How to Kill Poison Ivy With a Copper Nail
According to the Cooperative Extension System, driving a couple of copper nails through the bark of a tree can stop its growth and kill it. This concept can be tried on a poison ivy plant as well. However, keep an eye on your poison ivy. If it continues to grow and thrive, you may need to kill it another way, such as by spraying it with a nonselective herbicide such as glyphosate.
Put on protective clothing. Wear goggles, gloves, long pants tucked into your socks, shoes and a long-sleeve shirt. These items should be washable.
- According to the Cooperative Extension System, driving a couple of copper nails through the bark of a tree can stop its growth and kill it.
- If it continues to grow and thrive, you may need to kill it another way, such as by spraying it with a nonselective herbicide such as glyphosate.
Cut down the poison ivy within an inch or two of the ground with a pair of hand clippers. For thicker stems you may need lopping shears or a hand saw. Discard in thick, plastic bags. Do not compost or burn. This step is optional but will get it out of your landscape and kill it quicker.
Hammer copper nails in the thickest pieces of wood at the bottom of the plant. Drive a couple nails into the ground near the base of the plant as well.
- Cut down the poison ivy within an inch or two of the ground with a pair of hand clippers.
- Drive a couple nails into the ground near the base of the plant as well.
Wash your clothes and shoes separately in your washing machine. According to Minnesota Poison Control System, launder them twice as normal before wearing again. Clean your tools also with rubbing alcohol.
Kill Ivy On A Hedge
Locate the ivy plant's origination in the ground by following the vines to the soil line. Use pruners, lopping shears or a handsaw to snip off the ivy at the ground level. Alternately, spray an application of herbicide over the foliage, or paint the ivy with an herbicide to prevent the solution from touching your hedge. Moisten your soil, and then dig out the ivy root. When you see new vines, immediately take action by repeating the application.
- Wash your clothes and shoes separately in your washing machine.
- Use pruners, lopping shears or a handsaw to snip off the ivy at the ground level.
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Writer Bio
Melissa Lewis is a former elementary classroom teacher and media specialist. She has also written for various online publications. Lewis holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Maryland Baltimore County.
