Hey everyone! I'm dealing with a growing infestation of poison ivy on a rock wall and I'm looking for some reliable solutions to get rid of it. I'm not worried about using chemicals since I won't be planting anything right away. My priority is to clear out all the vegetation. If you have any tips or suggestions, I'm all ears! Just so you know, I might consider planting sunflowers in front of the wall later, but that's not a top concern for now. Thanks!
3 Answers
You could either dig out the roots, but I get that it’s tough with the stones in the way. A good alternative is to cut the vines and then treat the stumps with a diluted herbicide. This approach is usually less invasive and still effective.
Using triclopyr is an effective way to tackle freshly cut stumps. You should know that poison ivy's waxy leaves are tricky for herbicides to stick to, so you’ll want to apply it while the leaves are still young and reddish. Also, make sure to wait until late summer or fall for the best results. Just remember, those vines will still be toxic until they completely break down, so be careful when handling them!
I’d recommend starting by cutting the vines at the bottom of the wall, then removing everything while wearing protective gear like a hazmat suit. After that, you'll want to treat the area where the roots were growing. Poison ivy loves shady spots, so if there are trees above, consider trimming them to let in more light.