I am interested in using some Ivy around some trees and maybe even use it for Erosion Control around the perimeter of the RR--

The USDA shows that We reside in the Zone 7b, so...anyone have any ideas?

Thanks
Cale

testing photo posting

Thanks Greg...I'd really like to to have around some Hardwood trees in the yard to break things up a bit...I will remember your suggestion!

Happy New Year

cale

Thanks Brian...I'd like something that "looks" the part if that makes any sense?

By my experience, Poison Ivy grows anywhere.

I'm not a big ivy fan since it's so invasive. 

For ground covers you could try some Carolina Jasmine which has some dwarf cultivars and is evergreen. 

If you want some color, you could plant some trumpet vine or wisteria around the trees, but expect to have to prune it continuously in the latter part of the summer and do not plant them next to a wooden fence!!   The runners will pop the boards off the stringers.

There are some like ornametal potatoe (light green,purple and yellow-white leaves) that generally are utilized in containers, but I'm not to sure of the hardiness, and there are always grape and berry vines that can be utilized around the trees. (but most berry vines/bushes have thorns)  My grand dad fenced in his cattle lot back in the 50's planted blackberry and blueberry vines around it and in 3 years the fence was invisible and impenatrable!  The lot was still there in '84 when the place got sold, but the only fence material that was left was the metal gate and the two pipe posts holding it. the pen was completely enclosed with the berry bushes.

Mark

I would not recommend ivy. With having to remove it in the past, mo matter what you do it still lives. Very fast grower, climbs anything. Of course if you are on a slope and need  it for errosion its not really good for that.

You can try some evergreen ground cover like a blue star juniper, they have softer foilage and grow faster in the sun. You can even use the runners tied to a stick for trees on the railway.

There are many other perrinneal planys too here are just a few.

http://www.bluestoneperennials.com/b/bp/OXROS.html

http://www.bluestoneperennials.com/b/bp/PONES.html

http://www.bluestoneperennials.com/b/bp/LYNUS.html

http://www.bluestoneperennials.com/b/bp/SASUS.html

http://www.bluestoneperennials.com/b/bp/THELS.html

Maybe post some photos of the area to get an idea of what you are talking about.

I agree with Jason. Ivy is terrible to control. It gets between things and separates them. It sticks to everything. I've been working for a year to get rid of some around the house (planted by the previous owner) and it's still growing back even though it's winter. Go see a local landscaper and get some advice on what works best in your zone for what you want to do. DON'T use ivy.

   Ivy is very invasive and once established, can be imposssible to control. Living in a warmer climate makes you a poor candidate for Trumpet Vine or Wisteria. Trumpet Vine reproduces using underground runners. Plant a trumpet vine in one spot and you will find it growing 20 feet away. Wisteria is a very powerful vine that has the ability, over time, to move a 4x4 post.. Instead, use grasses such as Blue Fescue, and Oat Grass. They are colorful, grow quickly, are easily divided to create more and are very drought tolerant. They also send down a decent root system for erosion control. Hope this has been of some help, regards, Dennis.                                                                                                                                                                                           

Ok, sold me on the NO IVY!

I'll try to get a photo of area in question and post it up soon!

Thanks for all the replies thus far!

cale

Cale, I live in zone 6A. Just for fun, I planted some small-leaved greenhouse/houseplant type ivy. Just wondered if it would survive the winter outside. It did. It also spread like mad. Several years later, I pulled 'all' of it up. Must have missed a few tendrils, because it has come back with a vengence. My advice: don't use ivy!! It roots everywhere it touches the ground, but it sure doesn't help with erosion...and it just takes over the garden. 

SandyR