The 'roots' are primarily used to grip the surface the ivy is clinging to,
but the plant also uses osmosis to absorb a little food also. A large ivy
can do several things to a tree. The added weight is more than the tree has
grown for, it can strangle the tree as the ivy stems swell with age at the
same time as the tree, and can starve the tree when in poor soils.
It is best not to allow the ivy to become too large, by trimming the upper
extents out periodically.
Neil


"Judy and Dave G" wrote in message
...
Hello garden friends

I have a lovely tree that is covered with english ivy. Just loaded. Can
this ivy hurt the tree? I pulled one of the stems and it appears to have
roots going into the tree's bark. Any way to get rid of the ivy without
killing the tree?

Thanks in advance.

Judy