Knowledgebase

Removing Poison Ivy #923498

Asked January 11, 2026, 12:41 PM EST

How should we approach "eliminating" poison ivy, roots and all? We have a small patch of ground that has poison ivy in it. Last year we set about spraying everything in that space with a vinegar mixture (and commercial herbicides) to kill it. I'm not sure we got it all. That said, I know that even if we "killed" everything above ground, there are likely still roots in the ground that will launch new plants this year.

Allegany County Maryland

Expert Response

Hi, 

You can monitor the area and watch for signs of new growth to emerge as the weather warms, and then target spray or carefully hand-pull using protective gear. Technu is a soap brand that can be found in most pharmacies, suitable for washing skin, wiping tools, and use in laundry to remove oils. 

If you used a systemic herbicide last year, that will have helped to kill the roots, but often it takes a few repeated applications to fully dissolve them. Horticultural vinegar will just burn the foliage and kill the top growth, so any food reserves that are in the roots will send up new growth. If you don't want to use a systemic herbicide, you can continue to apply the vinegar when new shoots appear, and eventually the roots will expend all their energy and die. For further information, you can refer to our webpage on Poison Ivy.

Emily

This was very helpful. 

Thank you. 

“A disposition to preserve, and an ability to improve, taken together, would be my standard of a statesman.”

Edmund Burke

Sent from my iPhone

Glen

On Jan 12, 2026, at 10:48 AM, Ask Extension wrote:


The Question Asker Replied January 12, 2026, 11:00 AM EST

Loading ...