Easy Ways To Deal With The Growth Of Poison Ivy In Your Backyard – 2024 Guide

easy ways to deal with the growth of poison ivy

For those of us who spend so much time in our backyards, one thing you would not like to see is how fast and rapid poison ivy grows and spreads in our backyards. There are so many reasons why no one would want to have poison ivy growing in their backyard and one of such reasons is that upon coming in contact with a poison ivy, one could easily get an unwanted bumpy reaction on the skin which could cause itching and reddening of the skin. The condition could be lot worse for people who are allergic to it.

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In this review, we would be showing you easy ways you could get to deal with the growth and spread of poison ivy in your backyard once and for all. Without wasting any more time, let’s get started.

1. Pulling Out The Plant Through Its Root

The best and easy way anyone can get to deal with the growth if poison ivy in their backyards is through the pulling out of the plant from the ground through its root. Its root should not be neglected because if you do, then it is likely to regenerate again. However, pulling out poison ivy from the ground might be a but risky because of what happens when it comes in contact with the skin and this is why you would need to make use of long protective gloves to cover your hands when pulling them out from the ground.

For plants that have grown much bigger then you might require doing some extra digging to get its root out of the ground.

2. Spraying An Organic Herbicide On The Plant

It is a very good idea that you treat your backyard as nice as possible and one way you can achieve that is through the application of an organic or natural herbicide. In some cases, applying these organic and natural herbicides might require a large concentration amount but you do not have anything to be worried about as most times they tend to be safe for kids and pets. One more thing you should know is they do not contain cancer causing ingredients like some myths would tend to make you believe.

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3. Make Use Of Boiling Water

Applying boiling water would offer you the results you want quickly but you need to know that this solution is not long term. The application of boiling water is best effective on poison ivy plants that tend to grow around sidewalks and buildings and all that you need to do is pour boiling water on the plant itself. It would even be more effective if the root of the plant is dug up so as to allow the boiling water penetrate more. Digging up the roots of the plant after applying boiling water is also another good measure to take.

4. Smother The Plant Using A Sheet Of Plywood

Another method you can make use of in dealing with the growth of poison ivy is through placing a sheet of plywood on the plant and this helps to make sure that the plant doesn’t have access sunlight which in turn leads to its death. Caution needs to be taken when using this process because any of its roots that springs out from the plywood will cause the plant to grow once again and spread across your backyard again.

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Preventive Measures That Can Be Taken To Deal With Growth Of Poison Ivy

When it comes to preventive measures which can be taken to deal with the growth of poison ivy, there are couple of things that you should really consider doing if you want your backyard to be free. Below are steps you can take to ensure that your backyard stays free from poison ivy;

  • Water Your Lawn – Deep watering of grass would make sure that your roots are well secured underground therefore making them more active and resilient in competing with poison ivy and other weeds. This watering should be done infrequently but frequent watering would cause your grass to be weak and finally getting overpowered by weeds.
  • Mowing Of Grass Higher – If you always mow your grass too much then you are making them weak and vulnerable in their competition with weeds for light and this makes it very easy for poison ivy to grow. Cutting your grass higher would definitely help in snuffing out weed especially poison ivy plants.
  • Proper Feeding – Your lawn should be feed with food constantly for about six to eight weeks as it ensures they grow healthy and thick. Growing healthy and thick would cause poison ivy and other weeds to leave or die off even before they get to mature.

Home Remedies Of Dealing With Poison Ivy Rash

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  • Applying Alcohol – This should be done to the affected part to get rid of the poison ivy oil with 10 to 15 minutes and after then a hot shower with soap should be done to cleanse the affected area to get rid of any oil left
  • Avoid Scratching – This should be avoided especially if your nails are not clean. Scratching a poison ivy rash might lead to this rash being able to penetrate infection and sores
  • Cold Compress On The Affected Area – Applying cold water compress helps to cut down on itching and inflammation. This application should be done for about 15 to 30 minutes and it can also be repeated several times in a day

Conclusion

Getting rid of poison ivy from your backyard is also as easy to getting rid of other types of weed from your backyard but the only thing to be cautious about is avoiding the plant from coming in contact with the skin so as to prevent a rash from occurring. In this review, we have discussed the best possible ways you can deal with this unwanted plant from growing in your backyard and if it happens that your skin comes in contact with its oil, we have also discussed the best home remedies that can be followed before considering using over the counter medicines or visiting the doctor.

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