Poison ivy can grow in just about any part of a North Texas yard, whether it’s under trees, hidden in overgrown areas or along the fence line. As one of the most invasive weeds, poison ivy is best kept at bay through proper weed control and good lawn management habits. The ability of poison ivy to spread quickly and cause severe skin irritation makes early identification and professional removal vital. Let’s examine how to identify this persistent weed and remove it from your yard.
How to Recognize Poison Ivy in Your Yard
The most recognizable feature of poison ivy is its cluster of three leaflets. The stalk of the central leaflet is typically longer than that of the side leaflets, and each leaflet is often pointed at the tip. As the seasons change, poison ivy leaves also change color. During spring, leaves are reddish and shiny, in summer they are green, then turn yellow, orange or red in the fall.
Poison ivy leaves appear smooth and shiny, though the texture can change slightly at different times of the year. During late summer or fall you may also notice small berries growing along the vines. However, avoid touching any part of the plant, as it can cause skin irritation even with minimal exposure.
Poison ivy produces an oil called urushiol that, according to the American Skin Association, causes a rash in about 85% of the human population. Urushiol is resin-like and can be spread via skin, clothes and animal fur, and additionally, it can remain active for months. Urushiol is found in almost every part of the plant and even brushing against “dead” poison ivy can result in a rash.
Poison ivy is tenacious. It can grow independently, amid bushes, or wrap itself around a tree. If left uncontrolled it will absolutely take over an area. You can often find poison ivy covering the ground in lawns, climbing fences and walls, or as smaller plants in overgrown areas. If you notice these weeds in your yard, avoid touching them. Practicing effective weed control throughout the year helps reduce the chances of poison ivy becoming established.
Top Methods for Controlling Poison Ivy
To ensure you don’t have poison ivy in your yard, take a monthly tour of your property. If found, you must use caution when destroying it. For example, never burn poison ivy. The urushiol gets into the air and can enter your lungs, resulting in breathing difficulties, and in some cases, inhaling this airborne urushiol can be fatal.
When trying to get rid of poison ivy, pulling it up may seem like a good idea. However, part of the roots will likely remain underground, meaning that the plant will almost certainly return. And unless you are very careful, you risk making physical contact.
The most effective way to control poison ivy is with a specialized killer. These sprays contain triclopyr that fights through the waxy leaves of poison ivy and other hard-to-kill weeds such as sumac and poison oak. And glyphosate will kill the roots of these plants. But be careful—you must follow label directions carefully.
Dispose of the dead plants properly. Cover your body completely, and wear goggles and rubber gloves. Put the dead plants in a plastic garbage bag, ensuring that the entire plant is inside. When finished, remove your gloves and put them in the bag. If your clothes are old and expendable, put them in the bag as well. If not, immediately wash them separately in warm, soapy water and if possible, add bleach. And immediately take a hot shower with a specialty soap.
Be alert for poison ivy. While it’s not everywhere, do be wary in wooded areas and when you are walking in thick brush. Use caution when ridding your yard of it. Dispose of poison ivy properly, and it will give you minimal problems. When in doubt, focus on regular lawn maintenance and preventive weed control to create conditions that discourage poison ivy and other persistent weeds from taking over your yard.
Contact Us for Weed Control Services in North Texas
Green Top Lawn Care provides expert weed control services for homeowners in Tarrant County and beyond. If you need help managing weeds, speak with a lawn care specialist today. Call (817) 684-4044 or request a free weed control quote.
