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How to Remove Poison Ivy Vines on Trees
How to Remove Poison Ivy Vines on Trees. Vines growing up and wrapping around trees is usually an attractive sight, except when the vines happen to be poison ivy. As many have experienced and already know, poison ivy can cause an unpleasant rash when brushed up against someone's skin. The oils in the plant cause the irritating, clear blisters that...
Vines growing up and wrapping around trees is usually an attractive sight, except when the vines happen to be poison ivy. As many have experienced and already know, poison ivy can cause an unpleasant rash when brushed up against someone's skin. The oils in the plant cause the irritating, clear blisters that often create an unbearable itching sensation among its victims. Killing poison ivy on a tree is a complicated prospect for some folks, as they wonder how to eliminate the vine without causing harm to the tree.
Things You'll Need
Protective clothing
Long-handled pruning shears
Channel-lock wrench
Thick plastic bag
Glyphosphate spray
Dress in protective clothes, including a long-sleeved shirt, pants, rubber boots, gloves and goggles or a face shield. Preventing any contact with the troublesome vine is essential or else you run the risk of developing a reaction.
Cut the vine about 6 inches off of the ground with a pair of long-handled pruning shears. The vine left on the tree will eventually die since it is detached from its root system. Latch onto the vine's stump with a channel-lock wrench and attempt to pull it out of the ground if possible. Place it in a thick plastic bag and throw it away.
Spray the stump, if you couldn't pull it from the ground, and any roots that you see with a product that contains glyphosate -- many of these products are advertised to kill weeds. Although most are simply sprayed directly on the offending vegetation, read the directions on the label for best results. Spraying the stump should prevent more leaves from sprouting and kill the roots.
Spray any new vegetation that occurs. Poison ivy is often persistent and can take several treatments before it is ultimately destroyed.
Tips & Warnings
Rake up any leaves that fall from the vine remaining on the tree while wearing protective gear, as the leaves can still contain the rash-causing oil. Place the leaves in a thick plastic bag and throw it in the trash.
Avoid burning the vine or the leaves. The oils are released when the leaves are burned and are often included in the smoke. Inhaling or coming in contact with the oily smoke can cause allergic reactions.
