How to Clear Poison Ivy | This Old House

This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook explains how to clear poison ivy. (See below for a shopping list and tools.)

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Cost:
N/A
Time:
1 to 2 hours to clear a 100-square-foot area
Difficulty:
Easy. Although bending over for extended periods can lead to back strain

Shopping List for How to Clear Poison Ivy:
- Duct tape, for taping closed pant hems and shirt sleeves
- Plastic trash bags, for disposing uprooted poison ivy
- Mineral-spirits-based cleanser, such as Tecnu or Zanfel, for cleaning hands

Tools for How to Clear Poison Ivy:
- Leather work gloves
- Eye goggles

Steps for Clearing Poison Ivy from Your Yard:
Tape closed pant hems at ankles, and shirt sleeves at wrists; put on eye goggles and work gloves.
Grab poison ivy plant close to ground and pull to extract root; soaking ground with water can ease root pulling.
Stuff uprooted vines into plastic trash bag; place full bag inside of another bag for extra protection against the oily vines.
Put trash bags out with household trash; never burn or compost poison ivy.
To deter poison ivy from returning, cover ground with thick layer of leaves or wood chips.
When done, scrub hands with a mineral-spirits-based cleanser, such as Tecnu or Zanfel; rinse well with cold water.
Launder clothes in separate load in washing machine.

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How to Clear Poison Ivy | This Old House
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