We have several approaches to removing poison ivy from your yards:
First, a short list of things NOT to do.
1) DO NOT burn any part of the plants. The toxins in the plant are oil-based and easily transported in smoke, and will cause significant health problems if inhaled.
2) There are several websites out there suggesting that you create a salt-based "weed killer" which can be sprayed on the plant. If you plan to plant in the affected area do not use this method. The salt will stay in that soil for some time, leeching it of its water.
Method 1: Round-up
Directions: Wait for a wind-less, sunny day. This will keep the chemical from being blown to the rest of your garden. Spray all exposed areas of the plant. Keep an eye on the area to note that the chemical is taking effect.
Response time: Several seasons. Be patient with this method. The Round-up will only spread down so far into the root system, so you will see new shoots coming up from the underlying roots. Re-spray these once visible.
** A note to those wary of such harsh chemicals: Although we specialize in organic gardening, we suggest this product since poison ivy is such a persisant weed and has such an uncomfortable effect on those who are allergic. However, the chemical is designed to break down within two weeks, which is generally not enough time to seep into ground water.
** I found mention of a similar weed killer, Brush-B-Gone by Ortho. This is a foam, which makes for less mess when applying.
Method 2: Hand removal
Directions: Dress in long sleeves, long pants (tucked into high socks), rubber boots, long rubber gloves, and a hat to keep your hair back. Choose rubber gloves similar to kitchen gloves, but not your favorite pair since you will be throwing them away when finished. Have a case of plastic trash bags, shovel, and hand trowel, and pocketknife on hand as well. Choose a wind-less, sunny day for this as well. Saturate the entire affected area, this should give you an easier time since all weeds are easier to pull when the soil is wet. Begin working at the most dense area and work your way out along the roots. Work slowly and patiently to avoid snapping the root you are pulling every two feet along. Put everything you pull into the trash bags and throw away with garbage. When you have finished, throw your rubber gloves away, being careful not to touch them to your bare skin. Leave your boots outside the door and immediatly throw your clothes into the wash by themselves. Then rinse all of your tools and boots used with rubbing alcohol.
Response Time: Immediate. This method will show immediate results in your garden. However, you should keep an eye on the area for the rogue sprout, should you miss a piece of the root.
First, a short list of things NOT to do.
1) DO NOT burn any part of the plants. The toxins in the plant are oil-based and easily transported in smoke, and will cause significant health problems if inhaled.
2) There are several websites out there suggesting that you create a salt-based "weed killer" which can be sprayed on the plant. If you plan to plant in the affected area do not use this method. The salt will stay in that soil for some time, leeching it of its water.
Method 1: Round-up
Directions: Wait for a wind-less, sunny day. This will keep the chemical from being blown to the rest of your garden. Spray all exposed areas of the plant. Keep an eye on the area to note that the chemical is taking effect.
Response time: Several seasons. Be patient with this method. The Round-up will only spread down so far into the root system, so you will see new shoots coming up from the underlying roots. Re-spray these once visible.
** A note to those wary of such harsh chemicals: Although we specialize in organic gardening, we suggest this product since poison ivy is such a persisant weed and has such an uncomfortable effect on those who are allergic. However, the chemical is designed to break down within two weeks, which is generally not enough time to seep into ground water.
** I found mention of a similar weed killer, Brush-B-Gone by Ortho. This is a foam, which makes for less mess when applying.
Method 2: Hand removal
Directions: Dress in long sleeves, long pants (tucked into high socks), rubber boots, long rubber gloves, and a hat to keep your hair back. Choose rubber gloves similar to kitchen gloves, but not your favorite pair since you will be throwing them away when finished. Have a case of plastic trash bags, shovel, and hand trowel, and pocketknife on hand as well. Choose a wind-less, sunny day for this as well. Saturate the entire affected area, this should give you an easier time since all weeds are easier to pull when the soil is wet. Begin working at the most dense area and work your way out along the roots. Work slowly and patiently to avoid snapping the root you are pulling every two feet along. Put everything you pull into the trash bags and throw away with garbage. When you have finished, throw your rubber gloves away, being careful not to touch them to your bare skin. Leave your boots outside the door and immediatly throw your clothes into the wash by themselves. Then rinse all of your tools and boots used with rubbing alcohol.
Response Time: Immediate. This method will show immediate results in your garden. However, you should keep an eye on the area for the rogue sprout, should you miss a piece of the root.
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