safely removing ivy [hedera helix] - Ask Extension
Some of the owners in our condo complex are clearing ivy from the nature areas on the property, Sylvan Heights, Washington Co.. We have been piling it...
Knowledgebase
safely removing ivy [hedera helix] #817040
Asked November 29, 2022, 3:20 PM EST
Some of the owners in our condo complex are clearing ivy from the nature areas on the property, Sylvan Heights, Washington Co.. We have been piling it up and letting it dry up before loading into the dumpster, a large 40cu.yd. that is picked up by the county. We are wondering if this process is necessary. We have been worried about the removed ivy being spread out as mulch and propagating elsewhere. ?? Sure would be better if we could just throw directly into dumpster.
Washington County Oregon
Expert Response
Thank you for your question, Theresa. As to the disposition of ivy plant material after removal, at least one OSU source warns :
"...since ivy re-sprouts from tiny fragments, please do not mulch or try to compost the ivy you remove, but bag it and dispose of it in the trash." https://extension.oregonstate.edu/ask-expert/featured/english-ivy-it-gets-knocked-down-it-gets-again-help
I don't know whether your ivy has berries that might later be accessed by birds, whose actions would continue to propagate the plants. At a state level, the Oregon Department of Agriculture's Noxious Weed Control staff may have information: https://www.oregon.gov/oda/programs/Weeds/Pages/WeedsContacts.aspx
Depending upon what the Program staff say, I would suggest that you contact the company/governmental agency that actually accepts the plants, and ask what they do with plant material to prevent its further spread. They may burn or otherwise destroy it, rather than converting it to a mulch they pass on to others.
I hope this is helpful. Good luck!
"...since ivy re-sprouts from tiny fragments, please do not mulch or try to compost the ivy you remove, but bag it and dispose of it in the trash." https://extension.oregonstate.edu/ask-expert/featured/english-ivy-it-gets-knocked-down-it-gets-again-help
I don't know whether your ivy has berries that might later be accessed by birds, whose actions would continue to propagate the plants. At a state level, the Oregon Department of Agriculture's Noxious Weed Control staff may have information: https://www.oregon.gov/oda/programs/Weeds/Pages/WeedsContacts.aspx
Depending upon what the Program staff say, I would suggest that you contact the company/governmental agency that actually accepts the plants, and ask what they do with plant material to prevent its further spread. They may burn or otherwise destroy it, rather than converting it to a mulch they pass on to others.
I hope this is helpful. Good luck!
