Diseased Virginia Creeper - Ask Extension
Hello / I have a 25 ft long chain link fence that is full of Virginia Creeper vine. It’s great privacy as it divides my yard & a public sidewalk...
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Diseased Virginia Creeper #878742
Asked July 25, 2024, 1:27 PM EDT
Hello / I have a 25 ft long chain link fence that is full of Virginia Creeper vine. It’s great privacy as it divides my yard & a public sidewalk. Every bit of the vine is full of disease. Holes in the leaves. Little white & brown spots on top & on underside of leaves. Crinkled brown leaf tips. It seems like it’s too much disease to treat. Do I have to tear it all out or can it be treated? If I tear it out do I have to burn it? Not good to compost?
St. Louis County Minnesota
Expert Response
Good Morning Leanne,
Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service.
Please click on the following link from the Missouri Botanical Garden about virginia creeper:
I believe this is a leaf spot pathogen. Please click on the following link from the U of M Extension Yard and Garden website:
Although this discusses trees and shrubs, your vine is woody. Under "management" it discusses pruning to allow air movement. You might enhance the soil the plants are growing in the ensure they come back healthy.
With the cool and very wet spring we've had, there are many fungi pathogens affecting leaves.
Yes, you could compost it, no problem.
Good Luck!
