.....steward

Yogis,
It’s the time of year where I can’t help but write about English ivy….  Oh, how I wish the issue of her spread would go away on its own. If only she could offer color during the dreary winter months but remain sparse on trees. Sigh. Instead she continues her sprint forward, so I put thoughts to paper once again.

English ivy, the kind you picture climbing stone buildings, was brought to the US as early as 1727 by European settlers. Everyone loved how it’s green all year, fills in bare spots and requires no care. But we loved it a bit too much, so it is now invasive and threatens our trees.

Each late winter, I spend time cutting back ivy and other invasive vines (of which there are several new ones) from my trees. Last year I took it further and joined a group called ‘tree friends’, trained by the Park Service on slowing ivy. The group gathers in county areas to help save trees.

There isn’t an ivy fairy in your yard though. Even landscapers ignore ivy unles you specifically ask and pay for it. Garden centers continue to sell it for planting. Don’t!

It has me thinking about stewardship.

For those of us that own a home, the land it sits on which we claim as ‘ours’ (which isn’t really) deserves our care. The trees, birds, insects and plants need us to be attentive. To notice when an invasive has entered and take action. To be a good steward of the incredible gift we have been given.

Stroll around your property! Check every tree. Look at bushes and up against the house.

Ivy starts innocently enough. It thickens to engulf a trunk. It soon covers leaves blocking photosynthesis. Limbs begin looking ragged. Branches fall. The tree is smothered if it isn’t first blown over from weight. A slow death.

Best to catch it early when it can be removed. However, there is no need to get it all off. Removing ivy from ankle to knee with clippers or a small hand saw will kill what is above and the tree will breathe free again.

After stewarding your piece of earth, mention it to neighbors who have ivy on their trees. Most people don’t know. Maybe lend a hand to a tree in a common area. Earth will be grateful.

Being a steward,
SARAH