English ivy may be admired for its lush, evergreen appearance, but it's one of the most aggressive plants you can introduce to a landscape. As it spreads, it forms dense mats that block sunlight, compete with surrounding plants for water and nutrients, and smother shrubs, perennials, and young trees.
When allowed to climb, ivy can blanket tree canopies, add significant weight to branches, and make trees more vulnerable to wind damage and decline. With its ability to grow year-round and quickly outcompete other vegetation, English ivy can easily overwhelm a landscape if not properly maintained and kept in check.