Question From: M. Clewley - CALIFORNIA
Q: I just tore out my Italian Cypress because the roots were destroying my plumbing. I miss the natural barrier they created and I'm looking for a replacement that won't damage my pipes. I thought that some Boston Ivy on a trellis could do the trick but I'm not familiar with the root system.
A:
Boson Ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) is a rapid climber and was used as a screen on buildings in the East. Old buildings at Harvard are covered with it. I have never heard of the roots becoming an issue with plumbing and if it did it would not have been so popular. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy
