How To Permanently Get Rid Of Poison Ivy

Poison ivy is among the most stubborn and irritating plants that every homeowner hates. The worst part of poison ivy is that it often comes back even if you think you've killed it. That’s why you may understandably wonder how to permanently get rid of poison ivy.

You can permanently get rid of poison ivy if you cut the stems and spray it with triclopyr, a powerful herbicide. Some homeowners use trowels to dig up the roots, but you must be thorough, as they grow up to 12” deep. You can also cover the poison ivy with plastic tarps and cardboard to smother and permanently kill it. 

Be careful when you dispose of poison ivy, as it can spread even when you cut it down. For example, putting poison ivy in a compost bin can cause it to spread. Follow along as we explore how to permanently get rid of poison ivy. 

How To Kill Poison Ivy Permanently

1. Survey Your Yard

You can’t permanently get rid of poison ivy in your yard until you know where it all is. That’s because the poison ivy you see each day may not be all that’s on your property. Some homeowners mistakenly smother and kill poison ivy in certain areas and miss it in other parts of their yards. 

You must survey your yard and look for signs of poison ivy everywhere on your property. Otherwise, you may accidentally leave some poison ivy behind, which can eventually spread. Wind, insects, and animals can contribute to poison ivy spreading within your yard. 

Poison ivy can spread anywhere if the soil is healthy enough. Keep track of everywhere you find poison ivy so you can eradicate it without leaving anything behind. Otherwise, there’s no point in trying to get rid of it in the first place. 

2. Time It Right

Timing is everything when it comes to removing poison ivy and other plants. Some people wait until the winter to remove poison ivy because it typically appears without leaves. Keep in mind that leafless poison ivy can still irritate your skin and cause a rash. 

That’s why you must still wear gloves and choose your clothing wisely. However, some people prefer to remove poison ivy between May and July when it flowers. That’s because it’s easier to spot during the flowering stage, as it’s more visible. 

However, that also makes it riskier to remove, as more of the plant can brush against your skin. No matter when you remove it, you must adequately prepare yourself to avoid a rash. Completely cover your body even if it’s hot out and wear gloves and boots to protect your skin. 

3. Pull It Out

Some people understandably feel apprehensive about pulling out poison ivy. However, wearing a thick pair of gloves and paying attention to your surroundings make it relatively safe. The trick is to make sure you remove the root of the poison ivy, or else it will grow back. 

You must clip the stems before you pull the poison ivy, or else you may unknowingly release the plant’s toxins. Doing so can irritate your skin, eyes, and even your lungs. Toss the stems in a bag or container to get them out of the way before you proceed.

Next, grip the poison ivy at the bottom of the plant and pull it in one direction. This makes it easier to remove the roots, as opposed to pulling it at an angle. Otherwise, the poison ivy will grow back if you don’t remove the roots. 

4. Use Triclopyr

Triclopyr is widely considered the best herbicide to use to eradicate poison ivy. Not only does triclopyr kill poison ivy, but it can also prevent it from coming back in the spring and summer. You can find many brand-name herbicides that contain triclopyr. 

However, you must carefully read and follow the instructions to ensure you use it correctly. For example, you must mix triclopyr with water, and the amount varies based on the application. Triclopyr is most effective between spring and summer when poison ivy grows. 

Cut the stem so the poison ivy sits close to the ground before you douse it with triclopyr. Discard the stem in a bag to be safe and thoroughly spray the remaining parts of the poison ivy. Protect your eyes with goggles and hands with thick gloves to avoid getting the chemical or poison ivy toxins on your skin. 

5. Dig Up The Roots

Pulling poison ivy is risky, as you may accidentally break the top of the plant off. This can make it hard to access the roots without digging, but it’s possible. You can reduce this risk if you dig the plant up instead of pulling it out. 

All you need is a common garden trowel to dig the roots up and remove the poison ivy. Keep in mind that this can make your yard look rough, as poison ivy roots grow deep. Poison ivy roots grow up to 12” deep and 20 feet horizontally. 

That means that you may have to dig up large sections of your yard, depending on where the poison ivy is. Dig as deep as you can until you find the roots and carefully remove them. Follow the roots vertically and horizontally in the ground to make sure you completely remove them.

6. Suffocate It

Many homeowners suffocate invasive plants and poison ivy to kill them. This method entails covering poison ivy with thick plastic sheets or cardboard. The idea is that the covering will smother the poison ivy and stop it from getting water and sunlight. 

While this method is somewhat effective, it doesn’t always guarantee the poison ivy will stay dead. That’s because roots are quite durable and may survive even if the top of the plant appears dead. However, it’s still worth trying this method, especially in conjunction with other methods, like herbicides. 

Lay thick plastic or cardboard over the poison ivy and cover the ground up to a foot away from it. This will ensure the roots don’t soak up any water while the outer part of the plant is covered. Weigh the tarp or cardboard down with heavy objects to ensure the wind won’t blow it away. 

7. Discard The Remains

Some people may mistakenly leave pieces of poison ivy on the ground after pulling it. Doing so can cause more poison ivy to grow, and the toxins remain for a while. That means you can still get a rash even if you touch the leaves and stems of poison ivy that has been cut. 

Instead, you must dedicate a yard waste bag to put the poison ivy. You must still pull and discard poison ivy even if you smother it with cardboard and plastic. Never put poison ivy remnants in your compost bin as it may grow in the bin itself. 

You may accidentally spread poison ivy back into your garden if you mix compost with soil. Instead, simply seal the poison ivy in a bag and put it in your trash bin. Be careful each time you handle your trash bin until it gets collected. 

Summing It Up

Survey your yard to identify all the poison ivy, clip the stems, and pull the roots to permanently get rid of it. It’s also a great idea to dig the roots up as they grow quite deep and up to 20 feet wide in some cases. Otherwise, you can smother the poison ivy with cardboard and plastic tarps to block sunlight and water. 

Related Guides:

• How To Cure Poison Ivy Using Ingredients From Home
• Common Plants That Can Cause Allergic Reactions