How to safely remove poison ivy vines
Q. What can I do in September to control poison ivy? I am noticing it in a number of places in my backyard.
A. Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is a native North American woody perennial vine. It is in the same family (Anacardiaceae) as sumac, cashews and magnolias, which reproduce by seed, creeping rootstocks and stems that root where they contact soil.
All parts of poison ivy contain a resin, urushiol, that causes a rash and itching, both allergic reactions. Most people are allergic, but to those that are sensitive, even the leafless winter and early spring stems should be avoided.
It is shade tolerant, but can be found in almost any habitat, sun or shade, wet or dry. It often grows as an under story shrub or vine. It can be spread by birds who feed on the fruit. The fruit is a small, round, greenish to grayish berry that grows in clusters and ripens in the fall.
"Leaves of three, not for me" is a good way to remember how to avoid poison ivy, but there are other plants with three leaflets. Poison ivy has leaves that consist of three large palmate borne leaflets, all of relatively equal size that grow on alternate sides of the stem and are connected at a central point. The leaflets are longer than they are wide, but size varies based on growing conditions. Recognizing the leaves and noting the hairy vines on trees can be useful in avoiding contact.
If your hands become infected, you can spread the irritant to other parts of your body. Contact with clothes or pets that have picked up the sap also can cause a reaction.
Poison ivy can be confused with several woody species, including box elder, fragrant sumac and Virginia creeper. The box elder has green to red stems arranged opposite to each other. The fragrant sumac has three glossy green leaflets of unequal size with regularly spaced rounded teeth on the leaf margins. The stems are hairy, but don't cling or climb. Virginia creeper has five to seven leaflets emanating from a central point.
There are three methods recommended for controlling poison ivy: digging, severing the vine, and then treating the regrowth with an herbicide or applying an herbicide to individual leaflets.
Always wear protective clothing when removing poison ivy, including long sleeve shirts and long pants tucked into socks, and boots that can be hosed off later. Goggles and a breathing mask are also recommended.
Don't attempt to burn the leaves, as smoke from burning leaves or vines, even after they have dried, can cause lung and throat irritation. See a doctor if this happens.
If the vines are growing vertically, sever them at the base with shears or pruners and carefully pull them down using a rake, then dispose of them in plastic garbage bags. Do not tear or rip the vines, as this may disperse the toxic resin into the air.
Glyphosate, a nonselective systemic herbicide, should be applied to new growth. Be sure to read, understand and follow the label directions for proper use of the chemicals. Apply herbicide on a dry calm day to prevent damage to nearby foliage.
Always try to pull out the entire root so it won't sprout again. Reapplication of the glyphosate may be necessary. Once the plants are dormant, herbicides are no longer effective.
After removal, disinfect your clothing and your tools. Rinse you pruners and shovel, including the handles, with rubbing alcohol. Let them dry, and then oil metal parts to prevent rust. Likewise, the clothes you wear while removing poison ivy must be cleaned. Wash separately and clean your boots or shoes with cold soapy water and a garden hose. Also be sure to shower to prevent any contamination.
- Terri Passolt
• Provided by Master Gardeners through the Master Gardener Answer Desk, Friendship Park Conservatory, Des Plaines, and University of Illinois Extension, North Cook Branch Office, Arlington Heights. Call (847) 298-3502 Monday, Wednesday and Saturday or (847) 201-4176, ext. 14, on Fridays.