret gardens add comfort and character to our lives. Theseplaces are special because of the incredible trees that providethe privacy, shade and character that we cherish so much.

Our trees add value to our properties and quality to our lives.That is why we’ve invested so much time and money intolandscaping, nurturing and maintaining our trees and gardens.The investment is worth it. Unfortunately, English ivy is athreat to that investment.

Protect your trees, landscaping investments and homeby cutting ivy away from your trees. Follow these simplesteps, as recommended by arborists and horticulturists: