Although the Glyphosate in Roundup can be effective at killing poison ivy in some cases, it’s not the best weed killer for the job. For better results, choose a brush killer that contains Triclopyr, 2,4-D, Mecoprop, and/or Dicamba. Some products in the Roundup line contain Triclopyr, making them much more effective at killing poison ivy than standard Roundup.
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Is Poison Ivy Resistant to Roundup?
Traditional Roundup is not very effective at killing poison ivy plants. This is because Glyphosate—the active ingredient in standard Roundup—isn’t powerful enough to wipe out tough woody plants and vines. In order to kill poison ivy quickly, you’ll need to use a systemic herbicide that poison ivy can’t resist.
- Poison ivy is resistant to standard Roundup.
- A poison ivy vine will recover after being sprayed with Roundup.
- Roundup products contain grass-killing Glyphosate, so it’s best to use chemical herbicides that target vines but don’t harm grass.
Another reason not to spray Roundup products on poison ivy is that they contain Glyphosate. Glyphosate is harmful to all plants and grasses. This means that Roundup is likely to harm desirable plants nearby. Our favorite poison ivy killers contain 2,4-D, Dicamba, Mecprop, and/or Triclopyr. These weed killers won’t kill grass but will get rid of poison ivy.
How Long Does it Take for Roundup to Kill Poison Ivy?
In order to kill poison ivy with Roundup, use this Roundup product formulated to kill poison ivy. When using this product, allow 7–14 days after the application for the weed killer to work. This length of time is required for the systemic herbicide to kill the poison ivy down to the roots. Don’t cut or mow the ivy during this time—doing so may prevent the herbicide from spreading through the plant fully and killing it to the roots.
- Roundup products require 7–14 days to kill poison ivy.
- Use a Roundup product specially designed for poison ivy control to get the job done.
- Roundup contains Glyphosate, which kills grass. Use a non-Glyphosate product to control poison ivy in lawns.
It’s important to note that Roundup Poison Ivy Plus Tough Brush Killer contains Glyphosate. This means that the Roundup product is not safe for use on grass. If you’re killing poison ivy growing in your yard, choose a product that kills ivy but won’t harm grass.
- Glyphosate-based weed and brush killer.
- You will notice results within 24 hours of application.
- Kills weeds, brush, and ivy down to the roots.
What Kills Poison Ivy the Fastest?
Crossbow is an excellent herbicide that kills poison ivy vines in 7–14 days. When you compare Crossbow vs. Roundup, Crossbow emerges as the clear winner for killing ivy and brush. Unlike Roundup’s 7–14-day wait time to kill poison ivy, Crossbow works faster. Additionally, Crossbow contains Triclopyr and 2,4-D. These two active ingredients make Crossbow extremely effective against brush. As an added bonus, Crossbow won’t harm grass.
- Crossbow kills poison ivy in 7–14 days.
- This Ortho product also kills poison ivy in 1–2 weeks.
- These products won’t harm grass, but Roundup will.
- Size: 1 Quart.
- Contains 2-4, D and Triclopyr for control on most unwanted trees and brush.
- You can use this on non-crop and non-timber areas.
Another great option for killing poison ivy is Ortho GroundClear Poison Ivy & Tough Brush killer. This Triclopyr-based product won’t harm grass but will kill poison ivy. Additionally, if you’ve cut some poison ivy vines, spray Ortho GroundClear or Crossbow on the vine stumps to kill the ivy roots. Keep in mind, all poison ivy killers take 1–2 weeks to kill the plant entirely.
- Works quickly to kill poison ivy and other unwanted brush.
- Rainproof within 2 hours of application.
- Apply directly on weeds in any brush areas.
How Do You Permanently Kill Poison Ivy Plants?
It’s important to attack poison ivy the right way in order to eradicate it safely. Exposure to poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac can cause an allergic reaction and an itchy rash, so it’s crucial to remain safe as you destroy these pest plants.
Protect Yourself
Wear protective gear whenever you are working near poison ivy. Skin contact with poison ivy leaves and stalks can cause an allergic reaction. This results in an extremely itchy rash and blisters. Wear heavy gloves, long pants, long sleeves, and safety goggles whenever you are spraying herbicide on poison ivy or removing ivy plants.
Choose Your Weed Killer
Select a weed killer that targets poison ivy. The best products contain Triclopyr as an active ingredient. Crossbow is an excellent choice. Plus, certain products in the Roundup and Ortho line contain Triclopyr. Any of these will be more effective at killing ivy than traditional Roundup.
Spray Carefully
When spraying poison ivy, choose a wind-free day with no rain in the forecast. This will ensure the weed killer stays on the ivy and doesn’t drift to other plants. Mix your weed killer according to the label directions and use only as intended. If you are exposed to poison ivy, follow these guidelines from Poison Control for proper treatment.
Allow Time for Results
After spraying poison ivy with the weed killer of your choice, it will take 1–2 weeks for the herbicide to kill the ivy down to the roots. You may see initial wilting in a few hours, but it’s best to wait 14 days before you attempt to remove the ivy. During this time, do not cut, trim, or mow the ivy. Cutting ivy too soon may interrupt the weed killer and allow the ivy to grow back.
Remove Dead Ivy
Once the ivy is fully dead, work carefully to remove it from your property. Poison ivy may still be poisonous after it’s dead, or when it’s dormant in winter. So, wear gloves and protective gear to prevent poison ivy rashes. It’s best to be safe when handling poisonous plants.
Will Roundup Kill Poison Ivy Plants?
When considering whether to use Roundup on poison ivy, keep these facts in mind:
- Standard Roundup is not very effective at killing poison ivy.
- Use a product that contains Triclopyr and/or Dicamba to kill poison ivy reliably.
- Specialized Roundup products contain Triclopyr to kill ivy, but these products are harmful to grass because they also include Glyphosate as an active ingredient.
- Use Crossbow or a similar Triclopyr weed killer to kill poison ivy without killing grass.
No matter what weed killer you use, take safety precautions when eradicating poison ivy. Both leaf and stalk portions of poison ivy plants are poisonous to the touch.
