An expert has warned gardeners to stop buying a plant that is commonly found in garden centres. Andrew The Arborist says that English ivy is quietly destroying the ecosystem. While it can offer a no-maintenance option in your yard, Andrew says the invasive vine is invading woodlands, damaging trees, and wiping out native plants.

Andrew fears the ivy has spread around “much of North America” and can even pose a risk to trees. On his YouTube channel, Andrew called for people to stop buying the plant.

He said: “It absolutely blows my mind that we still allow English ivy to be sold in pretty much every garden center and big-box store. We've let it take over our woodland floors. ... It can shade out and prevent native wildflowers from germinating and growing.”

He added: “We have to stop buying this plant. Stop buying it for your garden, stop buying it as a house plant, stop buying it entirely.”

While the ivy may seem an easy choice for gardeners, it can cause some issues when it comes to maintenance, reports The Cooldown. It can require regular pruning and even a professional should you want to remove it.

One YouTube commenter quizzed Andrew on what plants they should be looking for instead of the English ivy - also known as hedera helix. Andrew explained more native species would be an ideal ground cover.

Andrew suggests a number of alternatives including moss phlox, woodland phlox, golden ragwort, Allegheny pachysandra and wild ginger. Alternatively, he called for more Americans to use native ferns in their garden. 

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) says hedera helix is a native plant to Great Britain and Ireland. It is said to be a good option for people wanting to plant something that will attract pollinators.

It can grow up to 12 metres tall and spread by around four metres. The plant can be harmful for both humans and animals if eaten.

The climber can however pose an irritation for your skin and, if on a building, can cause structural damage. Expert Hazel Sillver has also warned against planting English ivy near smaller trees, such as apple trees.

Writing in House and Garden, she said: "In UK gardens, don't let ivy run into smaller trees, such as apples, as it will eventually dominate them. In the US, gardeners are advised not to grow Hedera helix or H. hibernica in case they spread into woodland, and they are classified as invasive in several states. 

"Ivy is self-clinging and vigorous, so it is a headache-free way to clad a building with greenery at speed."

Hazel suggests Brits check on their ivy through regular pruning to prevent the plant from growing into cracks in stone and brickwork, guttering, and roof tiles. She said: "Pruning should be done in spring unless birds are nesting in it, in which case wait until the end of summer; if you want to remove stems attached to buildings or trees, it's best to cut them and then wait for those sections to die before pulling them off, as this requires less arm muscle and causes less damage and marking to stone, brick, and bark."