Poison sumac

Removing weeds

Once you have determined where poison ivy, sumac or oak is located, you can work to remove it.

Wear protection

Cover your hands with thick, long gloves and wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants in case you accidently touch the plants. Launder the shirt and pants before wearing them again.

Choose the right time

Always choose a calm, wind-free day for applying products to avoid contact with other desirable plants. If you can, it is best to apply with a temperature above 60 degrees F.

Apply a weed-killing solution

Look for a weed-eliminating product that works double-duty. Among such products: Roundup Poison Ivy Plus Tough Brush Killer, which penetrates the waxy surface of poison ivy, oak, sumac, kudzu and other tough weeds, while also killing at the roots. Spray the weed killer on the leaves until saturated, taking care not to apply to nearby trees, grasses and plants. Always read and follow label directions.

Wait for the plant to completely die

Perennial weeds such as poison ivy may take four or more weeks for a complete kill, so be patient.

Regularly monitor surroundings

Keep new weeds from growing by surveying your outdoor areas monthly throughout the busy weed-growing months of May through November.