Ivy And Apple Tree

[mintymow]

I have some ivy growing up my apple tree. It just found its way there. Will it do any harm? The apple tree is very old 50 plus years, probably able to not be worried by a bit of ivy but just thought I'd ask.

[bhg481]

Ivy is a parasite - it puts adventitious roots into the tree and feeds from it.

[Old_Geezer]

It must be getting loads of nutrition from my fence panels ;-)

I'd have thought that if kept in check the tree could cope, and it adds to the picture/view. Can be quite prolific though. Needs watching.

[woofgang]

well it won’t do the tree any good....on the other hand its a good wildlife habitat. Birds and insects will hide and nest in it. Ivy flowers offer a late honey boost for bees and birds and small mammals eat the ivy berries.

[Chipchopper]

Ivy can soon smother a small tree and add a lot of weight to the branches, also being evergreen it can hide any defects in the tree.
The 'wind-sail effect' can also play a factor in the tree's demise.

If its a productive tree that you want to keep in good condition, then I'd be inclined to remove the ivy, in spite of its wildlife value.

Cut through the stems near the base, cutting a section out of at leas 3 inches, to stop it rejoining. the small rootlets what it uses to cling to the tree are merely anchor roots and do not take any nutrients from the tree.
I removed a lot of ivy from a dead damson tree and a brick out-building 2 years ago and found minimal re-growth to deal with.
Not a job you'd want to wear your Sunday best for, I'd also recommend eye protection too, as it can be very dusty and dirty!

[Chipchopper]

Just thought I'd add, if you intend to remove the ivy at this time of the year, it may be worth checking for birds nests first.