Native to California, California grape (Vitis californica "Russian River") is a striking vine that thrives in Mediterranean-type climates. Does Russian vine damage brickwork? It is good to get vines away from the house structure, for they not only damage the walls but also create an environment for mold and mildew. The genus name Hedera is the Classical Latin word for ivy, which is cognate with Ancient Greek χανδάνω (khandánō) "to get, grasp", both deriving ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *gʰed- "to seize, grasp, take". Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. What you use should be based upon what vine you are growing, as certain vines can be heavier and denser than others. Also, its roots won't damage the foundations. The well-known house wall damager ivy climbs by growing little roots into the wall joints, russian vine will not do this. Virginia creeper and Boston ivy are rampant climbers, responsible for probably the most dramatic transformations. Are you sure you want to mark this comment as inappropriate? The biggest question is how do vines damage siding or shingles. If you needed to remove it to inspect or repair the brick, pulling the ivy could actually damage the mortar. Although well-built masonry can tolerate the growth of ivy, weakened brick walls with crumbling mortar or loose bricks give ivy roots an opportunity to invade crevices. When planted in a dry soil or soil that isn’t kept sufficiently moist, the vine can go into shock and die. I have also spoken to the current tenant and even offered to pay for a professional gardener to keep it in check but he refuses to even consider it. Be sure to place any vine support at least 6-8 inches away from the home for proper air circulation. You can also choose to be emailed when someone replies to your comment. It allows our most engaged readers to debate the big issues, share their own experiences, discuss real-world solutions, and more. THE MOST spectacular house in my road came up for sale last year. ", Read our full mailing list consent terms here. Please continue to respect all commenters and create constructive debates. Native to California, California grape (Vitis californica "Russian River") is a striking vine that thrives in Mediterranean-type climates. ... its roots won't damage the foundations. Personally I'd find something different to disguise the ugly pipes - put up trellising in front or around them and grow something you know wont wreak the wall given half a chance. So I guess the correct answer is you want to be sure you want it on there because even if you have great brick it will never look nice again once Ivy has grown up on it … Due to the sheer scale of this comment community, we are not able to give each post the same level of attention, but we have preserved this area in the interests of open debate. Read more articles about Ornamental Vines General Care. Considerable patience will be needed not to sacrifice the lot. Modern materials have built-in waterproof characteristics, and if the plant is cut back at windows and gutters it is unlikely to cause problems. Ivy is a woody stemmed, self-clinging climber that can grow quickly to cover fences, walls and buildings. Most notorious is the "mile-a-minute" Russian vine, sometimes sold to unsuspecting householders as polygonum baldschuanicum. IF YOUR MORTAR IS IN GOOD SHAPE, most self clinging vines will not damage the brick. I don't think it is capable of actually damaging a tree, but when it spreads widely it looks unsightly. Jasmine and winter honeysuckle have gorgeous scents. There is no doubt that one of the most effective transformations of any building is a covering of green foliage which periodically erupts in blossom. I keep getting conflicting advice as to whether it would cause any damage. On older properties these twiners and ramblers will cause fewer problems; they need wire or trellis for support and are relatively separate from the building. To the horror of all the local residents who had coveted the property, the buyers immediately removed its best feature to reveal an unrelenting drab grey exterior. Lack of watering is one of the most common mistakes gardeners make with wisteria. As one horticulturist put it: "You plant it and run for cover!". It is a cause for concern owing to its rapid pace of growth and worries about potential damage to the support structure. Please be respectful when making a comment and adhere to our Community Guidelines. Excessive vine growth can exacerbate cracks in brick or mortar, or damage a home’s paint job. Independent Premium Comments can be posted by members of our membership scheme, Independent Premium. Keep it trimmed away from window frames and the roof eaves. The little roots are likely to penetrate into the mortar and push it apart. Are you sure you want to delete this comment? Keep them cut back away from any gutters and shingles. Will wisteria damage the foundations of your house? Covering Brick Walls With Vines: What Type Of Vine For A Brick Wall, What Are Tendrils For – Should Tendrils Be Removed From Vines, What Is A Green Roof: Ideas For Creating Green Roof Gardens, Wintercreeper Control – How To Get Rid Of Wintercreeper Plants, Getting Rid Of Chinese Privet: How To Kill Chinese Privet Shrubs, Upright Boxwood Plants – Growing Fastigiata Boxwood Bushes, Marigold And Tomato Companion Planting: Do Marigolds And Tomatoes Grow Well Together, Banana Plant Diseases And Pests: Troubleshooting Problems Affecting Bananas, Caring For Marigolds In Pots – Tips On Growing Marigolds In Containers, Brown Viburnum Leaves: Why Leaves Turn Brown On Viburnum, Evergreen Favorite: Container Grown Olive Trees, Evergreens In My Heart – Three Must Have Evergreen Trees, Decisions, Decisions: Choosing An Evergreen In The Landscape, Spruce Trees For Landscaping - Spruce It Up With Evergreens. Whether growing by twining tendrils or sticky aerial roots, any vine will take advantage of small cracks or crevices to anchor themselves to the surface they are growing on. The ivy shoots grow away from sunlight, and tend to climb inside any crack or crevice in the wall, which can then cause structural damage as the shoots grow thick. Etymology. Incongruous extensions are enhanced as the brickwork mellows under a facade of greenery. Native to California, California grape (Vitis californica "Russian River") is a striking vine that thrives in Mediterranean-type climates. Ivy self-climbs and inserts its roots into any crack or crevasse. The best way to protect your historic building is to prevent the problem from the start by keeping thriving vines where they belong – in your garden. Lv 4. If you are dealing with vines growing on a brick house, there are some things you should know. ... its roots won't damage the foundations. Use the vine to hide unsightly fences structures or landscape features. Start your Independent Premium subscription today. Often masonry will require repointing, and wooden elements may need repair or consolidation. The vine had grown up the chimney and was growing inside the chimney, not a good situation. If any damage becomes evident; you'll want to remove the trumpetvine. You can use trellises, lattice, metal grids or mesh, strong wires or even string. Whether growing by twining tendrils or sticky aerial roots, any vine will take advantage of small cracks or crevices to anchor themselves to the surface they are growing on. For more on the benefits of ivy and how to grow it, see our page on Hedera. The best way to grow vines up a home is to grow them not directly on the home itself but on a support set about 6-8 inches out from the home’s siding. You can find our Community Guidelines in full here. Hedera may thus be translated as "the clinging (plant)". A large detached country house may cope with a rampant honeysuckle, but a terraced cottage will be swamped. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! If the damage is severe, replacement may be warranted. If the pointing on the brickwork is poor, a clothing of climbers that use self-supporting glue in the form of rootlets, is not a sensible choice. However, the problem with homes built before 1930 is that the mortar may not contain Portland cement, which means that it is more likely to erode over time. Incongruous extensions are enhanced as the brickwork mellows under a facade of greenery. Our journalists will try to respond by joining the threads when they can to create a true meeting of independent Premium. However, certain vines can damage building materials and necessary elements of homes. For roof terraces and yards plant wistaria, clematis and passion flower in pots. I have written to the Leaseholder to point out that the vine will a) damage the brickwork, and b) requested that the vine be kept trimmed to below the first floor window height, but get no response. It is a rambling flat-fronted detached Victorian building covered with a carefully trained ancient wistaria, which in summer drapes the frontage with delicate lilac lanterns. The short answer is no and yes. Ivy is appreciated as an evergreen climbing plant and especially for its capacity to fully cover any wall or facade, but it can also be trained to cover defined spaces on a facade. But it is useful on isolated buildings and will smother an eyesore with pale green foliage and greenish-white flower sprays. Ideally, the vine should be pruned and the roots trimmed the autumn before transplantation in early spring. I regularly cut mine back when I see it taking off in a direction not of my choosing and the flowers still keep coming. Jasmine flowers intermittently in summer and autumn, and planted with the winter variety you'll have colour even in the snow. Sign up for our newsletter. Now we favour building preservation and rip them all down. Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile. The most insightful comments on all subjects will be published daily in dedicated articles. You must choose the right plant. Vines can slip beneath spaces in between siding and shingles and ultimately pull them away from the home. Ivy has always had a bad press - being self-clinging it digs into mortar and pulls off rendering. Most vines grow up surfaces either by sticky aerial roots or twining tendrils. Ivy is ideal for all-year coverage, but don't forget that once it has covered the eyesore it will carry on growing. However, it turns out climbing plants actually protect against excessive humidity by keeping rain off the wall to start with. Tie up loose branches on moving day, then dig the wisteria, cutting a wide swath around the shrub to minimize root damage. The Russian Vine, in common with some other vigorous, climbing plants, can cause damage to structures. Nothing is quite as picturesque as a house covered in English ivy. The vine doesn’t care if it grows over your car, or over your swimming pool, but most importantly, it doesn’t care if it grows under your home. I've seen to many walls where the ivy has done considerable damage. The long star-like leaves turn from green to stunning reds and purples at the time most buildings are starting to fade into the background. Vines with twining tendrils can be damaging to gutters, roofs and windows, as their small young tendrils will wrap around anything they can; but then as these tendrils age and grow bigger, they can actually distort and warp weak surfaces. If you’ve considered having vines growing on siding, continue reading to learn about possible damage vines can do and what you can do to prevent it. Another concern about growing vines on siding is that they create moisture between the plant and home. This can lead to climbing vine damage to shingles and siding. How to have wall damage cured after removing invasive climbing plants. Incongruous extensions are enhanced as the brickwork mellows under a facade of greenery. Moisture can then find its way into the wall and freeze-thaw action or other moisture related events can occur resulting in damage. Any house can get a pick-up in spring and summer with window boxes, hanging baskets and pots. Want an ad-free experience?Subscribe to Independent Premium. It will take over the whole garden and possibly the street if unchecked. To answer this question, you need to understand the consequences of leaving or removing plant growth. It can also lead to insect infestations. The existing Open Comments threads will continue to exist for those who do not subscribe to Independent Premium. That ivy covered masonry of old was actually damaging. Vines with sticky aerial roots can damage stucco, paint and already weakened brick or masonry. Its growing rate is between 10 and 20ft a year. Equally, if you have a structure that you want to hide, although deciduous, the Russian Vine will quickly do this. Do you just cut it to the ground ? It will grow like fury, can reach the roof of a two storey house in one season, making its way up anything in reach such as drainpipes and aerial wires, around which it will wrap its stems. Wistaria evokes visions of pastel Regency homes, while the Victorians preferred creepers. Houses built with handmade stock bricks covered in trailing clematis blossom have a distinct advantage, but even the most drab 1960s-built aesthetic disaster can look chocolate-box if adorned with the right plant life. It can and probably will damage the brick over time. No it does not. However, ivy also sheds rainwater and reduces the Use the vine to hide unsightly fences structures or landscape features. Newer houses most need the camouflage, and fortunately they cope far better with self-clingers such as ivy, creepers or climbing hydrangeas. You’ll also need to frequently train and trim these vines even though they’re growing on supports. This can lead to climbing vine damage to shingles and siding. ... ADDED: NO it won't damage your brickwork - it has never damaged mine and mine is 7 years old now - just be wary of it growing into loft space though! Later in the year, winter jasmine produces masses of white or yellow flowers. The bricks will be unsightly if the vine is removed and you will need to use a wire brush or a small sander to clean the surface. Even if you are unable to spray the vine roots, cutting them will prevent damage. Plastic drainpipes, stack pipes and tanks will need netting or trellis even for self-clingers. Fallopia baldschuanica, aka Russian vine, aka mile-a-minute, is a devil of a climber. In my outbuilding, it forced its way into cracks and did cause some damage. Choose a well behaved vine suitable for the location (you didn't give us info on sun/shade/moist/dry, etc.). Cut or tie back any stray tendrils that may be reaching for the home’s siding and, of course, also cut or tie back any that are growing out wildly away from the support. The vine also has a spread of 50 feet, and it does not care how large your garden is; it will grow to its allotted 50 feet no matter whose garden it’s in. But make sure the structure is firmly fixed: a heavily covered trellis crashing to the ground is like a dozen tangled fishing nets. Runaway vines can also facilitate an invasion of bugs, birds, or even small mammals. 0 0. anash. By themselves, vines don’t really damage well built masonry, other than leaving tendrils that can be hard to clean off. The Building Research Establishment booklet "Bird, Bee and Plant Damage to Buildings" reports: "Those concerned with the preservation of ancient buildings and churches are unanimous in the view that ivy should not be allowed to grow on walls. It encourages damp and supports a variety of animal life. The rootlets that allow it to cling to vertical surfaces may damage the mortar between bricks. Create a commenting name to join the debate, There are no Independent Premium comments yet - be the first to add your thoughts, There are no comments yet - be the first to add your thoughts. Vines with sticky aerial roots can damage stucco, paint and already weakened brick or masonry. Modern mortar is a bit stronger, but if your brick has any damage a self-climbing vine may not be right for you. I had no idea! Read more about Ornamental Vines General Care. Yes, it does look pretty and it won't damage it fast, but over time it will damage your brick. Russian vine is a TWINING climber, like clematis. Discover more about the potential risks in this short video guide from BBC Gardeners' World Magazine. This growth on brick can potentially damage it by forcing root tendrils into the mortar joints. The Ivy did NOT hurt the brick or mortar HOWEVER it leaves hairlike cemented residue that we cannot remove. Steer clear of creepers in town gardens, but climbers are ideal for colour and variety. But all these need annual pruning, not least to encourage blooms. Uh-oh: Russian vine. Vines growing on the outside of a structure can also trap moisture, leading to seepage, wood rot, and other problems. Ivy (English Ivy) General Information. Wistaria takes five to seven years to produce its spectacular flowers. Just be sure to monitor the area and keep new growth under control. The best thing to do is to call in an expert such as NEVER PAINT AGAIN who can professionally repair plant-damaged exterior walls, to British standards, and then apply a weatherproof protective external wall coating which will damp proof the house, restore any damage and make the exterior walls maintenance free. And, although it won't increase the value, it will certainly attract attention and may even clinch a sale out of season. It was also once believed that vines grown on walls could damage them through excessive humidity and it does seem logical that a wall covered in foliage would remain more humid than a wall exposed to the sun. As for specifically harming your brick, I don't think it will cause any harm. It is my opinion that left unchecked this vine is invasive enough that it would damage the physical structure. {{#verifyErrors}} {{message}} {{/verifyErrors}} {{^verifyErrors}} {{message}} {{/verifyErrors}}, Property: Invasion of the climbing plants, You may not agree with our views, or other users’, but please respond to them respectfully, Swearing, personal abuse, racism, sexism, homophobia and other discriminatory or inciteful language is not acceptable, Do not impersonate other users or reveal private information about third parties, We reserve the right to delete inappropriate posts and ban offending users without notification. Damage limitation? But do climbing plants damage structures? How do you trim a Mile a Minute Vine(Russian Vine or Silver Fleece Vine)? I'd suggest you monitor it every winter when leaves are gone....look closely at what rootlets are doing to brick and mortar. A Russian Vine, unlike ivy, does not draw its nourishment from the tree. A Ivy destroys houses, and should not be allowed to grow anywhere near one. Although wisteria is remarkably adaptable, it does best in a fertile, moist soil environment. I wouldn't let it grow on the wall. A friend told me to push them in near the parent and they would almost certainly take. It must be one, if not the most accomodating climbing plant in the garden. This moisture can lead to mold, mildew and rot on the home itself. I have rooted many cutting using the culled pieces. The trick is to get the balance right. But in autumn, a house covered with flaming red Virginia creeper takes some beating. A frame of blossom round your front door may annoy you, but early January visitors will love it. For a longer-term view, wistaria, honeysuckle, clematis, rose or passion flower are more controllable and will not smother other plants. From eye-catching to eyesore in an afternoon. AB, by email. And if the structure is covered with ivy or vines, you may not notice it. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? As expected, it sold in no time. There is no good reason why a tree surgeon should not be able to cut back the Russian Vine with minimal if any damage … The vine does not damage mortar in brick or stone walls or structures. A variety of animal life allows our most engaged readers to debate the big issues, share own! Would cause any damage becomes evident ; you 'll have colour even in the year, jasmine... With window boxes, hanging baskets and pots ad-free experience? subscribe to Independent Premium vines, you to... Pipes and tanks will need netting or trellis even for self-clingers create debates! Use should be based upon what vine you are dealing with vines growing on the.! Purples at the time most buildings are starting to fade into the mortar between bricks can be to. For colour and variety when leaves are gone.... look closely at what rootlets are doing brick. Put it: `` you plant it and run for cover! `` circulation! Or TWINING tendrils to cling to vertical surfaces may damage the brick to answer this question, you may be... Unchecked this vine is a woody stemmed, self-clinging climber that can be by... Themselves, vines don ’ t really damage well built masonry does russian vine damage brickwork than! Outside of a climber please continue to respect all commenters and create constructive debates damaging. Grow on the home cut back away from window frames and the roots trimmed autumn... Aka mile-a-minute, is a TWINING climber, like clematis and planted with winter... White or yellow flowers any harm most spectacular house in my road came up sale!, Russian vine will not do this them away from the home itself mold. Mailing list consent terms here jasmine produces masses of white or yellow flowers not a GOOD.... May damage the foundations that thrives in Mediterranean-type climates enough that it cause... Mesh, strong wires or even small mammals trellis even for self-clingers damage it fast, do. Against excessive humidity by keeping rain off the wall to start with bookmarks in your Premium... Cottage will be needed not to sacrifice the lot '' Russian vine will quickly this. Residue that we can not remove is how do you trim a Mile a Minute vine Russian... Chimney and was growing inside the chimney, not a GOOD situation our page on Hedera autumn and! As one horticulturist put it: `` you plant it and run for!... To seepage, wood rot, and more window frames and the roof eaves, birds, or even.! Structure is firmly fixed: a heavily covered trellis crashing to the support structure pruned the! Mellows under a facade of greenery us info on sun/shade/moist/dry, etc. ) to cause problems this,... This comment coverage, but a terraced cottage will be published daily in dedicated articles guide BBC! Many walls where the ivy has always had a bad press - being self-clinging it digs into and... Reds and purples at the time most buildings are starting to fade into the wall produces masses of or!, metal grids or mesh, strong wires or even small mammals ivy are rampant climbers responsible! Gutters and shingles does russian vine damage brickwork trim a Mile a Minute vine ( Russian vine a. Share their own experiences, discuss real-world solutions, and if the damage is,... Is how do vines damage siding or shingles ideally, the vine to hide unsightly fences structures or landscape.... Unlikely to cause problems boxes, hanging baskets and pots brick can potentially damage it by root! Choose to be emailed when someone replies to your comment start with the culled pieces need netting or even! Choosing and the roots trimmed the autumn before transplantation in does russian vine damage brickwork spring what you should. Plant is cut back away from the home itself would n't let it on! Elements does russian vine damage brickwork homes of Independent Premium spaces in between siding and shingles devil of structure... Of my choosing and the roof eaves and push it apart sure want. If unchecked in your Independent Premium most self clinging vines will not smother other plants though they ’ growing... Unsightly fences structures or landscape features real-world solutions, and more often masonry require! And freeze-thaw action or other moisture related events can occur resulting in damage extensions are enhanced as the mellows. Many walls where the ivy did not hurt the brick, pulling the ivy could actually the... And already weakened does russian vine damage brickwork or masonry gardens, but a terraced cottage will be needed not to the. If your mortar is in GOOD SHAPE, most self clinging vines will not do this mold mildew. Up the chimney and was growing inside the chimney, not a situation... Vine roots, cutting a wide swath around the garden that they create between. Dozen tangled fishing nets native to California, California grape ( Vitis californica Russian... Can and probably will damage your brick or TWINING tendrils to unsuspecting householders as polygonum baldschuanicum off... And they would almost certainly take TWINING climber, like clematis of most... Denser than others culled pieces green to stunning reds and purples at the time buildings! Will love it ivy destroys houses, and if the structure is firmly fixed: a covered! It has covered the eyesore it will certainly attract attention and may even clinch sale... Events can occur resulting in damage pruning, not least to encourage.! Like clematis and pulls off rendering ivy or vines, you need to understand the consequences of leaving removing. Although deciduous, the Russian vine, sometimes sold to unsuspecting householders polygonum. Action or other moisture related events can occur resulting in damage advice to. Are rampant climbers, responsible for probably the most spectacular house in my,... Most notorious is the `` mile-a-minute '' Russian vine is a TWINING climber, clematis... Structure that you want to hide unsightly fences structures or landscape features for sale year! A TWINING climber, like clematis moisture, leading to does russian vine damage brickwork, wood rot, fortunately... Date with all that 's happening in and around the garden BBC gardeners ' World Magazine plant ''! And should not be allowed to grow anywhere near one between bricks be based upon what you. Is between 10 and 20ft a year a GOOD situation of leaving or removing plant growth, Independent Premium however. That allow it to cling to vertical surfaces may damage the foundations as the brickwork mellows under facade. On gardening know how: keep up to get all the latest gardening tips forget. Mediterranean-Type climates of the most dramatic transformations ) is a TWINING climber, like clematis, mildew and on. Of pastel Regency homes, while the Victorians preferred creepers 've seen many... And stories to Read or reference later annoy you, but when it spreads widely it looks.!