Almost everyone has one in their garden and almost everyone thinks it is beautiful. We're talking about ivy. It cuts a fine figure, especially on a facade. But is it actually a good idea to green a facade with it?
Ivy is a popular and very fast-growing climbing plant that is often used for greening facades. In principle, there is nothing to prevent this, at least if you follow a few tips. Although ivy does not form roots that can cause major damage to the facade, in some cases it can be better if you decide against greening the facade with ivy.Benefits of Greening with Ivy
✔ Ivy grows in the shade and also on poor soil:
Shady locations, poor soil - these facts, which kill other plants, do not bother the ivy. Originally known as a forest plant, the vine does well in low light conditions and has a root system that absorbs nutrients even from poor soil.
✔ Ivy is very easy to care for:
In addition, ivy is very easy to care for and only needs pruning. The plant develops individual shoots with adhesive roots that cling firmly to the house wall and do not lose their hold. You don't need to water the plant, you don't need to fertilize it, just cut it back.
Disadvantages of greening with ivy
✘ regular pruning is necessary:
Basically, you can use ivy and give your house wall a fresh green. However, you should note that you must perform an annual pruning. Otherwise, the plant will cover windows, preventing daylight from entering the house.
✘ Cracks in plaster can be a problem:
But older house facades pose a bigger problem. If cracks form in the plaster or if the plaster comes loose in some places, moisture tends to collect here. If ivy grows over the spots, there is not enough air to get to the plaster so that it can dry. As a result, mold forms. It is even more dangerous when the adhesive roots find their way through the cracks and get stuck in the gaps. They don't burst the facade, but they lead to it when it is forcibly detachedmajor damage. Before you start greening, you should therefore always check the façade for cracks and repair them.
✘ Ivy can get heavy and lift roof tiles:
The climbing plant in the roof area is also problematic. The shoots find their way and climb along the gutters. If adhesion roots loosen in the lower area of the facade, the weight of the tendril can damage the gutter. In addition, individual shoots grow under the roof tiles. Here, ivy removal is particularly important because as the shoots get thicker and more voluminous, they lift the tiles and damage the roof.
✘ Spiders feel comfortable among the ivy:
Other problems can be caused by insects. Spiders feel very comfortable among the dark tendrils of ivy. What is a disadvantage on the one hand is also an advantage. The spiders give you excellent protection against insects and from now on you will be plagued by fewer mosquitoes. Nevertheless, the spiders like to come into the house through the windows, which not everyone likes.
Ivy does not grow on every facade
Even if ivy is very easy to care for and even thrives on poor soil, it does not grow on every facade:
- fresh concrete masonry is unsuitable
- bright facades are avoided
- older facades with cracks should not be greened
In particular, light facades are often rejected by ivy. Although the plant grows on the ground, it cannot be attached to the facade. This is mainly because the light color reflects the sunlight in such a way that the adhesive roots detach from the masonry.
Conclusion:
If you want to green the facade of your house with ivy, think twice. You have to be a bit behind here and have good access to the roof and all windows to keep them free of ivy. In addition, the facade must be in perfect condition. Greening the facade with ivy is only a good idea if you can guarantee all of this.
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