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If you are concerned about lawn care and some plants growing in your yard and think that they may be poison ivy, learn how to identify them and safely remove them with the following steps. Once you have finished the project, clear the section where the poisonous plants were once growing and plant grass seed in it so that your property looks nicer.

Identify The Plants

Poison ivy plants have leaves that are shiny and dark green. The leaves grow in groups of three and are pointed. The plants grow as a vine or shrub and have small, yellow flowers growing between the leaves. In the fall, the leaves turn a reddish color and small yellow berries are found between the leaves. 

Use The Following Materials

• long sleeved clothing
• rubber gloves
• safety goggles
• face mask
• pruning shears
• trash bags
• large shovel
• weed killer
• rubbing alcohol
• cleaning cloths
• heavy duty detergent
• soapy water 
• water hose
• rake
• grass seed

Remove The Plants

Before removing poison ivy plants, it is very important to cover all exposed parts of your body. Put on a pair of pants, long sleeved shirt, pair of rubber gloves, safety goggles, and a face mask that covers your mouth to keep yourself protected. If the plants are growing closely together, use a pair of pruning shears to trim the bottom of each stem as close to the ground as you can. Place the plants inside of a trash bag.

If only a few poison ivy plants are in your yard and they are spaced apart, use a shovel to loosen the soil around each one so that you can easily pull the plants upwards and remove the roots from the ground. Secure the bag and dispose of it immediately. Spray weed killer on any remaining stems, being careful not to spray the product on any grass or plants that are growing nearby. The chemicals that the weed killer are made out of can harm any plants that it comes into contact with.

Clean Your Tools And Clothing

The resin that is inside of poison ivy may be on your tools and clothing after you have finished removing the poisonous plants. Disinfect the tools and safety goggles by wiping them off with rubbing alcohol. Rinse each one off with soapy water, followed by plain water. Remove all of your clothing and wash it with heavy duty detergent and hot water. Dispose of the rubber gloves, and face mask. Use a scrub brush and soapy water to clean your shoes. Rinse them off well with a water hose.

Plant Grass Seed

After a few days, the remaining poison ivy stems will have wilted and can easily be pulled out of the ground. Wear a pair of rubber gloves while removing them just in case there is still any resin left on some of the stems. Use a rake to clear the areas where the poison ivy plants once were growing. Sprinkle grass seed liberally over each section and water them with a hose.

Continue watering the grass seed a couple times each day until new grass begins growing. Soon, your lawn will be attractive and you will be able to enjoy spending time in the areas where the poison ivy once was.