Late winter and early spring are good times to observe the spread and growth of ivy in Island forests, groves and yards. Now, before the deciduous trees and shrubs put out new leaves, the ivy-shrouded tree trunks are plain to see. In some areas, ivy has taken over completely, wrapping every tree and carpeting the ground. In other areas, you will notice ivy climbing up a few trees and spreading along the ground in an area where, only a few years ago, there was none.