English and Poison Ivy

We live in a time where English Ivy is sometimes used as a landscaping additive, but this creeping plant can easily overtake your yard if it's not dealt with properly. It is very important to learn how English Ivy is different from Poison Ivy so that you do not accidentally bring either of these plants into your home.

Both English Ivy and Poison Ivy are vines that can grow very quickly, but English Ivy leaves are singular, whereas Poison Ivy leaves have three leaflets off of a single branch/vine. English Ivy also has small black berries that hang off the vine in clusters, which contrast with Poison Ivy's green hued berries. Visually identifying these pests is an important skill to have on Long Island. Being aware of English Ivy and Poison ivy will help you keep them under control. If English Ivy is growing near your home, you will want to do everything you can to stop it from taking over. English Ivy is very hardy and can climb up the sides of your house and dig its roots deep into your foundation causing horrific damage. English Ivy has a tendency to spread and does not need light in order to grow. This means that English Ivy quickly takes over flower beds and can easily take over your yard if it is not stopped. English Ivy will crowd out other plants, causing them to wither and die. English Ivy can also have very small holly like leaves that are dark green in spring and summer (they may also appear dark at the center with a "whiter" or "lighter" surrounding edge). Autumn's leaves turn darker/reddish, and while it may appear to be dying off, we can assure you, the vine is very much alive. English Ivy can grow up and along trees, causing damage to the bark. The vines interfere with the tree's growth, essentially choking the tree and absorbing the vital nutrients that the tree should be receiving. This becomes increasingly dangerous when a large tree is slowly being choked close to a home, or densely populated area. Eventually the tree will not be strong enough to continue growing and will begin to rot. Once this begins, the tree is an enormous hazard to all who come near it. One bad storm or sustained gust can fell these dead trees fairly easily causing a large amount of damage to the surrounding areas (not to mention the cost of cleanups). English ivy can spread and grow out of control quite quickly so we typically advise that if you see this plant while hiking or camping, please do not take a piece home with you unless you are absolutely sure of what you're doing.

Poison Ivy is nasty pest because it causes a skin rash that lasts for weeks and can cause blisters to rise on the body once you've come in contact with the plant. The active chemical that causes skin rash is known as Urushiol oil. This oil is present on the leaf surface of poison ivy. If other plants are growing near Poison Ivy, those plants could have been contaminated and would now cause a skin reaction upon touching or grabbing them. Identification of the offending plant is extremely important here: English Ivy and Poison Ivy both have leaves that grow alternately on the vine. While English Ivy leaf systems can appear continually alternating, Poison Ivy leaves grow in clusters of three. One shoot coming straight out, with a shoot going left, and another shoot growing right directly off the main vine. If you come across this plant make sure to stay away from it.

Here are some things everyone out there should know about this plant:

1) Pets can brush up against the plant, and carry the offending oil on their fur/hair back into your home. If you pat Fido on the back after he's had a close encounter with this poisonous plant, you may find yourself with a bad rash.
2) If you have chosen to glove up and remove this plant yourself, never make the mistake of burning the vines. Burning the vines causes the smoke that is exhausted to become highly toxic, and can do damage to your lungs upon inhalation.
3) If you come across Poison Ivy that appears dead, DO NOT attempt to remove it with your bare hands, just because it's dead. The dead plant is still covered in Urushiol Oil and can continue to transmit a rash.
4) If you are doing yard work in an area that could potentially be contaminated by poison ivy, be sure to cover all bare skin, refrain from touching your face or eyes, and make sure to methodically and carefully remove and wash all layers of clothing once you've completed your work. Also be sure to wash hands thoroughly afterward.

If you or someone you know has an ivy problem on their property, we encourage you to give us a call today! Ivy removal specialists are often very hard to come by on Long Island, and it’s always wisest to have a professional handle this type of job. Thankfully we have quite a bit of experience removing both types of ivy. We'd be happy to turn that old ivy patch into a beautiful and thriving garden or addition to your landscape.

Clean Cut Cleanups
Phone: (631)626-4956
Email: cleancutcleanups@yahoo.com