Are Vines Safe to Grow on a Brick Wall?
Asked by GreenThumb234
Hey everyone! I'm really into gardening even though I'm still learning the ropes. I've got this brick wall at my farm, and I'm thinking about letting some vines grow over it. Is that a good idea, or will the roots damage the wall over time? I'd love to know what kinds of vines are safe to use and any tips you might have!
Answers
Yes and no! It really does depend on the type of vines. I saw an old photo of a wall with really old vines removed, and the brick looked fine. However, vines do anchor into the brick and mortar, which isn’t ideal. A good idea might be using a trellis for something like Clematis that won’t cling directly to the wall.
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It really depends on the type of vine you choose. For example, English ivy can be pretty damaging because it tends to root in crevices, especially in areas with freeze/thaw cycles. But there are also friendly options like climbing hydrangeas that have little suction cups and won't harm masonry. Just make sure you also consider how much sunlight the wall gets and what hardiness zone you're in!
GreenThumb234: Thanks for the info! I’m in a zone that gets a fair bit of sun, so this is helpful.
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GreenThumb234: Good point! Do you think I’d need to trim it regularly to stop it from attaching?