When ivy grows on buildings, it can cause structural damage, such as salt marks on brick walls. For this reason, many homeowners try to get rid of it in their yards and homes. In reality, however, you shouldn’t necessarily rush to kill ivy just yet.
Although it may cause damage if left unchecked, it can also provide benefits in certain situations. A well-managed ivy can add aesthetic appeal to a house’s facade, reduce energy costs, and provide insulation.
When determining how to approach ivy growth on the house best, it is essential to understand the risks and benefits of it.
How Can Ivy Roots Damage Houses
Self-clinging climbers such as Boston ivy (Parthenocissus sp.) are usually not damaging to walls. Nevertheless, English ivy (Hedera helix sp.) is capable of supporting itself by means of aerial roots, which can cause considerable structural damage when they penetrate cracks or joints in structures.
In unchecked growth and improperly maintained, English ivy (Hedera helix) can damage houses. A few ways in which Ivy might damage a house include:
- Facade damage. The vines of ivy can attach themselves to the exterior walls of a home using aerial roots or adhesive pads. In time, these tendrils can work their way into cracks and crevices, causing damage to mortar and potentially loosening bricks or other building materials.
- Keeping moisture. Ivy leaves, and vines can trap moisture against the exterior walls of a house, mainly if they cover a large area. During prolonged moisture exposure, the building materials can deteriorate, become damp, and grow mould.
- Rot and decay of wooden surfaces. When ivy vines grow on wooden surfaces, such as siding, window frames, or trim, they can retain moisture, causing rot and decay.
- Ivy vine and gutters. Ivy vines can clog gutters and downspouts and interfere with proper drainage. Overflowing gutters can lead to water damage to the house and the gutter system itself. It can help to keep on top of the gutters being clean, to call in a roofing contractor to check for any surrounding damage, and to ensure that the ivy is not allowed to grow too much on this part of the house in particular.
- Structure issues. Unmanaged ivy can become extremely heavy and may add unnecessary stress to structures such as fences, pergolas, or trellises, possibly causing them to weaken or collapse.
Ivy may look excellent, but you can call a chartered surveyor if you’re worried about whether it will damage your house.
Aside from this, it is also believed that ivy kills trees by consuming their nutrients like a parasite. It doesn’t suffocate or strangle them but travels up to find a light source. There is a possibility that ivy will overpower a sick, dying tree, but that shouldn’t happen with a healthy one. In the wild, ivy crawls along the ground until it encounters something that will give it a reason to climb – typically a tree, but buildings can also provide a good opportunity.
Can Ivy Protect Your House?
Ivy can protect buildings in some cases. It can prevent frost damage, salt weathering, deterioration and soiling from air pollution.
Moreover, ivy-covered walls can make your home more energy-efficient, as they keep a building warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Ivy canopies don’t have to be very thick to have such an effect, and they appear to work in different climates, in both exposed and shaded areas.
Also, ivy reduces the amount of rain reaching the wall surface, which minimises the impact of rain-based chemicals. Ivy is very beneficial in a well-maintained property and looks beautiful when it grows up the walls.
The Benefits of English Ivy
Ivy enhances wildlife gardens. In autumn, it protects small, nectar-producing flowers, and late in the year, it provides nectar and berries for many insects. Throughout the year, ivy shelters small animals and provides nesting sites for birds, especially Blackbirds, Robins, sparrows, owls, and woodpigeons, thanks to its evergreen nature. In the winter, it provides animals with a place to hibernate.
Poison ivy is one species of ivy you should avoid. When touched directly during spring and summer, it releases harmful toxins that cause rashes.
Trim back ivy if you don’t like how it looks. You can cut the vines down to the ground if they spread to places you do not want them to be. Monitor the vines when they grow back and cut them regularly, or you can arrange regular gardening services.
Does Ivy attract pests or insects?
Ivy can indeed attract pests and insects. While Ivy may not directly cause pest infestations, it can create an attractive environment for certain pests and insects. Undoubtedly, ivy provides a dense and sheltered environment, which can appeal to various pests looking for protection from predators or harsh weather conditions.
Moisture-loving pests like ants, slugs, and snails may be attracted to damp areas left behind by ivy on the exterior of buildings. Rodents like mice and rats may find hiding places and nesting opportunities in ivy.
In Summary
The severity of the damage can vary depending on factors such as the type of Ivy, the age of the house, and how well-maintained the ivy is. Not all types of ivy will cause damage. Keeping an eye on ivy growth in your house, pruning it, and taking proper care of it can help mitigate the risks associated with its growth.
When appropriately maintained, Ivy can coexist with houses harmoniously, adding natural beauty without compromising structural integrity.
Nonetheless, climbing plant life up building walls can provide many benefits, such as insulation, cooling, capturing pollutants and attenuating noise.