CONTROLLING POISON IVY

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By Bobbie Herbs

Leaves of three, let it be.

The old adage remains true today. Poison ivy is the leading cause of allergenic dermatitis on the East Coast according to Rutgers University Fact Sheet 1019. 

Poison Ivy is a deciduous plant meaning the leaves die back in winter. The plant can take many forms, such as a shrub or a vine climbing a tree or trailing through your shrubs and garden beds. With every part of the plant poisonous, it can cause red, itchy rashes to blistering, even anaphylaxis.

If you choose removal versus letting it be, identification is key. Poison Ivy can look like Virginia Creeper in its early stages. Upon germination both seedlings can have three oval leaves with highly toothed edges. As they mature, poison ivy retains three leaves while Virginia creeper has five. 

Once identified, consider either mechanical or chemical methods of removal.   

Remember, every part of the plant is poisonous at all times of the year. Start by wearing protective clothing, long sleeves, rubber gloves, and long pants. Any body parts or gloves that touch the plant should be scrubbed thoroughly and clothes washed once your job is complete. 

Mechanical
This is especially effect when the seedlings are small. As mentioned above, in the early spring it can be difficult to distinguish between poison ivy and Virginia creeper. I err on the side of pulling any suspicious seedlings since both plants can become thugs in the garden.

Chemical
Two registered chemicals are effective in killing poison ivy. Read labels carefully to ensure one or both of these chemicals is in the systemic herbicide you choose. Triclopyr kills broadleaf plants, while glyphosate kills all vegetation. 

Dependent upon your specific needs, here are some proven chemical methods for taming the invasion. 

For large areas use the spray nozzle. When you spray, do so on a quiet day avoiding damage to your garden beds.

Or use a paint brush. For thick vines climbing trees, cut a 4-inch section out of the stem. Wet the brush with your herbicide and paint the chemical on the open wound. After the vine dies back, remove it carefully. 

For vines creeping through your garden, shrubs or fence line pull the vine onto a disposable tarp. Then paint the chemical on the leaves. Be careful not to let the treated leaves touch desirable ground covers or other plants. 

Be sure to download Rutgers University Fact Sheet 1019 for more information about poison ivy control.  






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