Question
I've recently begun working as a facilities manager at Bronx Preparatory Charter School in the Bronx, NY.  It has fallen on my shoulders the problem of saving a front yard that is supposed to have only wintercreeper, but is covered with weeds and other plants.  What are my options for eliminating everything but the wintercreeper.  The area is only about 25 x 75.


Answer
Chris:

I assume you are referring to a Parthenossisus species, like Boston Ivy (tricuspidata) or Wintercreeper (quincifolia).

Without seeing it, my guess is that the plants of the vine have formed a root mass and, generally, do not have much vigor.  You can try mowing the area to revive it and encourage new growth next spring.

Alternately, you may have to renovate the root area, pruning many of the large roots and removing them to force regrowth.

The weeds will have to be removed by hand and kept in check until the vine covers the area again.  You may try a pre-emergent early next spring to discourage weeds.

Let me know what happens.  I am not aware of any major plant diseases which effect this vine except some leaf spotting fungus not harmful to growth.

Best wishes.