Garden Q&A: Should I cut back the ivy on my hedge?

Whether you're a gardening beginner or expert, Irish Examiner columnist Peter Dowdall has the answer to your questions

When ivy climbs up through a mixed hedge it can compete for light and smother the deciduous plants.

Question

I have a long, mature mixed hedge that’s become heavily covered in ivy, especially on the deciduous sections. Should I leave the ivy for its wildlife value, or cut it back to help the hedge thicken and grow properly?

Answer

Yes, ivy is very important, not just for birds but for biodiversity in general. It provides late nectar for pollinators, berries for birds in lean months and excellent shelter year-round. So your instinct not to strip it out completely is a good one.

However, when ivy climbs up through a mixed hedge, it can compete for light and smother the deciduous plants you’re trying to strengthen. If your aim is to improve the density and health of the hedge itself, I would cut the ivy low down where it is climbing into the plants. Leave the upper growth in place to die back naturally; it will wither once severed.

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