On 01/01/2011 15:00, Donnie wrote:
Ive noticed that an Elm just on the other side of our fence has a hell
of a lot of ivy on it gonig up and covering pretty much all the main
trunk up to 30 feet and one main branch too.

Now, it provides some nice privacy in the summer when in leaf and I
always believed that ivy choked trees but then happened to hear on the
winter edition of Springwatch that you shouldnt remove the ivy as it
provided habitats for wildlife etc.

So, now im wondering if what Ive believed is right or wrong??

Well- it depends. A big vigorous tree is unlikely to be affected. OTOH
we had an alder on the local nature reserve that was looking very sickly
with most branches covered with ivy. Cutting that off gave the tree a
new lease of life.
If in the summer you can mostly see ivy leaves then rescue may be needed.

--
CTC Right to Ride Rep. for Richmond upon Thames