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Climbing vines, like ivy, wisteria, and Virginia creeper, can make your house look like a storybook cottage. However, looks can be deceiving.
These plants can quickly damage your home, especially if you let them run rampant.
Fortunately, it is possible to leverage their charm without wreaking havoc on your property. All it takes is some knowledge about which vines to choose and patience when planting them.
A horticulturist explains how climbing vines attach to homes
“Climbing vines grip the surfaces on which they climb using adhesive rootlets, curling tendrils, or twining stems. They do this so they can reach the sun they need to grow,” says Alexander Betz, landscape designer and founder of Plant by Number in Chester, NJ.
While there’s no denying they’re beautiful, unmanaged vines can crack surfaces, trap moisture, and create rot. Furthermore, they can make suitable homes for pests. Some surfaces, such as brick, stucco, and wood siding are more vulnerable to damage from climbing vines than others.
Also, humidity and rainy climates accelerate their growth as well as moisture retention, increasing the risk of property damage.
“Additionally, warm climates can make aggressive species like kudzu or trumpet vines spread rapidly. In colder regions, freeze-thaw cycles can worsen cracks where vines have already taken hold,” Betz explains.
The wrong vine can cause serious structural or cosmetic damage
Poorly managed or invasive vines aren’t just an eyesore. They can cause serious damage to your home, such as:
Cracked mortar
According to Betz, rootlets from vines like English ivy can penetrate and widen mortar joints and weaken brickwork. This may increase the risk of water infiltration and structural decay.
Peeling paint
Moisture can easily get trapped under the vines. The unfortunate consequence? Paint that bubbles and flakes off.
Rotting siding
Vines that cover wood siding are simply unable to dry completely. They cause rotting and create the perfect environment for fungus to grow.
Clogged gutters
“Fast-growing vines can creep into gutters and downspouts, filling them with leaves, stems, and debris,” says Betz.
When your gutters are clogged, water can quickly build up, seep into your home, and cause serious damage.
Pest issues
Dense growth becomes a hiding spot for insects and rodents.
“As one rodent expert said about our home last year, ‘This English ivy is like a superhighway for mice,’ and he was right,” says Anna Ohler, co-founder of Bright Lane Gardens in Traverse City, MI.
Blocked vents or windows
“Unchecked vine growth can cover air vents, obscure windows, and hinder air circulation,” explains Betz. This can lead to poor indoor air quality while raising the risk of fires.
Structural damage
Woody vines like wisteria can become extremely heavy and exert pressure on fences, porch railings, or trim. It’s not uncommon for them to eventually pull apart or warp architectural features.
Not all vines are bad—but you have to know how to train them
“Aggressive or invasive vines, such as English ivy, kudzu, trumpet vine, or Virginia creeper, spread rapidly, often smothering native plants and damaging structures with their strong rootlets or woody stems,” says Betz.
These vines require vigilant pruning and can be difficult to remove once established.
Manageable vine, like clematis, climbing roses, or honeysuckle, on the other hand, grow slower, are easier to train, and generally don’t pose the same structural risks.
“They’re ideal for anyone who wants to take advantage of the beauty of vines without worrying about aggressive damage to their home,” explains Betz.
According to Ohler, there are four main steps you’ll need to take to train your vines to grow properly so they don’t wreak havoc on your home. First, install a trellis or wire support a few inches from your exterior to allow air circulation and prevent moisture buildup.
Then, place the vine near the base of the support system, ensuring it has good soil and drainage. Next, guide stems toward the trellis and tie them loosely using garden ties or soft twine. Lastly, remember to prune often in order to control spread.
Betz reinforces the importance of monitoring and maintaining your vines once you’ve trained them.
“Check the structure and vine regularly for pests, rot, or overgrowth, and retie or adjust as needed,” he advises.
Vine-covered homes may look charming, but they could complicate resale
If you plan to sell your home in the near future, vines can be problematic. While some buyers may admire the storybook look, many see them as a red flag. Even if they look pretty, overgrown vines can make a home feel neglected.
“I always keep mine pruned and off the house if I want to protect curb appeal,” explains Ohler. “The potential buyer likes the look of ivy creeping up the wall, but any knowledgeable home inspector will be quick to point it out as an issue.”
Betz agrees that overgrown vines won’t do you any favors if you decide to list your property.
“They may signal hidden issues like structural damage or pest problems, ultimately deterring potential buyers and lowering perceived value,” he says.