English Ivy

Question

I have my yard partly covered by the English Ivy. For years it has been growing very well and looking beautiful. But every year it becomes thicker. In February I used the lawn mower to mow the top leaves and small branches off to make it thinner. Now already the end of April still no sign of new leaves growing. I am worried maybe it has died. Did I kill them by cutting the top layer off? Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Mow ivy in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Set the mower to its highest setting -- there is usually a lever on the mower deck -- for a cut that leaves 3 to 4 inches of growth. Use a bagging mower if you have one.
It is unlikely you have killed it off-just give it more time!