Knowledgebase
Poison Ivy #872973
Asked June 13, 2024, 2:24 PM EDT
Hamilton County Ohio
Expert Response
House next door is abandoned, front & backyard all poison ivy. My township will take care of mowing it however I’m finding the ivy in my yard & flower beds now. Can it transfer via wind? Any suggestions? Thank you
Hi Mary Ruscher,
Poison ivy seeds are spread almost exclusively by birds. Poison ivy is a dioecious species (meaning individual plants are either male or female). One study done by a horticulturist in the Philadelphia area found that a mature female poison ivy vine can produce as many as 30,000 seeds each year.
It sounds like you have been dealing with this issue for some time. I would encourage you to contact you township and alert them that the ivy is spreading into your yard. Perhaps they will increase the cutting frequency or determine to spray.
Cultural Control Methods
Poison ivy will not tolerate repeated tillage, cutting or mowing. Continually clipping the plant at or near ground level during the year for several years will eventually control poison ivy. Poison ivy shoots commonly encroach from wooded areas into newly established lawns. Herbicide use is not usually necessary since frequent mowing will eliminate the plant from the lawn. To prevent future encroachment into the lawn, poison ivy should be controlled in the adjacent wooded area.
Digging, or “grubbing out\” poison ivy plants and roots can be used as a control method in small beds of landscape ornamentals. Waterproof gloves should always be worn when handling poison ivy plants (including the roots) to prevent contact with the poison.
Herbicide Control Methods
Numerous herbicides are available for controlling poison ivy. Read all label directions before using any herbicide. Check your local garden store.
Because poison ivy has an extensive root system, multiple herbicide applications are usually necessary for effective control. Repeat applications should be made at the full-leaf stage of growth.
RESOURCES:
https://mdc.mo.gov/trees-plants/nuisance-native-plants/poison-ivy-control
Thank you
