How to get rid of poison ivy in yard

David Beaulieu is a landscaping expert and plant photographer, with 20 years of experience. He was in the nursery business for over a decade, working with a large variety of plants. David has been interviewed by numerous newspapers and national U.S. magazines, such as Woman's World and American Way.

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Updated on 09/27/22

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Kathleen Miller

Reviewed by Kathleen Miller

Kathleen Miller is a highly-regarded Master Gardener and Horticulturist who shares her knowledge of sustainable living, organic gardening, farming, and landscape design. She founded Gaia's Farm and Gardens, a working sustainable permaculture farm, and writes for Gaia Grows, a local newspaper column. She has over 30 years of experience in gardening and sustainable farming.

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Fact checked by Emily Estep

Emily Estep is a plant biologist and fact-checker focused on environmental sciences. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a Master of Science in Plant Biology from Ohio University. Emily has been a proofreader and editor at a variety of online media outlets over the past decade.

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The Spruce / Margot Cavin

In This Article

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• When to Remove Poison Ivy

• Before Getting Started

• Safety Considerations

Project Overview

• Working Time: 6 - 12 hrs
• Total Time: 12 - 25 wks

• Skill Level: Beginner
• Estimated Cost: $30 to $50

To remove poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), you must put on protective gear, cut it down from the base, and dig out the root system. Some use an herbicide too. This perennial vine can cause an allergic reaction in most people (and animals) if not handled properly. The rash and itch response is caused by an oily residue in the plant's leaves, stems, and roots, known as urushiol. Urushiol is also found in poison oak and poison sumac.

The saying goes, "Leaflets three, let them be," but most people won't want to let this plant "be" in their garden. Removal of poison ivy is not technically challenging, but you must be tenacious and patient in your efforts to eradicate this stubborn, troublesome weed fully.

When to Remove Poison Ivy

A dry day with no wind is the safest time to work at removing poison ivy, especially if you will be using a herbicide spray. You do not want the herbicide blowing back at you or onto your other plants, nor do you want parts of the poison ivy scattering around your area.

The best season to remove poison ivy is in the springtime when the leaves are red and easy to spot. However, the plant should be addressed as soon as you identify it.

Before Getting Started

The time required to eradicate poison ivy depends on the level of infestation, and it can take months, or even years, of repeated efforts to completely eradicate a major infestation. Poison ivy is a perennial plant that grows back from the roots and often spreads by underground runners. Removing poison ivy completely might take three or four tries.

Don't hurry during your working sessions: This is a toxic plant that should be handled slowly and carefully.

Safety Considerations

Don't take poison ivy lightly, and don't assume you won't have a major reaction if you jump in to eradication efforts. Some people who have never before reacted to poison ivy can develop serious reactions after a long session of removal work—even if the work is done carefully. And some people find that an initial reaction, even if it is minor, can make them extremely sensitive in the future.

Warning

Under no circumstances should you ever burn poison ivy as a technique for disposal. The toxic urushiol can travel in the smoke for miles.

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Instructions

The Spruce / Margot Cavin

1. Identify the Plant

   Poison ivy is a native North American plant that takes several forms. On most of the continent, it is a climbing or trailing perennial vine. In the western states, it is a shrubby bush that grows to around 3 feet tall. The leaves, which grow on alternate sides of each stem, come in sets of three glossy, green leaflets that can be pointed, smooth-sided, lobed, or saw-toothed.

   The plant changes appearance throughout the seasons. In early spring the leaves are red, and in fall they can turn yellow or a bright scarlet-orange. The plant's small fruits are dull yellow.

   
   

   The Spruce / Margot Cavin

2. Dress for the Removal

   All parts of the plant contain a toxic oily resin. So when removing poison ivy, always wear rubber gloves, a long-sleeve shirt, long pants tucked into high socks, and boots or shoes that can be hosed off later. Eye protection and a particle mask are also recommended.

   
   

   The Spruce / Margot Cavin

3. Cut Off the Plant at Ground Level

   With shears or pruners, remove all the poison ivy stems you see, and place them in plastic garbage bags. Secure the bags with ties as soon as they are full. Do not tear or rip at the vines, as this can disperse the toxic resin into the air.

   
   

   The Spruce / Margot Cavin

4. Dig Out the Roots

   If there are only a few plants to remove, use a shovel to dig out the roots. Immediately bag these for disposal.

   
   

   The Spruce / Margot Cavin

5. Destroy What's Left

   If you have many plants spread over a large area, cut as much of the top growth as possible. Then, spray the remaining roots, stems, and stubs with a chemical weed killer that's intended for poison ivy. For thick, shrubby stems, spray directly onto the cuts you have made. Remember to use extreme care when handling herbicide, as the spray will kill other garden plants it touches. Always follow the label directions, and don't touch or breathe the product.

   Tip

   Using a chemical weed killer is not mandatory. Poison ivy can be removed by being diligent about digging out the roots. However, this approach will take more time and regular inspection of the area.

   
   

   The Spruce / Margot Cavin

6. Dispose of the Debris

   Never compost poison ivy. Instead, put the plant parts in heavy plastic bags, tie the bags securely, and put them in the trash or haul them to an approved lawn-waste disposal facility. It's best to discard the rubber gloves you used, as well.

   
   

   The Spruce / Margot Cavin

7. Thoroughly Clean Your Clothes and Tools

   Tools used for removing poison ivy must be meticulously cleaned. Rinse your pruners and shovel, including the handles, with rubbing alcohol. Let them dry, and then oil the appropriate parts to prevent rust. Likewise, wash your clothing separately from your other laundry, and clean your shoes with cold, soapy water and a garden hose.

   
   

   The Spruce / Margot Cavin

8. Inspect the Area

   Carefully following this process should largely rid your property of poison ivy, but this is a very tenacious plant. So inspect the area frequently, and don't be surprised if you need to treat the problem again. Immediate attention to any stragglers should leave your property entirely free of poison ivy after around a year.

   
   

   The Spruce / Margot Cavin

Poison Ivy Pictures: How to Identify It

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