Cutting back Ivy

pjwizon

When is the best time to cut back Ivy so it will quickly grow new leaf cover? I have a large climbing Ivy along a fence that I want to keep (it's a haven for wildlife and evergreen), but it has grown too tall and thick this year. It's about 2 feet thick and I'd like to reduce this significantly, but at a time that maximizes the plant's re-growth. 

I'm assuming Ivy will recover from this type of treatment to re-grow a full covering of leaves. 

Fairygirl

You can cut it back any time. It's virtually indestructible, and will just grow away again. 
This is probably quite a good time, as it'll recover enough before winter so that it doesn't look too hideous. 

Biglad

I'm constantly cutting ivy back growing through from the NDN's garden. It doesn't stop coming back!

B3

If you're concerned about the wildlife habitat issues, it's best not to do it when there is blossom or in the spring when birds are nesting.

pjwizon

B3 said:

If you're concerned about the wildlife habitat issues, it's best not to do it when there is blossom or in the spring when birds are nesting.

Good point. I'd cut it back in early spring before he nesting season gets underway.

pjwizon

Fairygirl said:

You can cut it back any time. It's virtually indestructible, and will just grow away again. 
This is probably quite a good time, as it'll recover enough before winter so that it doesn't look too hideous. 

It's a tough plant and will grow back, but this will be a severe pruning back to woody stems. Is there enough time left this season for new growth before the cold sets in etc? 

Fairygirl

Depends where you are, but in most UK areas, it would be fine to prune back, even if there's little to no new growth before much colder weather. It would just look a bit rough