How to Dig Up Large Poison Ivy
Poison ivy grows as a noxious woody vine on the ground or up trees. When given full sunlight, poison ivy grows into a shrub. If poison ivy's plant tissues are crushed by shovels, pulling or weed wackers, gardeners are at risk for getting the plant's oils, or urushiol, on their skin. Urushiol causes skin irritation (those dreaded poison ivy rashes) and potentially breathing problems as well. It is important for gardeners to dig up large poison ivy plants in their yard to prevent exposure. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Bypass shears
- Herbicide
- Shovel
- Garbage bag
- Gloves
- Long sleeves
- Shoes
- Pants
Instructions
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Cut poison ivy growing up trees 6 inches from the ground. Apply a broad spectrum herbicide that contains glyphosate on the cut portion of the stem growing into the ground.
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Reapply the broad spectrum herbicide in 10 days if the poison ivy plant is still alive. Dead poison ivy plants discolor or display brown foliage.
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3
Spray poison ivy shrubs with a broad spectrum herbicide that contains glyphosate. Thoroughly apply the herbicide on foliage, but avoid excessive use of the herbicide because it kills off any type of surrounding vegetation.
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4
Press a shovel 6 inches away from the base of the poison ivy shrub or vine and 6 inches deep. Push the poison ivy through the soil to remove its entire root system.
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Place the large poison ivy plant in a garbage bag. Secure the top of the garbage bag and throw away. Poison ivy will cause lung inflammation if burned. Refrain from placing in fire pits. Furthermore, poison ivy should not be composted.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear gloves, long sleeves, shoes and pants when removing poison ivy plants. Throw clothes in the wash immediately after removing poison ivy.
Avoid pulling poison ivy off of the tree. Poison ivy grows tiny roots, which pulls bark off of trees when pulled.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
