Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Getting rid of poison ivy
Recently someone I know had a nasty run-in with poison ivy. It’s nothing to be trifled with! Poison ivy is native to Minnesota and is also on the noxious weed list. Learn more from MinnesotaWildflowers, the UofMN Ext. and the U of Wis. Ext.
Not everyone has a major reaction but once you have, you will continue to have a bad reaction. If your skin comes in contact, use water only to get as much off as possible. Don’t use soap on your skin it might spread the toxin faster.
What if it’s in an area of your yard? It’s important first, to know it’s poison ivy.
Western Poison Ivy is on the noxious weed list for Minnesota due to its toxic, rash-producing properties, as well as its propensity to form large colonies from underground rhizomes. It has a preference for drier, sunny spots but grows well enough in shadier and moister soil and seems to thrive along trail edges. When in doubt remember “leaves of three, let it be”.
Next, pick a herbicide, namely triclopyr or glyphosate, a total vegetation killer. In this LINK there is a list of suggested herbicides from Clemson University: The herbicides glyphosate, 2,4-D amine, dicamba, mecoprop, and triclopyr are translocated from the leaves and cut stems to the rest of the plant, eventually killing the shoots and roots. Repeated applications may be necessary. Depending on weather and other factors, it may take one to several weeks before you discover whether you have successfully eradicated the plant, so be patient.
You know I don’t normally recommend this kind of herbicide but to remove larger infestations of poison ivy organically may take a lot more time and a lot more diligence pulling out the plants AND their roots, season after season. Even using a herbicide may take 3 or 4 attempts.
IF you use something like RoundUp, be sure to keep your pets away from the area and also make sure that you dress appropriately. Wear rubber gloves, a long-sleeve shirt, long pants tucked into high socks, and boots or shoes that can be hosed off later. Goggles and a breathing mask are also recommended. Follow the directions on the herbicide you use. AFTER, spray your shoes/boots, throw the gloves away, clean your tools with rubbing alcohol and wash your clothes separately from other laundry.
Do NOT burn poison ivy. The smoke carries the toxin in it.
With shears or pruners, remove all the poison ivy stems you see, and place them in plastic garbage bags. When full, tie the bags closed. Don’t tear or rip at the plants, this can disperse the toxic resin into the air. Once they’re cut back, spray the stems, they will take the chemical down into the roots. Remember to use extreme caution and remember this type of weed killer, kills everything.