Ivy on Brick: Good or Bad?

As with the outfield wall at the Chicago Cub’s Wrigley Field, ivy growing on brick structures seems to carry with it an air of tradition and history. Many agree that ivy on brick is a dignified and classic design choice.

But we’re not going to debate the design merits of brick and ivy here. Rather, let’s discuss whether that ivy is good for the brick structure itself. There seems to be a common notion that ivy will deteriorate a brick wall. But despite a few minor drawbacks to consider with ivy, well-built brick structures are far too durable and resilient to be damaged by a few vines.

It helps to have some understanding of how ivy plants climb walls in the first place. Many of the plants that grow most often on brick, including Boston ivy, attach themselves with small disc-shaped appendages. These miniature suction cups emit an adhesive that binds the plant to the masonry. That growth habit, along with the general twining nature of vines, is what many people assume causes damage to brick.

However, ivy’s ability to crack the mortar and dislodge brick units from a wall is a misconception. When designers source top-of-the-line brick and masons employ the best building techniques, the growth of ivy alone is not enough to compromise a brick wall.

Still, there can be a few downsides to the climbing greenery. There is the possibility that ivy can trap moisture between itself and the wall’s surface, which may lead to staining of the brick over time. Additionally, ivy may invite birds, insects, and other animals to attempt to nest in it. While a properly constructed brick wall should still be able to keep nature out, not everyone may appreciate so much creature activity on the outside spaces adjacent to the structure (e.g. patios and sidewalks).

The biggest drawback of growing ivy on brick may be that it is difficult to remove when and if the building’s owner wants to change the look. Those small suction cups mentioned earlier are incredibly difficult to detach, and doing it improperly is typically more damaging to a wall than leaving the ivy in place.

The best approach is to cut the plants away close to the wall, removing only small sections at a time. Initially, the suction cups won’t come off, and that’s ok. Simply leave them to dry out on the brickwork. Once they are brown, a quick scrub with a brush should do the trick. Above all, what’s most important is to not use harsh acidic chemicals to remove ivy, as this is likely to cause staining.

Ultimately, ivy’s ability to prematurely deteriorate a brick wall depends a lot on the characteristics of the brick and the skill of the masons who install it. Properly constructed walls with dependable brick units, correctly prepared mortar, and well-tooled joints have the potential to last for several centuries, and the presence of ivy is not likely to interfere with that longevity.

For more information check out the following publications from the national Brick Industry Association.