Tordon is not a useful poison ivy killer. It is formulated to kill trees, not ivy and vines. So, even if you follow the label directions for Tordon, the poison ivy is likely to survive the treatment. Instead of Tordon, use a specially formulated poison ivy and brush killer. These products are easier to apply, so you’ll kill the ivy without risking a painful poison ivy rash.
Why is Tordon a Bad Choice for Poison Ivy?
Tordon is a poor option for killing poison ivy for two reasons. First, Tordon does not kill poison ivy permanently. Second, Tordon is most effective when it is applied to cut stems and stumps. Cutting poison ivy for this application method can expose you to the plant’s poisonous urushiol. Weed killers that can be sprayed onto poison ivy are safer and more effective.
What Kills Poison Ivy Permanently?
The most effective poison ivy killers contain triclopyr, a herbicide designed for vines and brush. Crossbow is a very effective triclopyr-based herbicide that I highly recommend for destroying poison ivy. Just follow the label instructions for spraying Crossbow onto the leaves of the ivy. Within a few weeks, the ivy will be completely dead.
What Spray Kills Poison Ivy Fast?
The fastest working and easiest to use poison ivy spray is Roundup Poison Ivy. Like Crossbow, it contains Triclopyr. However, Roundup Poison Ivy contains additional active ingredients for quick results. Plus, it comes in a ready-to-spray container. So, you can instantly get to work killing poison ivy without mixing ingredients or preparing your own pump sprayer.
How to Kill Poison Ivy with a Weed Spray
When killing poison ivy with a weed spray, it’s essential to follow these steps:
- Wear pants, long sleeves, gloves, and goggles.
- Avoid touching or handling poison ivy.
- Choose a poison ivy killer that can be sprayed directly on the leaves.
- Using a sprayer with a long applicator to keep a safe distance from the poison ivy.
- Thoroughly spray the leaves and stems of the ivy.
- Shower immediately after spraying the poison ivy and wash the clothes you wore.
- Be patient—it can take two to four weeks for the ivy to fully die.
It really is that simple. Poison ivy sprays keep you safe because you don’t have to touch the poison ivy to kill it. However, the urushiol in poison ivy may still be released if you step on small ivy plants while spraying. Wearing protective clothing and showering after you spray the ivy will help prevent an ivy rash.
How Do You Remove Dead Poison Ivy?
After spraying poison ivy with a killer herbicide, wait four weeks before you begin removal. This will ensure the ivy is completely dead, which reduces the risk that it will harm you. Once the ivy is fully dead, follow these steps:
- Don protective clothing, including gloves and goggles.
- Use this pair of loppers to cut poison ivy vines off near ground level.
- Pull the cut vines free and immediately bag them in heavy duty trash bags.
- After removing the dead vines, use a shovel to dig out the roots.
- Once you remove the roots, you can plant other species in the area.
Never burn poison ivy, even if it is dead. There may still be poisonous urushiol in the vines. When burned, the poison will be carried in the smoke. Any person or animal that inhales this smoke can breathe in urushiol. This causes respiratory inflammation, trouble breathing, and in rare cases can even cause death. So, always bag poison ivy and throw it in the trash.
Can You Kill Poison Ivy with Tordon?
You cannot reliably kill poison ivy with Tordon. Plus, treating poison ivy with Tordon is a risky job that can expose you to the poisonous urushiol in the ivy. Instead, follow these steps:
- Wear protective gear and avoid handling live poison ivy.
- Spray poison ivy leaves with a herbicide containing triclopyr, such as Crossbow or Roundup Poison Ivy.
- Wait 4 weeks for the ivy to fully die.
- Cut off poison ivy vines, bag them, and throw them away.
- Dig up poison ivy roots and dispose of them in the trash.
- Never burn any part of the poison ivy—this can release dangerous toxins into the air.
Although Tordon isn’t a good choice for poison ivy, there are plenty of other products that are excellent ivy destroyers. Use Tordon to kill trees. Brush and vine killers are best for getting rid of poison ivy.
