Poison Ivy in trees

[arrabil]

How big were those vines you treated?

1/2" diameter at most.

 

[Car Doc]

In January, poison ivy is defenseless. Th

I would beg to differ on that statement the oils in one form or another stay active nearly forever.

I have gotten PI from the dirt when digging post holes that haven't seen any green growth around the dirt for years, and firewood been there a dozen times pick something up in the middle of winter and just like summer same exact results pain and misery. ymmv

 

[techwrtr2]

I haven't had much trouble with poison ivy climbing trees. Thankfully...

I do have what I believe is bittersweet. That stuff is vile. Gradually cutting it out but it's so prevalent that I'm not sure true irradiation is possible without killing everything.

 

[smstonypoint]

Here's the abstract from "Biomass and toxicity responses of poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) to elevated atmospheric CO2," by some folks at Duke U.

Abstract -- Contact with poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is one of the most widely reported ailments at poison centers in the United States, and this plant has been introduced throughout the world, where it occurs with other allergenic members of the cashew family (Anacardiaceae). Approximately 80% of humans develop dermatitis upon exposure to the carbon-based active compound, urushiol. It is not known how poison ivy might respond to increasing concentrations of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), but previous work done in controlled growth chambers shows that other vines exhibit large growth enhancement from elevated CO2. Rising CO2 is potentially responsible for the increased vine abundance that is inhibiting forest regeneration and increasing tree mortality around the world. In this 6-year study at the Duke University Free-Air CO2 Enrichment experiment, we show that elevated atmospheric CO2 in an intact forest ecosystem increases photosynthesis, water use efficiency, growth, and population biomass of poison ivy. The CO2 growth stimulation exceeds that of most other woody species. Furthermore, high-CO2 plants produce a more allergenic form of urushiol. Our results indicate that Toxicodendron taxa will become more abundant and more toxic in the future, potentially affecting global forest dynamics and human health.

Biomass and toxicity responses of poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) to elevated atmospheric CO2 ? PNAS

IMHO, whether global warming is natural or man-made is debatable. But if it's going on, it seems poison ivy will become even more of a pest.

Steve

 

[1bush2hog]

I haven't had much trouble with poison ivy climbing trees. Thankfully...

I do have what I believe is bittersweet. That stuff is vile. Gradually cutting it out but it's so prevalent that I'm not sure true irradiation is possible without killing everything.

The last thing you want to do is cut oriental bittersweet - it comes back with a vengence.

I have killed quit a bit, spraying it with Remedy.

 

[ShenandoahJoe]

I would beg to differ on that statement the oils in one form or another stay active nearly forever.

I guess I must have some sissy poison ivy on my place. That's nice to know. I was under the impression I'm growing the meanest weeds in the Valley.

 

[Car Doc]

I guess I must have some sissy poison ivy on my place. That's nice to know. I was under the impression I'm growing the meanest weeds in the Valley.

They can be deceiving just because you may not see it the suffering is still there somewhere!

Good luck with yours they are all mean from my point of view!

 

[brin]

I must be one of the 20% that Poison Ivey or Poison Oak does not affect...I can use my bare hands to rip it up and out of trees and even rub it on me and nothing happens..I am lucky since my daughter in law and my wife are both in big trouble if they even get near it...go figure.

Here's the abstract from "Biomass and toxicity responses of poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) to elevated atmospheric CO2," by some folks at Duke U.

Abstract -- Contact with poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is one of the most widely reported ailments at poison centers in the United States, and this plant has been introduced throughout the world, where it occurs with other allergenic members of the cashew family (Anacardiaceae). Approximately 80% of humans develop dermatitis upon exposure to the carbon-based active compound, urushiol. It is not known how poison ivy might respond to increasing concentrations of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), but previous work done in controlled growth chambers shows that other vines exhibit large growth enhancement from elevated CO2. Rising CO2 is potentially responsible for the increased vine abundance that is inhibiting forest regeneration and increasing tree mortality around the world. In this 6-year study at the Duke University Free-Air CO2 Enrichment experiment, we show that elevated atmospheric CO2 in an intact forest ecosystem increases photosynthesis, water use efficiency, growth, and population biomass of poison ivy. The CO2 growth stimulation exceeds that of most other woody species. Furthermore, high-CO2 plants produce a more allergenic form of urushiol. Our results indicate that Toxicodendron taxa will become more abundant and more toxic in the future, potentially affecting global forest dynamics and human health.

Biomass and toxicity responses of poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) to elevated atmospheric CO2 ? PNAS

IMHO, whether global warming is natural or man-made is debatable. But if it's going on, it seems poison ivy will become even more of a pest.

Steve

 

[dfkrug]

I haven't had much trouble with poison ivy climbing trees.

Growing up in MI, OH, and MA, I have run into my share of poison-ivy.

Here in coastal CA, it's poison-oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum), and I
have seen those vines climb 100 feet up redwood trees. In those
cases, the stem will be as much as 4-inches in diameter. I cut them
with a hand saw and leave them to die.

I have never run into poison-sumac (Toxicodendron vernix), which is
supposed to be much more allegenic than -oak or -ivy.

 

[nebraskasparks]

I concur with most of your writers. I've got huge cottonwoods that used to be infected with the stuff.
Being fully clothed, cut the vines at the bottom...I cut them once at the bottom and then a few feet further up and using a pair of pliars or branch cutters pull that short segment off. Check the bark very closely as some very thin vines can "hide" from you and show up the following year.

Short segment is put into burn pile or compost. Spray and let it die on its own accord. Remember which pair of gloves you used for this job and immediately when finished go throw the clothes directly into the washer machine and wash. Don't let them sit in a pile for kids to come in contact with. Been there and done all of this.Take a cool/cold shower and scrub down. Keeps the pores closed and gets you clean. Treat this as if you're playing with HAZMAT stuff and you'll do just fine.

 

[jcummins]

I must be one of the 20% that Poison Ivey or Poison Oak does not affect...I can use my bare hands to rip it up and out of trees and even rub it on me and nothing happens..I am lucky since my daughter in law and my wife are both in big trouble if they even get near it...go figure.

Same here...I've never had an issue. My wife SEES it from 100 yards away and she gets a rash. I do indeed consider myself fortune in this regard.

 

[raceron1120]

Lots of good info here on the PI stuff. I have vines creeping up nearly every tree on a portion of my land (just over 2 acres). I've cut the stems and it works for what's in the trees but it seems to make the ground ivy even thicker than before. Assuming the root network is sprouting more ground plants. QUESTION - how in the heck does anyone get rid of the web of ground roots, vines and stems? I cleared out a portion of the ground cover (old leaves, branches etc.) and the ground is tangled with ivy vines. I've heard of blanket chemical treating (not a big fan of this since we have a well for water) and smothering it, which isn't really practical - or easily done - in the wooded area. Has anyone tackled this issue before and if so, any success?
Thanks
Ron

 

[indianaEPH]

I've also have a bad PI infestation in some trees. I have been severing the vine near the ground but not treating the root. THis is the first year that I have been doing this and I was hoping that the vine would not come back.

What about ground treatment of PI? Anyone have a recommendation on effective herbicide that will not kill grass?

BTW while writing this I am scratching my fore arms because of PI. Was not careful enough this weekend!

 

[smstonypoint]

What about ground treatment of PI? Anyone have a recommendation on effective herbicide that will not kill grass?

Crossbow, a broad-leaf herbicide, will work.

Steve

 

[acme97]

I too have poison ivy and oak all over my place. Luckly I'm not affected by it. Don't know why, but I can handle the stuff and never get a rash from it. Maybe I should hire myself out to be a PI or PO handler!:laughing:

 

[Xkvator]

i get it pretty easily...

even got it from an off-brand of Cashews many years ago...probly not roasted completely...

my neighbor, who has the farm ajoining me, said when they were kids, and clearing overgrown parts of the farm, they would fence off areas, and put in a bunch of pigs...they love PI, and root out the roots...

i use Roundup...

 

[jonyyuma]

Down here, sometimes you will nearly be immune, for years..Then, next time, it will nearly eat an arm or leg up?

 

[retiredmgn]

Back in the day of 'Mother Earth News' - when we were more holy and innocent - I remember reading several articles where it was suggested to munch on a PI leaf early in the season and continue over time to build up a resistance. :laughing:
What a bunch of horse poohy. I wonder if anyone actually tried it. It was touted as 'the natural way, 'how the indians did it'. The articles never went on to mention, next, 'cut a willow sappling to ream your throat and stomach once the itching started.'

 

[EddieWalker]

From what I understand, it likes to live in the shade, so exposing it to full sun is an effective way to kill it. Once dead, the oil that causes the rash, remains on the plant forever. What really suckes is that you can grab a piece of oak and not know that it had poison ivy on it, and still get poison ivy from the oil it left behind.

Washing with soap is the best way to make sure you don't get a reaction to the oil. The longer the oil remains on your skin, the more likely that you will be to get a reaction. It is all about the oil!!!! If there is some on your clothes, then anybody who touches it on your clothes can also have a reaction to the oil.

Poison Ivy is NOT contagous, but the oil is always active and can cause a reaction years after the plant is died if the oil is still there. Once you have the rash, it's just a personal reaction to the oil. It's like a mosquito bite in that you cannot give it to anybody else.

Normally it takes two weeks for the rash to run it's course. First week it grows and peaks, then the second week, it clears up.

Everyone is different in what works best for them to treat it with over the counter products. You just have to try them all to find the ones that work the best for you. Doctors have better, stronger treatments if it gets that bad.

Eddie

 

[indianaEPH]

I use to get a severe rash. Over the years I seemed to have developed an immunity. I can still get a minor rash but nothing even close to what I would get when I was a kid. Poison ivy is NASTY