When that happens, poison ivy leaves can block sunlight that reaches the foliage of the tree and, at that point, can cause a tree to look stunted and even destroyed. Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is a woody shrub or vine with hairy-looking aerial roots. It grows up to 10 feet or more, climbs high on trees, walls and fences, or paths along the ground. All parts of poison ivy, including the roots, are poisonous at all times of the year.
Keep in mind that mature trees can potentially be damaged by triclopyr. Since poison ivy will grow on tree trunks, you may be tempted to spray the leaves and vine on the trunk. It's rarely a good idea. In some cases, the herbicide can move through the outer bark and reach the tissue that trees need to carry water or nutrients.
This can severely damage or even kill mature, healthy trees. Wear protective clothing and cut the vine at the base, then “paint the herbicide directly on the cut vine”. This will allow the chemical to be transported to the roots of the poison ivy plant without affecting other plants. Poison ivy is a native vine that, under the right conditions, can grow to the size of a bush or spread across the ground, creating an almost continuous layer of leaves up to the ankles.
To chemically eradicate poison oak and poison ivy, use a herbicide containing glyphosate, triclopyr, or a 3-way herbicide containing 2,4-D amine, dicamba and mecoprop. The herbicides glyphosate, 2,4-D amine, dicamba, mecoprop and triclopyr translocate from the cut leaves and stems to the rest of the plant, ultimately killing the shoots and roots. Feel free to ask additional questions about poison ivy or other woody species control through this site. Treatment: In mild cases of poison ivy rash, cold baths, soothing lotions, or over-the-counter medicinal lotions may be used to minimize symptoms while the skin heals.
Poison ivy oil can remain active on clothing and footwear for up to a year, so be careful not to be exposed to oil again. There are specially prepared cleansing agents (such as Tecnu Skin Cleanser, Tecnu Extreme Medicated Poison Ivy Scrub and Zanfel) that remove much of the oil that causes the rash if applied to the skin between 4 and 8 hours after contact. Allowing poison ivy to grow on trees and in the landscape can kill them and cause violent eruptions caused by the urushiol oil that the plant produces. Often confused with poison ivy, fragrant sumac has three divided leaves, but (unlike poison ivy), the central leaflet is not on one stem.
While there are other plant species with this trait, it is best to avoid them, unless you are sure that the plant is not poison ivy and does not pose a threat. When removing poison ivy, it is essential to remember that urushiol oil is present in foliage, stems and roots. If you decide to eradicate poison oak or poison ivy by cutting plants, you should protect your hands and arms. Physical Extraction: If your plan includes removing freshly cut or long-dead poison ivy, the following will help you avoid contact with urushiol oil (U-Roo-she-ol) that causes a rash.
There are also products that are mixtures of 2,4-D, dicamba, and triclopyr that should provide better poison ivy control on lawns and areas that are not close to desirable plants.
