Quote Originally Posted by Chris View Post
Never let English ivy climb on a wall or other structure. It's roots will destroy masonry. It should only be used as a ground cover.

Boston Ivy is the type you can let climb on a wall.
When I purchased my home, poison ivy was growing up the 100-year-old stone house. All of the mortar disappeared and after I pulled down the ivy (which was thriving even though it no longer reached the ground), I replaced the mortar.

Rose White, author
"Easy Gardens A to Z"