Take care when dealing with poion ivy or oak

By PAULA LAMB,
Special to the Times-Union
April 22, 2008

We have identified some poison ivy and poison oak in our yard. We would like to kill it and then remove the roots. What is the best way to do this?

Anyone who has ever had a reaction to poison ivy or poison oak knows how uncomfortable it can be. You are wise to try to control this plant - especially if there are children around. Allergic reactions can occur by not only handling the plant, but also by touching animals or clothing that have brushed up against it.

There are two approaches to take to eradicate these plants. If you want to physically remove them, it is important to use gloves and full body protection. Protective eyewear and a hat are useful if working with vines growing in trees. It may be possible to cut and pull the low-growing plants, but unless you get all of it, it resprouts easily from its rootstock. Be aware that gloves, tools and clothing that come into contact with the plant will carry the irritant. Wash gloves and clothing separately from other laundry.

To avoid the possibility of contact, I think most people would prefer to use an herbicide. When treating a poison ivy (or poison oak) groundcover, use products containing glyphosate (Roundup). Spray on non-windy days and spray the plant thoroughly while avoiding soaking the ground.

If you have ivy that is attached to a tree, cut the vine (again, using protective clothing) at the base of the tree. As a precaution, you could cut away the lower part of the remaining vine to avoid future contact. Spray the stump with a brush killer such as Brush-B-Gon. Avoid spraying the trunk and avoid spraying other plants. If new growth emerges, spray with glyphosate.

Poison ivy can be a bit devilish to deal with. Whether you use physical means or an herbicide, you will likely need several attempts to get rid of it. Another word of caution here: Do not burn poison ivy. Burning releases the toxins into the air.

Paula Lamb is a master gardener with the Duval Agricultural Extension Service and the University of Florida. Gardener on call A Duval County master gardener is in the Times-Union newsroom from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays to answer questions from readers. The number to call is (904) 359-4199. Readers outside the Jacksonville area may call (800) 472-6397 and ask for extension 4199.

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