Does Virginia Creeper damage brick walls? - Ask Extension
I have Virginia Creeper climbing on the back wall of my condo. The association wants it removed because it can damage the brick/mortar. From my readin...
Knowledgebase
Does Virginia Creeper damage brick walls? #876028
Asked July 05, 2024, 4:10 PM EDT
I have Virginia Creeper climbing on the back wall of my condo. The association wants it removed because it can damage the brick/mortar. From my reading about this plant, I inferred that it would not hurt the brick or mortar because of the manner in which it adheres to the wall as it climbs. Can you please clarify? I prefer not to kill a plant unless it is necessary. Thanks.
Oakland County Michigan
Expert Response
The clinging disks of Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) do not harm masonry or brick. Although pulling live vines off can damage painted surfaces; if the vine is killed first, after a while the tendrils will loosen and the vine can be removed with less damage, although a residue will remain.
More information on the Virginia Creeper plant can be found in this article by the University of Wisconsin Extension. The article can be found here: Virginia Creeper, Parthenocissus quinquefolia – Wisconsin Horticulture
Thank you for your question and have a gardening experience.
