Neighbor Amy pointed out that the ivy should be removed from the old oak tree, and I knew she was right. A year or so ago John took care of it, with one or both of our grandsons, as I remember. The day Amy commented on it, we could see one area where the thick, healthy leaves reached the second or third level of branches. I cut the stems about waist high and pulled the insidious vines both ways. You don’t need to tell me it’s not a victory, only a truce. However, if the present leaves turn brown, I shall wallow in temporary satisfaction.
Mehrling Muse 
Is ivy bad for a tree? I had it on several in my last home and it had been there for years. One tree guy said that it travels straight up a tree so it doesn’t girdle it.
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Ivy can grow over tree leaves and steal sunlight. I made a mistake in pulling ivy from the tree, because I could have damaged the bark of the old tree.
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The roots do melt in the bark.
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Wow. Have never seen ivy on a tree like that.
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I’ve seen tree skeletons supporting lush ivy. They look like living sculptures and are particularly beautiful in the winter.
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What a gorgeous tree…
That swing with a book would be mighty inviting. 😉
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I’m with you on both counts!
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Oh, what a beauty that tree is! I just wonder who enjoyed her shade so many years ago and the stories she could tell.
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I never thought of the history of our big old tree. Thanks for expanding my horizon.
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