Ivy screens (or vine screens) use climbing plants (often evergreen vines) trained on a trellis or frame to create a living wall or privacy screen.
- How it works: Vines such as English ivy (Hedera), Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata), Virginia creeper (P. quinquefolia), and others are grown up a trellis or directly over a wall. Alternatively, panels of ivy plugs (often with roots embedded in coir matting) can be attached to walls. The plants cling or wrap as they grow, covering the surface.
- Ideal uses: Exterior fences, garden walls, unsightly structures, or for privacy/coverage in outdoor spaces. Ivy screens provide evergreen cover in mild climates, creating a natural green fence.
Pros
- Once established, many vines are low-maintenance (just periodic trimming). They provide year-round leaf cover (English ivy stays green) or vibrant fall colour (Boston ivy).
- Ivy can quickly cover large areas, and as it matures it insulates and shades the wall. Screens are often used for privacy or to hide blank walls.
- Ivy also dampens noise somewhat and improves air quality slightly by trapping particulates.
cons
- Climbing vines can damage buildings if not managed carefully. Clinging roots (like those of English Ivy or Virginia Creeper) can penetrate mortar or wood, widening cracks and trapping moisture.
- Over time, heavy ivy can compromise brick walls or sidings. Ivy can also be invasive; English ivy is non-native in many areas and can out-compete native plants. Furthermore, ivy screens lose leaves in winter if deciduous, or can mat up gutters.
Design & maintenance
- Use a supportive structure: install a trellis or cable system so vines do not attach directly to sensitive surfaces.
- Prefer vine species that twine or have tendrils (like grapes or clematis) rather than ones with adhesive rootlets. Regular trimming is needed to keep growth in check. Inspect the wall periodically: if cracks form, vines may need to be cut back. On buildings, skip climbing vines altogether unless the material (e.g. concrete) tolerates them.
