When landscaping a garden, it is important to use the right tree and plant selection for respective applications that may exploit the natural characteristics of the species. For example, trees to be considered for use as street trees should exhibit complaisant root systems that are not likely to damage concrete pavement as well as a high canopy that will not interfere with truck traffic.

Mature size, shape and structure of each species should be appropriate to the desired effect. Selection of species for areas where low growth is necessary, under low windows for example, should be limited to low growing or sprawling species. Larger species that will require shearing for confinement are not appropriate. A nursery is a good place to start to find the right tree or plant.

Much of my work as a consulting horticulturist and arborist involves species that are not at all suitable to their situation. In fact, I work with this issue as commonly as I work with suitable species that have been sheared into useless shapes by mow, blow and go gardeners.

However, even in the best planned gardens, some species tend to revert to their natural state if ignored too long. Climbing vines and vines used as ground cover are the worst offenders. Their behavior in the wild is so aggressive and seemingly violent. Their main objective is to climb to the top of the ‘forest’ at the expense of the trees and shrubbery that support them. Once there, they spread out over the upper foliar canopy, shading out and killing anything below. (They can always plead the ‘fifth’ later.)

The juvenile growth of English and Algerian ivy are good ground covers. As far as they are concerned, they are creeping along the ground in search of a victim. If not permitted to climb trees or structures, it can be controlled. ‘Adolescent’ growth occurs if some stems are permitted to climb. This growth is very different from the juvenile growth, but does not bloom or produce seed like adult growth. Because it grips and roots into whatever it climbs, it can cause considerable damage by promoting rot in trunks of trees and wooden structures.

Adult growth which appears where the climbing vines reach the top of their support does not attach itself to any support, but may become very bulky and break limbs, trellises of fences. This growth can be identified by shrubby form and the presence of flowers or fruit. Although some consider this behavior to be acceptable, the potential for damage should be considered.