Question: Will vines pull the mortar out of my brick wall?

Answer: No. However, there are several concerns you need to address. First, don’t plant dense vines against a wooden wall. You can still plant some type of vine near the wood, but use a twining vine on a hinged trellis, so there will be good air movement behind the vine. Also, don’t plant clinging vines against really light-colored brick, since it can trap dust and debris and leave the surface stained. Third, beware of Boston ivy and other vines with clinging “roots” as they start to grow across window screens, siding and other surfaces that cannot be scraped with a wire brush. They are tenacious and will still be in place years after you decide to remove the vines.