Poison ivy control
The cool evenings of the past week have been a welcome relief to
turfgrass managers and those without air conditioning. Sleeping with the
windows open and waking up in the morning to heavy dew are sure signs
that summer’s stranglehold will soon be loosened. The record heat of
2010 started back in March. This has been great for things like
crabgrass, goosegrass and other summer annual weeds. If you live near a
woodlot or naturalized area you may have noticed that 2010 has also been
a remarkable year for poison ivy growth.
Poison ivy is one of the most common causes of blistering dermatitis in
the Midwest and northeast regions of the country. If you are going to
try and control poison ivy with herbicide applications then now is the
time to start. Cool nights are a trigger for the vines to start storing
energy for next year’s campaign. Soon the leaves will turn crimson red
and fall to the ground. Therefore, the first herbicide application must
be made before the end of August in order to get good translocation into
the vine and root system. Herbicides containing 2,4-D and triclopyr are
the most effective on poison ivy. Extra caution should be used to avoid
applying these products to adjacent broadleaf vegetation. Two
applications, three weeks apart should provide a substantial reduction
in returning plants next spring. Spot treating in late April, or early
May may be necessary to remove persistent plants. The irritating oil of
poison ivy is present in all plant parts and will persist in dead
vegetation for over a year. Take precautions when handling any plant
parts or clothing that has come into contact with the vines.