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Q&A – Is this poison ivy?
What is the best way to get rid of it?

Question:
Is this poison ivy? What is the best way to get rid of it?

Answer:
Retired UT Extension Agent Mike Dennison says there are certain herbicides that work better on poison ivy in certain times of the year. When the plant is actively growing or blooming Round-Up (glyphosate) does a good job and this is what Mike usually uses. When the plant is not as actively growing, Mike mixes some 2,4-D in with the Round-Up. The 2,4-D causes the plant to grow which speeds the movement of the Glyphosate through the plant. If the poison ivy is growing up a tree Mike cuts the vine near the ground leaving a gap so the ends can’t graft themselves back together. The roots will send up new stems and leaves at which time he will spray them with Round-Up. In any case, it may take multiple applications with glyphosate to kill the poison Ivy.

Unfortunately, there is no way to control an established poison ivy plant organically. If you catch a young seedling just after it has sprouted you can pull it out. Once the plant is established you can’t pull it out.

For protection from the oils on poison ivy that cause the irritation Mike recommends wearing a disposable Tyvek suit and rubber gloves.

Related Resources:
Poison Ivy
Controlling Poison Ivy in the Landscape
Poison Ivy Identification and Control
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  • Home
  • Watch
    • TV Schedule
    • Full Episodes Online
    • How-to and Informational
    • Questions and Answers
    • This Week in the Garden
    • Garden Notes
  • Garden Topic Collections
    • Apple Trees: How-to and Information
    • Peach Trees: How-to and Information
    • Tomatoes: How-to and Information
    • Square Foot Garden Blog
  • Resources
    • Soil Testing
    • Extension Publications
    • Gardening Resources
    • Blogs
    • Organic Gardening
    • Articles
    • Privacy
  • Guests
  • Contact Us
    • Ask a Gardening Gardening Question
  • Search