Q: What is the best way to remove the left-behinds from a trumpet vine that once grew on my stucco? I’ve tried brushing with a wire brush, which surprisingly doesn’t ruin the stucco, but also isn’t very effective

A: There is no miracle remover; much of your success will depend on elbow grease. Before you scrub with a stiff-bristle brush, try softening the tendrils with one-fourth cup of tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) in a gallon of water.