Vines

Vines or ivy can cover a vertical surface to create a green wall. However, they can also cause structural damage to a home by eroding masonry and penetrating and exacerbating the cracks around windows and doors. Because of this danger, vines are better placed on a wood or metal trellis that is at a distance from a wall surface but that will still cast a shadow during hot summer months.

When building a vine trellis, use local species of vines.

It is best that a vine trellis be built not too close to a façade, both to prevent the vines from jumping over to the façade and to prevent water damage to your foundation.

A vine trellis can reduce the solar heating of a façade, lowering cooling costs and overall contribution to green house gas emissions. Other benefits include absorption of carbon dioxide, storm water runoff mitigation and noise reduction.

One of the most common types of vines are grape vines. Even in northern climates like Nova Scotia, grape vines can be grown in yards and be used to make jam and wine!