When best to cut back bay trees and ivy

tuffnelljohn

I have two very big bay trees. I also have ivy thats out of control along my stone wall.

Ive been holding-off cutting because I assumed if I cut these back in the summer then it would promote new growth.

WHen is it best to cut ivy/bay trees back. Should I wait until winter?

Thanks

Fairygirl

I don't grow bay, but you can cut ivy back whenever you want. Even a frosty spell afterwards rarely does any harm. 

JennyJ

Bay is more tender so better left until spring so that the new growth won't get nipped by frost.

For the ivy, the only thing to consider is, if it has mature growth with berries, do you want to leave those for the birds?

Buttercupdays

Birds nest in the ivy on my house, so the only time I can safely cut it is between the end of August and beginning of March. Quite a short window really, given the likelihood of bad weather later on, so I would go for it asap. Already done mine!

NewBoy2

tuffnelljohn 

Just FYI.

'Scientists have found that Ivy is one of the most important plants to provide nectar for bees. They found that honey bees rely upon ivy for the majority of the pollen and nectar they collect during the autumn months, a crucial time when the insects are trying to build up stores for the winter and feed their young.