Keep Ivy on my house or remove it?

subtle...

Termites can get around chemical barrier

I’ve got some of that on my house as well. I like the way it looks, but I can’t help but think it harms the bricks in some way.

I had a tiny bit of caulk missing around a window. This ivy worked it’s way into that hole and I eventually found a stem growing inside of the house!

Remove it. It does damage the face of the wall and significantly increases your termite risk

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Termites can get around chemical barrier

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I think I’m going to remove it because of the termite risk.

He's just trying to get a rize out of y'all.

There is a bite more termite risk but I like the way it looks too much to have it taken off. I have it on my Miami and Nantucket homes. My Utah home just won't grow it--too arid of climate the gardener says. Haven't tried to grow it on the Bogalusa home for obvious reasons.

Looks good if if maintained regularly. It does suck having to grab and maneuver an extension ladder frequently in close quarters.

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Maybe trim and see what a PITA it is and how often it needs trimming.

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You think he's going to factor in the opinion of "the help" in his decision?

That is Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila). From research it doesn’t appear to be as aggressive as English Ivy. Someone planted it there to do exactly what it’s doing (cover the wall). It does have roots that dig into crevices in the brick and mortar. I don’t think they go that deep like ivy does. That being said, it will shade out that wall and possibly keep moisture in.