A cluster of leaves may not seem very threatening to DMV communities and the surrounding biodiversity, but English ivy is slowly destroying our homes and forests one leaf at a time. The weight of the ivy causes trees to fall over in winds and storms. This highly invasive ivy also covers the leaves of trees, interfering with photosynthesis and competing with surrounding plants for nutrients from the soil and water.

Man-made structures also tend to suffer from the weight of English ivy in windy conditions. It also traps moisture in both bark and the sides of buildings, which leads to the buildup of mold, mildew, fungi, or rot.

Homes have also been damaged by English ivy growing into the existing crevices of wooden planked fences and expanding the cracks in bricks. Ivy that grows in bulk close enough to the ground provides shelter and a potential breeding ground for rats and insects, which only adds to the problems that campuses and public buildings face.

This destructive ivy provides our communities with the opportunity to create jobs or internships for people while supporting DMV communities. The undersigned demands that the states of DC, Maryland, and Virginia create funds that cities or counties can use to hire people to remove English ivy year-round.

See our website: https://laf2824.wixstudio.io/ivygotyoucovered

UPDATE: Delegate Marc Korman responded and has reached out to Maryland's Secretary of Agriculture to make sure English ivy is included on Maryland's invasive species list!