To Keep or Not to Keep Ivy
Should I take the ivy off my house? Ivy plants grow on the walls and bricks of my house. I have heard different opinions on whether or not to keep ivy growing on your house. Some say ivy may damage the walls or foundation of a house. The roots and vines can damage the exterior and cause structural issues over time. However, others argue ivy is mainly an aesthetic issue. If properly managed, it may not significantly damage most exterior house walls. I want to know if I should keep or remove the ivy on my home.
Pros and Cons of Ivy Growth
Is it bad to let ivy grow on your house? The answer is both yes and no, depending on the type and condition of the material the ivy is growing on. This means that solid, well-constructed masonry walls usually can handle ivy, but the invasive roots can cause considerable damage to other surfaces.
I like the look of ivy growing up the side of my house, but I’ve heard that it can damage brick and other structures. Vines can slip beneath spaces in between siding and shingles and ultimately pull them away from the home. Another concern about growing vines on siding is that they create moisture between the plant and home. This moisture can lead to mold, mildew and rot on the home itself. It can also lead to insect infestations.
Having vines growing on brick walls can add charm and greenery to a home. Old vines are strong enough to weaken the mortar and produce cracks in aged or weakened brick joints. Ivy roots take hold in cracks and crevices, but they generally aren’t strong enough to create them.
Instead of growing damaging ivy on the outside walls of your house, give your property the same charming look by allowing the vines to cover another structure. Plant ivy at the base of a shed or children’s playhouse.
Ivy is a woody stemmed, self-clinging climber that can grow quickly to cover fences, walls and buildings. Ivy growing on buildings can be a cause for concern owing to its rapid pace of growth and worries about potential damage to the support structure.
Unfortunately, as an introduced plant, ivy may have no natural enemies to control its growth and may become invasive. An “invasive” plant spreads rapidly and hurts native organisms.
In conclusion, it is generally not recommended to let ivy grow on a house due to potential damage, insect pests, and animals, but the decision is ultimately up to the homeowner.
Optimal Timing for Ivy Removal
The answer depends on the material ivy grows on. Solid, well-built masonry walls can handle ivy. But invasive roots can damage other surfaces.
Take care when planting ivy on your house. Vines can detach siding and shingles and create moisture between the plant and home. This moisture can cause mold, rot, and insects.
Having vines on brick walls can add charm. But old vines are strong enough to weaken aged or weak brick joints. Ivy roots take hold in cracks but do not create them.
Give your property charm by allowing vines to cover a shed or playhouse instead of house walls. Ivy grows quickly to cover fences, walls, and buildings. As an introduced plant, ivy has no natural enemies to control growth and may become invasive.
In conclusion, letting ivy grow on a house is generally not recommended due to potential damage, pests, and animals. But the decision depends on the homeowner.