Memo

Date: March 19, 2014

To: Jane Greene, Intern Manager, Issaquah Environmental Council (IEC)
From: JANE DOE, Student Intern, IEC
Subject: Recommendation Report for Removal of English Ivy at Bellevue College

Attached is the report for my study: “A Research Project for the Removal and Replacement of
English Ivy at Bellevue College: A Recommendation Report.” The tasks described in the
proposal dated February 10, 2014 have been completed: understanding the scope of the English
Ivy problem by taking particular notice as to how the plant spreads and damages the
environment, examining possible solutions, determining logistics of removal methods, and
examining the various plant species which would best replace the English Ivy based on
considerations of erosion control capabilities and effectiveness.

To perform these tasks, both secondary and primary research was performed. Authoritative
literature from horticulturist documents and government publications were studied, and a
professional horticulturist was interviewed. Then, the data was collected and analyzed and a
report was written.

The results of this research suggest that the problems English Ivy causes are significant enough
to warrant the interest of Bellevue College towards the IEC’s feasibility study. It was found that
English Ivy spreads quickly and provides less erosion control benefit than originally believed by
the College faculty. It also crowds out native foliage and attracts rats and other pests. Thus, its
removal is necessary to the health and welfare of the environment. It was also discovered that the
possible solutions for removing the ivy are logistically simple to accomplish. Cutting or hand-
pulling the ivy requires little expense and harm to the workers is minimal if a few precautions are
taken. It was further revealed that there are several options for the replacement of the ivy which
will ensure lasting erosion control on the College’s campus. Many of these available options are
conducive to other favorable plant growth, and have the added benefit of attracting desirable
animal species to the area. Finally, the facilities of the College are already equipped for the
preservation and upkeep of the campus grounds, and thus it was found that no additional
maintenance expense is necessary. The only costs associated with this project involve the
acquiring of the replacement plant or plants.

On the basis of these findings, it is recommended that the IEC proceed with its feasibility study
for the removal and replacement of English Ivy at Bellevue College.

The trust Ms. Greene displayed in inviting my participation in the initial stages of the feasibility
study is appreciated and I look forward to working with the IEC on other portions of the study. If
Ms. Greene or the IEC has any further comments or questions, these can be directed to Jane doe
at [email protected].
 A Research Project for the Removal and
Replacement of English Ivy at Bellevue College:
A Recommendation Report
Prepared for: Jane Greene, Intern Manager, Issaquah Environmental Council (IEC)

Prepared by: JANE DOE, Student Intern (IEC)

March 19, 2014

 Abstract
“A Research Project for the Removal and Replacement of English Ivy at
Bellevue College: A Recommendation Report”
Prepared by: Jane Doe, Student Intern, IEC

In February, 2014 Jane Greene, Intern Manager at the Issaquah Environmental Council (IEC)
officially asked the student interns at IEC to participate in a feasibility study to determine the
possible strategies for the removal of English Ivy from the Bellevue College, Washington
campus. Information concerning the magnitude of the problem of the spread of the plant, the
methods and logistics of removal, and the replacement of the ivy with an alternative, effective,
erosion control plant was requested to achieve the broadest perspective. To perform this
research, a professional horticulturist was interviewed based on questions formulated beforehand
and appropriate documents from scientific literature and government publications were
examined. It was found that the magnitude of the problem at the College was significant and
resulted in extensive encroachment on natural areas, requiring speedy removal for the welfare of
the environment. The most important concerns involve the ease of removal and the effectiveness
of the replacement foliage for erosion control purposes. The logistics of the removal options
were found to be reasonable and not likely to cause harm to the workers if done properly. The
effectiveness of the alternative plant options is also satisfactory. Taking into account the known
negative characteristics of English Ivy made it possible to avoid those same issues when
considering alternatives. Finally, it is recommended that Bellevue College consider only native
plant species since other choices might inhibit the existing natural areas. Further, a mixture of at
least two plants should be considered because this will ensure that the environment’s balance can
be maintained.

Keywords: English Ivy, erosion control, logistics of removal, alternative plants, effectiveness of
removal, effectiveness of replacement.

ii
 Table of Contents

Executive Summary…………………………………………………………………….1

Introduction……………………………………………………………………………..2

Research Methods………………………………………………………………………4

Task 1. Understand the problem by studying basic horticulturist papers…………………4

Task 2. Examine possible solutions for removal…………………………………………4

Task 3. Determine logistics of removal………………………………………………….5

Task 4. Examine alternatives for an effective erosion control plant………………………5

Task 5. Analyze data and prepare this recommendation report…………………………..7

Results…………………………………………………………………………………...8

Task 1. Understand the problem by studying basic horticulturist papers…………………8

Task 2. Examine possible solutions for removal…………………………………………9

Task 3. Determine logistics of removal………………………………………………….9

Task 4. Examine alternatives for an effective erosion control plant……………………....11

Conclusions…………………………………………………………………………….12

Ivy removal methods……………………………………………………………..……12

Logistics of removal…………………………………………………………………...12

Alternative plant for erosion control…………………………………………………...12

Recommendation……………………………………………………………………….13

References………………………………………………………………………………14

Appendix A: Horticulturist Questionnaire…………………………………………...15

iii
 1

Executive Summary

In February, 2014 Jane Greene, Intern Manager at the Issaquah Environmental Council (IEC)
officially asked the student interns at IEC to participate in a feasibility study about the possible
strategies for removing English Ivy from the Bellevue College, Washington.

At this time, Bellevue College is using English Ivy to control erosion throughout the campus.
Because of the invasive nature of this plant and its rapid growth which causes great harm to
natural vegetation, English Ivy has been found to not be suitable for use at the College. On the
basis of a general agreement that this ivy should be removed and substituted with a less invasive
species as quickly as possible, the IEC determined that a feasibility study was necessary to define
the scope of the problem and its viable solutions. The research that Ms. Greene requested the
student interns at IEC to perform will be part of this comprehensive feasibility study.

Ms. Greene, on behalf of the IEC, asked the student interns to perform research that would
determine possible solutions to the problem of English Ivy at Bellevue College. She also asked
that the logistical issues of the removal and replacement method be considered as well as the
effectiveness of the alternative plant choice. She further requested that the findings and
recommendations resulting from this research be presented to the IEC.

To perform this research, a familiarity with the problem was attained. Then, appropriate
documents from a horticulturist perspective and government publications were examined. Finally
detailed and comprehensive questions were formulated to ask a professional Washington
certified horticulturist.

It was found that English Ivy creates a significant harmful impact on the environment. It was
also discovered that its removal should be a simple, inexpensive, and eventually permanent
procedure if proper attention is given to the area over time. Further, it was found by questioning
a Washington certified horticulturist that the top two alternative plant options, Oregon grape and
salal, are likely to be very effective for erosion control, since they have roots which are deeper
than English Ivy. Also, if native species are chosen to replace the English Ivy, other local plants
will be less likely to be affected or encroached upon. Furthermore, the use of two alternative
plants together will ensure that the environment does not become overbalanced by a single
species, as in the case of English Ivy. These replacements for English Ivy will also encourage the
presence of desirable insects and birds. Finally, since Bellevue College already has a fully
equipped maintenance department in place, the only costs incurred from this project will be the
acquiring of the alternative plant or plants.

On the basis of these conclusions, it is recommended that the IEC proceed with its feasibility
study of the costs and benefits of adopting an alternative plant for erosion control on the
Bellevue College campus.
 2

Introduction

In February 2014, Jane Greene, Intern Manager at IEC requested that I, as one of the student
interns at IEC, research the possibilities for removing English Ivy from Bellevue College.

At this time, Bellevue College is using English Ivy to control erosion. Unfortunately, this choice
of plant is invasive and spreads quickly to mountains and national parks. These areas are
designated for the habitation of natural plants and animals, but these are being crowded out by
the spread of ivy from urban areas. On the basis of a general agreement that this ivy should be
removed and substituted for a less invasive species as quickly as possible, the IEC determined
that a feasibility study about the possible strategies for removing English Ivy from the Bellevue
College campus and for replacing it with a different plant is necessary. This alternative plant
should more effectively benefit the environment by its noninvasive qualities and better erosion
control capabilities. The research that Ms. Greene requested the interns at IEC to perform will be
part of this comprehensive feasibility study.

Specifically, Ms. Greene has asked me to complete research that would take into account the
following six areas:

1. Man-hours required.

2. Safety of laborers during removal.

3. Cost.

4. Environmental safety to native plants, animals, students, and staff.

5. Effectiveness of removal method.

6. Alternative options.

To accomplish this research in the best possible manner, each of the preceding six areas involve
the consideration of the following three questions:

1. What are some methods for removing ivy from Bellevue College?

2. What are the cost, labor, safety, and effectiveness issues of ivy removal methods?

3. What are some alternative plant choices for erosion control at Bellevue College?
 3

Ms. Greene pointed out that making the importance of the ivy removal project known to
Bellevue College is essential because of the ivy’s great harm to the environment. Such a removal
would also further the goal of maintaining the natural inhabitants’ safety as well as the nurturing
of natural plants in the areas designated for their use. She further suggested that the college
would need to know how the ivy spreads and the damage that it causes in order to avoid the same
issues in an alternative plant choice.

For these reasons, Ms. Greene has asked me to present my findings and recommend how to
proceed with the removal of the ivy and also which alternative plant species would best fulfill the
requirements for adequate and effective erosion control at Bellevue College, since this would
affect the direction of the feasibility study.

First, an understanding of the problem of English Ivy and its spread was acquired. Next,
authoritative documents such as government publications and horticulturist papers were
examined. Afterwards, questions were formulated to ask a professional Washington Certified
Horticulturist about the alternative options. Finally, the data was collected and analyzed and this
report was then written.

I wish to thank Gregory DeJarnette, a former business communicator, as well as the other student
interns at IEC for their reviewing of the draft and offering of useful ideas for revision.

It was found that English Ivy creates a significant harmful impact on the environment, but also
that its removal should be simple, inexpensive, and eventually permanent if proper attention is
paid to the area over time. Further, it was found by questioning a professional horticulturist that
the top two alternative plant options are likely to be effective for erosion control since their roots
are deeper than English Ivy. Also, if native species are chosen to replace the English Ivy, other
local plants will not be affected or encroached upon. In addition, the use of two alternative plants
together will ensure that the environment does not become overbalanced by a single plant.
Finally, these replacements for English Ivy will further encourage the presence of desirable
insects and birds.

The removal of English Ivy will not result in any special difficulties provided that rudimentary
precautions are taken to ensure the safety of the laborers. Care should also be taken to prevent
excess disturbance of the soil. The cost of removal should be minimal, although the replacement
plant cost could add up depending on the acreage. However, no other expenses should be
incurred since Bellevue College has a fully equipped maintenance department that can easily
provide the tools and protective clothing articles, such as gloves and boots, necessary for the
safety of the laborers.

On the basis of these findings, it is recommended that the IEC proceed with its feasibility study
of the costs and benefits of removing and replacing English Ivy on the Bellevue College campus.

In the following sections, additional details regarding the research methods, the results obtained,
the conclusions drawn from those results, and a recommendation for how to proceed is provided
with full particulars.
 4

Research Methods

To acquire the information requested by Ms. Green of the IEC, the project was broken down into
five separate tasks.

1. understand the problem by studying basic horticulturist papers

2. examine possible solutions for removal
3. determine logistics of removal
4. examine alternatives for an effective erosion control plant
5. analyze the data and prepare this recommendation report

In the following sections regarding how each task was performed, the reasoning that directed the
research is explained.

Task 1. Understand the problem by studying basic horticulturist papers

Ms. Greene left the determination of which resources to examine up to me, and it seemed
logical to examine the scope of the problem by turning to horticulturist advice. Those within
this field have studied the growth and characteristics of plants for centuries. For this reason,
most, though not all of the literature reviewed was presented by experienced individuals in
this field. The research studied usually fell into one of three categories:

 General examples documenting personal encounters with English Ivy and other research
literature relating to the dominance of English Ivy found on environmental volunteer sites
dedicated to informing the public about the plant.
 Scholarly articles which considered in detail the environmental impact of English Ivy in
the United States.
 Technical papers regarding the physical characteristics of English Ivy provided on sites
relating to plants, particularly noxious species, in the United States.

As anticipated, the information acquired about the scope of the problem of English Ivy
contained a mixture of research findings and personal anecdotes. For technical information,
sites dedicated to describing the plant for purposes of identification were most heavily relied
on. These also gave an overview of the medical issues that the ivy can cause in some
humans. Scholarly articles from professional sites dealing with natural habitat sustainability
issues were heavily relied on for information regarding the significant environmental damage
that English Ivy causes in the United States. Finally, environmental volunteering websites
and other research literature were relied on for first-hand information regarding the practical
difficulties of plant spread and other issues.

Task 2. Examine possible solutions for removal

In performing Task 2, I sought to answer the following question posed by Ms. Greene
when she briefed me on this project: “What are some methods for removing ivy from
Bellevue College?”

In order to ensure that the safety of the environment would not be harmed by any of the
various solutions for removal, government publications were used to cross-check the
 5

suggested methods presented on other sites which provided tips and guidelines for how to
remove English Ivy. These latter sites encompassed a variety of sources which largely
included professional and amateur gardeners. These were examined for their personal,
hands-on experience regarding the best methods of removal. Government pamphlets
confirmed their strategies, particularly in terms of their environmentally-safe practices.

Task 3. Determine Logistics of Removal

To complete Task 3, I sought to answer the following question: “What are the cost, labor,
safety, and effectiveness issues of ivy removal methods?”

These logistical matters were researched by examining reports of similar efforts for ivy
removal. Learning about these factors individually, however, was not enough by itself.
They were also integrated with each other to provide a clearer big picture. A cost efficient
method may not alone have been the most effective one, and the results of others’ efforts
were also taken into account, not just their procedures.

For instance, one project which took place in Vancouver, BC for removing ivy from
Stanley Park suggested that it would take up to fifty years to hand-pull the ivy (Richards,
D., 2008). While this indicated that hand-pulling would not be feasible on a large scale, it
did point out valuable information regarding the man-hours and effort that would be
required.

The hazards of removal, both to the laborers and to the environment were also accounted
for when examining these reports of similar projects.

The logistical factors considered included the following issues:

 Man-hours required
 Safety of laborers during removal
 Cost
 Environmental safety to native plants, animals, students, and staff
 Effectiveness of removal method

Determining these factors and applying them to the possible solutions previously
researched helped eliminate the impracticable ones.

Task 4. Examine alternatives for an effective erosion control plant

In performing Task 4, I sought to answer the following question: “What are some
alternative plant choices for erosion control at Bellevue College?”

Although several of the government publications previously examined suggested some

alternative plant options, they were not detailed as to why those particular plants were
best. For this reason, I thought it reasonable to approach a professional horticulturist to
find out more.
 6

I met with Diana Marton, a Washington Certified Professional Horticulturist at Wight’s

Nursery in Lynnwood, Washington. Before meeting with her, I formulated questions
which were designed to make sure that the best alternative plant did not have the same
problems as English Ivy and which also considered effective erosion control.

Although the actual questions can be accessed in Appendix A, pp. 18 of this report, the
categories my questions covered and the rationale behind them is listed in the table
below:

Table 1. Categories of Questions about Alternative Erosion Control Plants

Category Rationale
Physical characteristics of the A college campus is in the public eye and needs
plant to appear aesthetically appealing and well
maintained. Many plants look naturally
unkempt and could harm the visual aspect of
the campus. Also, the plant’s chemical make-
up could possibility have resulted in allergic
reactions in a large number of individuals and
this needed to be avoided.

Growth and maintenance The invasive quality of English Ivy is a major

procedures reason to remove it. Naturally, any alternative
must not have this quality. Further, if the plant
requires extensive yearly trimming so it does
not become too tall, this could result in a
significant long-term cost.
Environmental impact English Ivy attracts undesirable animal species
and damages native plants. The replacement
plant should avoid this problem at the very
least, and should benefit the environment at
best.
Erosion control capabilities It was necessary to determine whether the
alternative plant options would control erosion
better than English Ivy does, since this is a
major reason for removing the ivy in the first
place.
Cost While this is largely a matter that will be
determined in the greater feasibility study, it
was necessary to get a preliminary idea as to
whether the replacement costs would be
prohibitive at the outset.

After introductions were made and I had explained the research project, I asked the
questions and Ms. Marton answered them. I formulated the questions on a piece of paper,
but presented them verbally. Ms. Marton’s replies were then written down on the paper.
 7

Task 5. Analyze data and prepare this recommendation report

After drafting this report, it was uploaded to the IEC’s student intern website for review
and revising by my fellow interns. Most suggestions were incorporated into the document
and a final draft was provided to a former business communicator for final editing
suggestions.
 8

Results
In this section, the results of the research are presented. For each of the tasks carried out, the
most important data acquired is presented.

Task 1. Understand the problem by studying basic horticulturist papers

English Ivy is a climbing vine. While there are several varieties, the most common has lobed
leaves and usually has no flowers or fruit until fully mature. As they climb, the ivy roots
form sticky, feet-like structures which can attach to nearly any surface.

While English Ivy is considered a nuisance across America, and is on the noxious weed list
in many states (Richards, D., 2008), the mild conditions of the Pacific Northwest are
particularly suitable to its rapid growth.
Initially brought to America from Europe as an ornamental plant, English Ivy is easily
adaptable to many kinds of soil and conditions. It extends by stem elongation in its “juvenile
phase” and by seed dispersal in its “mature phase;” for this reason, it spreads indefinitely
(Niemiera, 2010). Bellevue College has had problems with its aggressiveness in the past, and
may in the future unless it is removed.
English Ivy damages the environment in a number of ways:
 Attracts unwanted animal species
 Erodes slopes
 Kills trees
 Crowds out desirable plants
 Is toxic to humans
In particular, English Ivy attracts insects and rodents. In Washington especially, the large,
black Norway rats often live in ivy dominated areas, or “ivy deserts” (Murray, n.d.).
Interestingly enough, while Bellevue College and other organizations use English Ivy to
control erosion, many sources indicate that its formation of thick mats along slopes can
actually cause landslides from rainwater washing underneath them (Government, K.C.,
2013).
English Ivy, as it climbs trees and surrounds their trunks, effectively blocks the light needed
for the trees’ photosynthetic processes. This can weaken the trees enough to topple them in a
storm thus proving harmful to the environment by removing the soil support and protection
which trees provide to an ecosystem.
Note the dead branches at the top of this ivy-covered tree in Figure 1.

Figure 1. Dying ivy-covered tree (Johnson, 2009)

 9

An “ivy desert” is a term used to refer to the lack of undergrowth in an area due to thick mats
of ivy ("Ivy out," 2013). In other words, the ivy inhibits or completely crowds out other plant
growth.
Finally, if accidentally ingested, English Ivy can cause serious medical symptoms in some
people, including vomiting and abdominal pain (Munro, 2013).
Task 2. Examine possible solutions for removal.
There are several approved techniques for eliminating English Ivy. The most common
methods include: hand-pulling, cutting, and herbicides.
Hand-pulling is easy because English Ivy has shallow roots. While it usually only requires
the use of the hands, a trowel can sometimes be helpful. However, it is important not to dig it
out because this can disturb the soil; the same result can occur from pulling tougher vines too
hard (Young, Simmons & Hamblin-Katnik, 2012).
Cutting is the most common method and is usually very successful. This method involves the
use of shears or clippers to cut the ivy in vertical lines, creating small sections and then
rolling up the sections for discarding (Walama, n.d.). When removing the ivy from around
trees, the ivy should be cut at the base and then at shoulder height ("Ivy out," 2013).
Herbicides are popular because its use does not require as much work. Most texts, however,
recommend this option only in conjunction with cutting and or pulling. Spraying a week or
so before removing would save time because the dying plants are even easier to pull.
Spraying after cutting helps ensure that any missed areas will die and aids in the prevention
of the ivy from returning.
It should be kept in mind, however, that while ivy removal can take place at any time of the
year, fall or winter is best because other plants that may still exist beneath and around the ivy
will be dormant and thus less affected by the upheaval surrounding them (Young, Simmons
& Hamblin-Katnik, 2012). It is also suggested that the target area be worked on after a light
rain because the moist soil increases the ease of removal (Young, Simmons & Hamblin-
Katnik, 2012).
Task 3. Determine logistics of removal
Each of the previously detailed methods would require consideration of the following issues.
 Man-hours required
 Safety of laborers during removal
 Cost
 Environmental safety to native plants, animals, students, and staff
 Effectiveness of removal method
Hand-pulling would require the most time. For a major ivy removal project in Vancouver,
British Columbia, they estimate that it will take them up to fifty years to remove English Ivy
from Stanley Park (Richards, D., 2008). This is after nearly seven hundred volunteers had
removed twenty thousand square meters of ivy (Richards, D., 2008). While this is a very
large scale project since Stanley Park comprises five thousand acres, and Bellevue College is
much smaller, the Vancouver project still indicates the time-consuming quality of hand-
pulling. Cutting requires less time.
 10

Referring to a smaller scale project encompassing a substantial backyard reveals that it takes
about four hours to clear a twenty-foot area. Linda McMahan, on the Horticulture Faculty at
Oregon State University, reports that she accomplished this task mostly by herself
(McMahan, 2008). Herbicide spraying is easy and probably wouldn’t take more than a few
hours for an area as large as Bellevue College. At Bellevue College, a small number of
people, perhaps twenty, is probably sufficient to accomplish the initial removal of English
Ivy in a few days at most. Herbicide spraying would probably involve a smaller number of
individuals.
For each method, precautions should be taken to prevent accidents to the laborers. Gloves
should be worn at all times. When working on a slope it is recommended that trowels and
clippers be placed above the work area so that an individual who slips does not fall on his or
her tools (Young, Simmons & Hamblin-Katnik, 2012). Tools should also not be placed in
foliage at any location. The thick mats of ivy can hide the tools and can be stepped on or
tripped over (Preziosi, n.d.). If an individual is spraying herbicide, they should protect their
faces. Thick, rugged boots should be as well as well protect from insect bites (Young,
Simmons & Hamblin-Katnik, 2012).
Hand-pulling and cutting would cost no more than time and a few simple tools such as
trowels or pruning shears, and gloves. Large amounts of herbicides can add up in cost
quickly and facial protection would also be needed.
With the exception of unpredictable accidents such as tripping or insect bites, students and
staff should have few issues with the methods of hand-pulling or cutting. Some sources do
indicate, however, that cut ivy from around trees should not be pulled out in order to prevent
pulling down dead branches or even hornet’s nests which may be further up the tree and out
of sight from the ground (Woodie, 2013). As for the impact on native plants and animals,
precautions should be taken to avoid pulling up large amounts of soil, disturbing rotting trees,
and to go slowly when cutting around desirable plants or trees to avoid harming them.
Environmentally speaking, soil provides stability for plants, and rotting trees provide
nutrients for animals (Young, Simmons & Hamblin-Katnik, 2012). Herbicides are another
matter. If sprayed in areas where large numbers of desirable vegetation still exists, they can
prove detrimental. Many herbicides are toxic to all organisms and can find their way into
ground water where it permeates drinking water for humans and animals (McNelis, 2014).
Herbicides are not very effective. English Ivy leaves are coated in a waxy substance which is
resistant to most chemicals (Government, K.C., 2013). For the best results for all methods,
the dead, cut, or pulled ivy, should be rolled up and placed on cement or in a bag (Young,
Simmons & Hamblin-Katnik, 2012). This ensures that it does not re-grow. No method is
fully effective until time has passed. The cleared area should be checked every six months for
the first year so that missed spots or re-growing areas can be cleared again. After the first
year, the amount of work involved reduces by about ten percent every year ("Ivy out," 2013).
Eventually, the solution will be permanent.
 11

Task 4. Examine alternatives for an effective erosion control plant

Government publications indicate that a variety of plants can adequately replace English Ivy
for erosion control purposes. They strongly advise the use of native plant species, however,
since these are already adapted to the region. Imported species, such as English Ivy itself, are
also more likely to inhibit the growth of native plants. Several of the plants that these
government publications suggest, such as Oregon grape, salal, and beach strawberry, were
confirmed as effective plants by Diana Marton, a Washington Certified Professional
Horticulturist whom I interviewed on March 7, 2014.

The questions I asked Ms. Marton (see Appendix A, pp. 18) included considerations of
effectiveness, plant needs, and benefits to the environment.

I found from Ms. Marton’s answers that Oregon grape and salal, in particular, would be the
most suited to the situation. Both plants are effective for erosion control because unlike
English Ivy, their roots run deep. Both plants are native to the Pacific Northwest, but Ms.
Marton did point out that this means that they grow somewhat taller. For this reason, beach
strawberry may also be an option, provided a low plant is more desirable for Bellevue
College’s purposes. Oregon grape, however, has two varieties; one of these is a low plant.

Oregon grape and salal both do well in a variety of locations, soils, and lighting. Provided
they are watered well for the first two summers, they can also survive most dry years (Page,
n.d.).

Ms. Marton mentioned particularly that Oregon grape and salal both attract the presence of
desirable insects and birds, such as bees and hummingbirds. The plants cause no known
allergic reactions in humans and also bear edible berries. Though not exceptionally beautiful,
depending on individual taste, they do bear pleasing flowers and are green all year round.
Oregon grape and salal both spread by runners, like English Ivy, but their spread is slow,
easy to control, and they do not break through pavement or other man-made structures. In
addition, these plants have no undesirable climbing tendencies to inhibit tree growth.

Ms. Marton also mentioned that although the price of the plants can vary significantly, they
can be purchased wholesale. She particularly mentioned Wetlands and Woodlands in Everett,
Washington, but there are other locations closer to the campus which deal in wholesale
plants, including Campbell Nursery in Issaquah and Vibrant Plant, Inc. in Bellevue.
 12

Conclusions
In this section, the conclusions based on the research related to the three questions I was
asked to answer are presented.
Ivy removal methods
The literature was very strongly directed towards cutting and hand-pulling ivy rather than
spraying it with herbicides. Cutting, in particular, seems to be more efficient and has a
greater track record of being put into practical use. Hand-pulling, however, also has a good
record.
On the basis of these results, I believe that cutting, pulling, or combining the two methods
will result in a positive outcome. In addition, if Bellevue College gives proper attention to the
area, the removal of the ivy will be effective and eventually permanent.
Logistics of removal
The removal of English Ivy using cutting, hand-pulling, or a combination of the two, is
simple to accomplish, requiring only a handful or two of laborers for an area as large as the
Bellevue College campus. Since the College already possesses a fully equipped maintenance
department, the costs of removal, depending on whether the ivy is dumped at a facility or left
to rot, are negligible. With a few precautions, such as the wearing of gloves and boots to
prevent from insect or rat bites, the safety of those who accomplish the job will be assured.
The damage to the environment by the disturbing of the soil is a problem that can easily be
avoided with a little extra care in pulling. The logistics regarding time and number of
laborers could shift, however, based on the acreage to be cleared.

Therefore, I conclude that determining the area to be cleared is the most important next step
in determining whether the College will agree to remove the ivy per the IEC’s feasibility
study. However, since the campus is not excessively large, the adjustment of time and
number of workers should not be significant enough to warrant a complete reconsideration of
the project.
Alternative plant for erosion control
The plant species chosen to replace English Ivy as an erosion control strategy should be
native to the area, since an imported species could inhibit the existing native foliage. Also, to
keep the environment balanced, a mixture of multiple plants should be considered.
 13

Recommendation
I recommend that the IEC proceed with its feasibility study regarding the costs and benefits of
removing and replacing English Ivy on the Bellevue College campus. The methods of removal,
cutting and hand-pulling, are tried and true. They do not require significant consideration of cost
and other logistical matters, particularly since the College already has a fully equipped
maintenance department. Finally, a mixture of native species, such as Oregon grape and salal,
should be especially considered as an effective erosion control option.
 14

References
Bargeron, C. T., Moorhead, D. J., Douce, G. K., Reardon, R. C., & Miller, A. E.
(2003). Southeast exotic pest plant council invasive plant manual. Retrieved from
http://dnr.state.il.us/stewardship/cd/eppc/hehe.html
Government, K. C. (2013, October 22). Noxious weeds King County, Washington:
English ivy. Retrieved from
http://www.kingcounty.gov/environment/animalsAndPlants/noxious-weeds/weed-
identification/english-ivy.aspx
Ivy out. (2013, May). Retrieved from http://www.ivyout.org/ivyremove.html
Johnson, L. (Photographer). (2009, January 22). A tree in rural Vancouver is being
invaded by English Ivy [Web Photo]. Retrieved from
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/invasive-plants-beat-native-trees-
to-space-sun-and-watter-1.837175
Markel, M. (2012). Technical communication. (10th ed.). Boston, Massachusetts:
Bedford/St. Martin's.
McMahan, L. (2008, August). Fact sheet on ivy removal in a home landscape. Retrieved
from
http://extension.oregonstate.edu/yamhill/sites/default/files/Ivy_Removal_Fact_Sheet.
pdf
McNelis, E. (2014). Hazards of herbicides in groundwater. Retrieved from
http://homeguides.sfgate.com/hazards-herbicides-groundwater-78877.html
Munro, D. (2013). Poisonous houseplants. Retrieved from
http://www.blankees.com/house/plants/e_ivy.htm
Murray, T. (n.d.). Garden friends and foes. Retrieved from
http://whatcom.wsu.edu/ag/homehort/pest/rattus.htm
Niemiera, A. (2010). English ivy. Retrieved from http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/3010/3010-
1478/3010-1478_pdf.pdf
Page, S. (n.d.). Low Oregon grape. Retrieved from
http://www.wnps.org/landscaping/documents/Low_Oregon_grape.pdf
Preziosi, A. (n.d.). Removing English Ivy: Practical advice for homeowners. Retrieved
from
http://www.arlingtonva.us/departments/parksrecreation/documents/file75604.pdf
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Retrieved from http://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/node/948
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strategies
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English Ivy and Discussion of Safety_v2.pdf
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Appendix A: Horticulturist Questionnaire

Following are the questions I verbally asked Diana Marton, the Washington Certified
Professional Horticulturist, at Wight’s Nursery in Lynnwood, Washington.

Questions on Erosion Control Plant Options

1. What plant or plants do you recommend to control erosion, excepting English Ivy?

2. Does this plant control erosion on flat ground only, or also on slopes?

3. How does this plant grow?

4. How fast does this plant spread?

5. What are the lighting and soil needs for this plant?

6. Is there a one-size-fits-all plant, or is a mixture of different species better?

7. How easy is it to control the spread of this plant?

8. Is the plant aesthetically appealing?

9. Is this plant known to cause allergic reactions in people?

10. How expensive is this plant for a large area?

11. Where can this plant be purchased?

12. What impacts does this plant have on the environment?

13. Does this plant attract desirable animals and insects, or undesirable?

14. Does this plant benefit the soil in any way?