How to Safely Remove Poison Ivy

Poison ivy plant at tree base to be removed closeup

Poison ivy, known scientifically as Toxicodendron radicans, is a stubborn vine commonly found throughout North America. It contains urushiol, a skin-irritating oily resin present in its leaves, stems, and roots. Identified by its three-leaf clusters with red stems, poison ivy is best remembered by the phrase “Leaflets three, let them be.”

Effective removal requires persistence and can include using herbicides, pulling, or DIY treatments, as it can regrow from any roots left behind.

Poison Ivy Removal Tips 

When removing poison ivy, protect yourself and ensure complete removal. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when removing this poisonous plant.

  • Always Wear Protective Gear: If you come into contact with poison ivy, you could end up with a minor or severe reaction. Protective gear will help limit the opportunities for exposure.
  • Remove During Summer: It’s always a good idea to remove poison ivy, but the best time to undergo a major removal project is during the summer.
  • Treat the Area Multiple Times: Removing poison ivy requires multiple treatments with your chosen method.
  • Use Herbicide for the Most Effective Treatment: Herbicides are effective for removing poison ivy, but multiple applications are needed.
  • Work Carefully to Avoid Interaction: Rushing increases the risk of mistakes and exposure, so handle the plant slowly and cautiously.

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.

How to Remove Poison Ivy

What You’ll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Rubber gloves
  • Long-sleeve shirt and pants
  • Long socks
  • Washable shoes
  • Particle mask
  • Eye protection
  • Sharp pruning shears or a hand pruner
  • Sharp-edged shovel
  • Chemical sprayer

Materials

  • Thick garbage bags and ties
  • Herbicide suitable for poison ivy
  • Rubbing alcohol

Instructions

Materials and tools to remove poison ivy plants

  1. Wear Protective Gear

    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.

    Light blue rubber gloves worn to remove poison ivy

  2. 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.

    Poison ivy plant stem cut off at ground level with handheld pruners and rubber gloves

  3. 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.

    Handheld shovel digging out roots of poison ivy plants

  4. Apply Herbicide

    First, cut as much of the top growth as possible. Then, spray the remaining roots, stems, and stubs with a chemical weed killer that’s specifically intended for poison ivy. Spray directly onto the cuts you have made on thick, shrubby stems. 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.

    Chemical weed killer sprayed over poison ivy top growth with gloves

  5. Dispose of the Debris

    Never compost poison ivy. Put the debris in heavy plastic bags, tie the bags securely, and put them in the trash or haul them to an approved lawn-waste disposal facility. Discard the rubber gloves you used, as well.

    Poison ivy plants disposed in white heavy plastic bag with rubber gloves

  6. 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. Wash your clothing separately from your other laundry, and clean your shoes with cold, soapy water and a garden hose.

    Rubber garden boots cleaned with soapy water from garden hose

  7. Reapply Herbicide As Needed

    Poison ivy is tenacious plant, and you’ll need to inspect the area frequently after applying herbicide. Don’t be surprised if you need to treat the problem again. Immediate address any stragglers. It may take up to a year to rid your property of all poison ivy.

    Area with poison ivy inspected on side of blue building

Additional Methods to Remove Poison Ivy 

While herbicide is the most effective, there are additional methods that can be used to remove poison ivy.

Boiling Water 

If you want an inexpensive way to remove poison ivy that works with items you have on hand, try boiling water.

  • Boil water.
  • Pour boiling water over plants to kill the roots. Drown them as much as possible.
  • Repeat, then repeat again. This may take many applications to work.

Smothering 

If you don’t mind covering your yard in tarp, or you just have a small area where the poison ivy is concentrated, you can try smothering to kill the ivy.

  • Place an impenetrable tarp over the poison ivy.
  • Secure the edges to prevent light and air from entering or the plants from escaping.
  • Leave it for at least a week to smother the plants.

Pulling 

Pulling is an easy and cheap way to get rid of poison ivy, but you’re also putting yourself on the front lines of exposure.

  • Make sure you have proper protective gear on.
  • Pull poison ivy out of the ground, taking care to get the roots, too.
  • Continue pulling as new plants appear.

DIY Weed Killer

Some gardeners want to avoid chemical herbicides if at all possible. In these cases, you can make your own DIY weed killer to battle poison ivy. It may take longer to work.

  • Mix 1 gallon of water with 1 cup of salt, and 1 tablespoon each of dish soap and vinegar.
  • Spray this mixture on the poison ivy just as you would a chemical herbicide.
  • Repeat as necessary.

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