These are the disadvantages of ivy and ivy hedges as garden hedges

Ivy hedges are a popular choice for garden hedges. They are relatively easy to maintain, shade tolerant and winter hardy. However, there are also some disadvantages that should be considered when deciding for or against an ivy hedge. 

This blog post discusses the disadvantages of ivy & ivy hedges as garden hedges. 

Rapid growth

Ivy hedera helix woerner is a climbing plant. Ivy can grow up to two metres per year. The remarkably rapid growth and expansive spread of ivy hedges make them an undeniably attractive but also demanding choice for the garden. The tendrils of ivy can spread rapidly and overgrow neighbouring plants and structures. This characteristic gives ivy its characteristic, lush appearance, but it also presents the challenge of maintaining balance in the garden. The rapid spread requires constant attention and care to ensure that the ivy does not take up excessive space and hinder the development of other plants. This peculiarity of ivy highlights the need for a proactive approach to keep control of growth and ensure harmonious coexistence in the garden. Therefore, trim the ivy regularly, at least twice a year. 

The root system

The root system and the adhesive organs of the ivy play a crucial role in its resilience and its ability to cling effortlessly to different surfaces. The roots penetrate deep into the soil and spread widely, resulting in a stable anchorage but also making manual removal difficult. The adhesive organs, also called clinging roots, cling to walls, fences and trees with amazing strength. This allows the ivy to climb vertical surfaces and colonise inaccessible areas. These characteristics make the control of ivy hedges a challenging task, as they are not only integrated into the soil but also into the structures. If not adequately cared for, the clinging organs can cause damage to buildings, while the deep-rooted system makes efficient removal difficult. It is clear that the tenacity of the root system and the clinging organs requires a careful and targeted approach to ensure successful control and minimise potential damage.

>> Our tip : Use our ivy hedge elements , these prevent the uncontrolled spread of the ivy roots and are easy to maintain with 2-3 cuts per year.

Regular care

To fully grasp the challenge of ivy hedges, regular maintenance is essential. Targeted pruning, ideally two to three times a year, is not only an aesthetic consideration, but also a crucial step in keeping the excessive spread of ivy under control. Failure to do this could not only result in the ivy taking up space uncontrollably, but also in it inhibiting the growth of other plants in the garden. Regular maintenance is therefore essential to maintain the ecological balance and prevent unwanted growth. 

-> Read also : Cutting ivy hedges: How to do it  

Potential damage to buildings and walls

Ivy can decorate houses and highlight their advantages

>> Our tip : Use ready-made ivy hedges. These are already fully cultivated and are planted in the ground as a ready-made hedge. This way you avoid uncontrolled growth and can enjoy an easy-to-maintain garden hedge all year round.

The dark side of charm: How ivy hedges affect light and nutrients

The downside of the charm of ivy hedges is not only evident in their spread and the problems associated with it, but also in the fact that they can deprive light and nutrients if they spread uncontrollably. The dense foliage of the ivy acts like an umbrella that blocks out sunlight and thus deprives the plants in its immediate vicinity of much-needed energy. This lack of light can affect the growth and development of other plants that depend on sufficient sunlight. The result is not only an aesthetic impairment of the surrounding flora, but also a potential threat to biodiversity in the garden. Caring for ivy hedges therefore requires not only consideration of their physical effect, but also an awareness of the ecological interactions that can arise from light and nutrient deprivation. With the ivy hedge elements from Efeuria, you can use cultivated ivy as a garden hedge and maintain it easily. Click here to see our ivy hedge elements .

Ivy can cause allergic reactions

However, since the parts of the ivy plant have a very bitter taste, accidentally swallowing leaves or fruit is extremely rare. If you want to be on the safe side, you should either avoid using the older form of ivy in the garden altogether or carefully remove all the flower heads. It is advisable to explain the danger to children and to ensure reliable supervision while the berries are ripening. 

When cutting the plant, gardening gloves should be worn as the plant sap can cause allergic skin irritation. When removing the hedge or cutting back larger parts, small plant parts are released which can be inhaled. To avoid discomfort or irritation of the respiratory tract, wearing a respiratory mask is recommended. 

Note: The ivy hedge should never be cut in direct sunlight or during frost, as the deeper parts of the plant are not used to such stress due to the dense foliage and can quickly suffer sunburn. However, by taking conscious precautions and regularly caring for the hedge, it is possible to enjoy the aesthetics of the ivy hedge in the garden without taking unnecessary risks. 

>> Our tip: Find out here how to properly trim ivy hedges

Slight susceptibility to disease

The most common diseases and pests on ivy are leaf spot, ivy canker, spider mites and scale insects. Fungal diseases are noticeable through brown or yellow leaves, while pests often cause sticky deposits or yellowish discoloration of the leaves. Ivy canker is initially noticeable through brown spots, which later turn black, dry up and fall off. Holes remain in the leaves. Brown spots are a symptom of leaf spot. Diseases that cause brown spots are combated by courageous pruning and removing the affected areas. Remove all infected leaves and tendrils. Make sure to thoroughly disinfect the tools after use and to dispose of the cuttings safely in the household waste. This will prevent fungal spores from spreading when cutting or in the compost. 

Our conclusion

Ivy hedges are currently a popular choice for garden hedges. They offer a number of advantages, such as an attractive appearance, ease of maintenance and winter hardiness. They are particularly suitable for small gardens and townhouses, as they always remain slender if well cared for. There are also disadvantages that should be considered when deciding whether or not to have an ivy hedge. 

The biggest challenge of ivy hedges is their strong growth. Ivy has a strong growth rate and can spread quickly. This can cause damage to buildings and walls. In addition, if not cared for, ivy can deprive other plants of light and nutrients. To minimize the disadvantages of ivy hedges, regular care is essential. This includes regularly trimming the ivy hedge to prevent uncontrolled growth. 

Garden lovers who are looking for an attractive and easy-care garden hedge can use Efeuria's ready-made hedges. These are currently the most popular hedge in many urban gardens.

With the ivy hedge elements from Efeuria, you can cultivate ivy as a garden hedge and maintain it easily. Click here to see our ivy hedge elements . 

>> Read also: The revival of the ivy garden hedge: Why you should think about it