A large ivy removal and environmentally critical bank renovation in the Pacific Northwest uses geocoir for the sheet layer. Photo by Scott Baker
We try to get clients unwilling or unable to eradi- cate English ivy from their properties to at least keep it from climbing their trees. Because the species does not produce seed until it is climb- ing, this strategy reduces the spread via birds. Unfortunately, people are also under the mistaken belief that ivy is great for erosion control. What is poorly understood is that ivy obscures soil sur- faces, structures, and retaining walls, hiding prob- lems until it is too late to take action to prevent a landslide from occurring.
We find that the technique known as sheet mulch- ing works very well with several of the invasive plants we deal with often, particularly ivy and blackberry. There are several tricks to successful use of sheet mulching; these include using of a thin layer of composted manure as the first layer to increase microbial activity before putting down the light-blocking paper or biodegradable fabric sheet, wetting the paper layer as it is installed, and using degradable wooden pegs to secure the paper layer.
—Scott D. Baker, Proprietor, Tree Solutions Inc., Registered Consulting Arborist, Board Certified Master Arborist, Certified
Tree Risk Assessor, Seattle, Washington 26 City Trees
