How do I remove poison ivy from my yard?
If you've got poison ivy growing in your yard, you have two main options for getting rid of it: either use herbicides, or pull it out by the roots. No matter which method you use, make sure that your skin never comes into contact with the poison ivy! Wear clothes that completely cover your skin, and always wear gloves.
Firstly, let's look at using herbicides. This is probably the more effective method to do it, but it can only be done at certain times of the year, as it isn't effective unless the poison ivy is actively growing. This means that it won't work in the fall or in winter, so if you discover poison ivy at these times of years you're better to use a maunual method instead, and then attack again with chemicals in spring time.
Herbicides can be used in a couple of different ways. The first is direct application to the inside of the plant. To do this, you need to prune the poison ivy by cutting it close to the ground – no more than about an inch or two of it should remain. As soon as you make the cut, apply the herbicide to the fresh wound. Because the plant is still growing, it will instinctively drink in the herbicide, which will then be taken deep inside the poison ivy and will kill it from within.
Alternatively, you can spray the poison ivy – a good option if it is growing around your property in abundance. Spraying can be done when the plant is flowering or fruiting (the best time depends on the type of herbicide you are using, so ask for advice in the store and read the directions on the can). Conditions need to be right for spraying, so choose a day when there is little to no wind, and only spray on a dry day. Don't forget to check the forecast – if it rains within 24 hours of you spraying, much of your good work will be undone!
To spray poison ivy, you'll need a spraying tank, which you should fill with a solution of herbicide and water according to the instructions on the can. Spray the plant heavily, and repeat several times until the poison ivy is completely eliminated. Note that if the plant is growing up a tree, you might want to “paint on” the herbicide instead of spraying, to prevent damage to the tree by any stray spray.
If you're uing a manual method of poison ivy removal, you want to pull the plant out by its roots. You can do this while the plant is still alive, or you can kill it first by smothering it. To smother a poion ivy plant, simply cover it over with something that will block out air and sunlight – newspaper, mulch, and tarps are good suggestions. Be careful, though – the plants will remain toxic even after they're dead, so take care when you're pulling them out.
You should dispose of poison ivy carefully and responsibly, bearing in mind that it will still be harmful to anyone who touches it, no matter how long it's been dead. Never burn poison ivy. Burning releases toxic fumes which are extremely harmful if inhaled, and will cause much more damage to your body than simply touching the plant ever could.
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