[shefra]

cant find if this was posted already. The trees in the ditches around the house are covered in ivy. Just spotted a hugh chunk of one of the trees has fallen. This is obviously dangerous for us and the house. Advise please as to what I can do. Do I need to get specialists in at what cost?

[GPI]

There is one short thread on the subject here already...... Trees with ivy

My feelings, well ivy has a place on tree as it provides nectar for flying insects and nesting sites for birds, but you have to live on site as well.
Ivy does not leech nutrients from the tree by growing on the bark instead it takes its food like most plants from its roots.
However problems start when the ivy clears the trunk and starts to crawl out along the branches, as this causes excess weight on the tree.
This is especially harmful to deciduous (sheds and renews leaves annually) trees who would be normally leafless in winter, who now have the evergreen leaves of ivy to catch the winter winds, often leading to braches or even trees falling.
All this is multiplied if the tree is in an already weakened state

I feel if ivy is also allowed to cover the parts of the branches where buds and leaves emerge then the lack of light could affect the trees Photosynthesis ability.

So, a solution?
In areas where you feel unsafe, possibly to cut the ivy back to just below the branches, allow the upper ivy to die off, then pull away as much of the carcass as you can.
Repeat as necessary every 2nd or 3rd year.
There will then be ivy left for you, and the insect and bird life.

However, be aware that at this time of year you may be disturbing any birds nesting within the ivy. The next safest time for non-disturbance is early September.
_________________
Remember, a weed is just a plant in the wrong place.

Garden Consultation & Design in Ireland!

[verge]

If you have to (really have to) kill the ivy, there are stump killing tips in this post http://www.gardenplansireland.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=114