Grape Vines and Brick
I’ve just discovered that the vine growing on the side of my brownstone is a massive grape vine. I know most vines damage the brick and mortar, and should be cut, does anyone know whether grape vines damage the brick? Thanks.
I’ve just discovered that the vine growing on the side of my brownstone is a massive grape vine. I know most vines damage the brick and mortar, and should be cut, does anyone know whether grape vines damage the brick?
Thanks.
Try making a Concord grape pie — like a delicious cross between blueberry and tart rhubarb.
Re: grapes—my grandfather grew grapes, as did most of our (Brooklyn, first-generation, immigrant) neighbors. Most of the older vines in Brooklyn are Concord Grapes producing an irresistible fragrance and a decent table wine (if you know how). Also good for preserves, straight-off-the-vine consumption, and birdfood.
Re: ivy damage to mortar—This is not an urban legend, but neither is the issue/damage always clear-cut. Some references:
http://www.gobrick.com/pdfs/Ivy%20on%20Brickwork.pdf
http://www.gobrick.com/bia/technotes/TN46.pdf
http://www.nps.gov/history/HPS/TPS/briefs/brief01.htm
http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,197133-3,00.html
A segment of the TOH Boston project covered a stucco exterior damaged by vines.
I think some vines definitely are trouble. I once lived in an apartment in London where vines were growing over the window. One tendril actually grew right through a 2 inch thick wooden window frame and into my kitchen. That can’t be good for brick.
I grew up hearing how vines were bad for masonry structures, but if you go through Europe and Great Britain, you see masonry structures, both brick and stone that have vines on them that have obviously been there for a very, very long time with no visible negative effects. I wonder if it’s legitimately a problem, or just one of those things that gets repeated enough that it becomes fact. Obviously some vines like Trumpet vines that actually pull on a structure are a problem, but I wonder about the grapes, ivys,creepers etc.
Thanks for the info. Great help. Unfortunately, I don’t think an arbor will work, they are growing from the back of an adjacent building onto the side of ours in the yard of a third building (complicated, I know). But glad to hear that they are not damaging the mortar. I love the idea of all these grapes growing on the side of the house. I cut some back today but couldn’t reach the top 5 feet or so which I guess I just won’t worry about for now. Maybe I’ll get a good harvest later this fall. Home made wine on the way.
I eat them if they’re in good shape. If not, I dry them & use for bird food in the winter. I would cut them off if I were you – they’re really messy if left to fall on their own.
Some vines damage brick and mortar (clingers, as vinca notes); some don’t (grabbers, op cit). But all vines shade walls and thus keep walls wet, which is a good reason to remove any climbing vine from a masonry wall.
Grapes, on the other hand, are a good reason to keep the vine!
A grape vine should not cause any damage. unless it is pulling down a roof gutter or other feature. They grow best on arbors. There is a family in Brooklyn Heights, on Joralemon Street, that has a large arbor out front that is covered with grapes. They look so beautifull hanging down from the arbor. That vine looks like it is decades old.
my grape vines have been yielding a lot of grapes. they’re finally turning purple. i wonder when it is ok to eat them. they look a little manky though. pretty to look at but hmmm. maybe i’ll just leave them as decoration.