How to Safely Remove Poison Ivy From Your Yard

Few things can sour your outdoor fun more than a batch of poison ivy. This member of the Anacardaceae family, which also includes poison oak and poison sumac, contains an oil resin that causes a horribly itchy and bumpy rash on your skin that's tough to kick. Found throughout most of the United States, it's not uncommon for poison ivy plants to pop up in residential backyards and gardens, especially if you live in a rural area.

If you do happen to find a patch, follow our expert-recommended tips for how to remove poison ivy—without getting a rash in the process!

How to Remove Poison Ivy

Here's how to get rid of poison ivy that intrudes on your space.

Materials Needed

• Long sleeves and pants
• Safety goggles
• Long socks and closed-toe shoes
• Poison ivy spray
• Pruning shears
• Plastic

Option 1: Spray It

Melinda Myers, gardening pro, recommends using a poison ivy-specific chemical spray to eliminate any patch of poison ivy in your yard or garden. "Be sure to read and follow label directions," she says. "You will need multiple applications as this plant has an extensive root system and will keep sending up new stems."

Keep in mind these chemicals will damage or kill any nearby plants they touch, so spot-treat or paint the poison ivy leaves with the chemical to avoid damaging desirable plants. Afterward, wait for it to die completely, which can take one to two weeks. Dressed appropriately, carefully remove and dispose of the plant, making sure to avoid skin contact.

Option 2: Remove It Manually

If you prefer to keep your garden free of synthetic herbicides, Myers says you can simply keep cutting poison ivy back to remove it. "Continually removing the above-ground portion eventually kills the plant, but you must be persistent and thorough," she says.

Use pruning shears to cut the stems at ground level and place the cuttings in a plastic bag for disposal. Regularly monitor the area and repeat the process as new growth appears. Bag and dispose of the cuttings properly. This method may take several seasons to fully eradicate the plant, but it is effective without using commercial chemicals—and won't threaten nearby plants.

Option 3: Cover It

Myers also says you can help diminish the growth of poison ivy in your garden by covering it with plastic. "Edge the poison ivy-infested area and cover with black plastic for several months or clear plastic for six to eight weeks during the hottest months of the growing season," Myers instructs.

This method deprives the plant of sunlight and heat, effectively killing it. Make sure the edges of the plastic are secure to prevent any gaps where light could enter. After removing the plastic, check the area for any remaining growth and remove it as necessary.

How to Identify Poison Ivy

If you know what to look for, you can spot and remove poison ivy in your garden while the plants are still small and manageable. "Poison ivy has leaves in clusters of three, called a compound leaf," says Meyers. "These clusters alternate along the stem—they are not opposite each other. The leaves can be shiny especially when they emerge in spring and the edges of the leaves may be wavy, have teeth, or be smooth."

She adds that the leaves usually turn red in fall but can be yellow. The flowers appear in spring and berries ripen to a grayish-white in late summer and persist into winter. "Poison ivy prefers moist woodland environments, but can be found in gardens and landscapes, creeping in from surrounding woods, along fence rows, pastures, and disturbed sites where birds and deer visit and deposit the seeds," says Meyers.

Safety Tips to Keep in Mind

You don't want to mess around when it comes to getting rid of poison ivy from your yard or garden. Safety is paramount to ensure you don't end up with an itchy rash.

• Cover all of your skin: All parts of the plant, including the stem, leaves, and roots, cause rashes. "Always dress for the job," Myers says. "Cover your skin, wear waterproof gloves, and I would even suggest safety glasses when managing poison ivy plants and debris." Close-toed shoes and long socks are also a must.
• Stay on task: While removing the poison ivy, take special care not to touch anything else or move on to another project. Focus on the task so you don't transfer oils to other parts of your yard or body.
• Don't touch anything else: On that note, do not rub your eyes or touch your face while working.
• Wash clothing and tools: The oil from the poison ivy plant can transfer onto anything it touches. Be very careful when removing your gloves, shoes, and garments, and wash them immediately. Wash your gardening tools and gloves with rubbing alcohol or soapy water to remove the plant's irritating oil.