Vines and Plantlife

Vines are destructive to mortar joints as they penetrate the mortar and expand as they grow.  The leaves emits moisture and block sunlight.

The lower 2 feet of any masonry surface is vulnerable to water damage from deflected rain water and moisture emitted from plant life and snow.

This is a clear example of how plantlife emits moisture.

 Notice how the only bricks spalling are in front of the bushes.