Is it OK to plant English ivy around the base of a cherry tree located on one of our residential streets in Philadelphia?
If it is OK what precautions should be taken to not endanger the tree?
Answer
English ivy is probably not a good option. You would have to monitor it carefully to be sure it didn't climb up the tree, and it forms a dense mat that takes nutrients away from the tree. It also is difficult to keep constrained if it is in a garden bed. You might want to consider perennial vince (periwinkle) that gets a pretty blue flower in the spring.