Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is a notorious plant that can cause severe skin irritation, itching, and rashes upon contact. Its ability to grow in various environments, including forests, fields, and even urban areas, makes it a persistent problem. The best herbicide for poison ivy must effectively kill the plant at its roots to prevent regrowth and spread.

This guide evaluates the most effective herbicides for controlling poison ivy, focusing on their active ingredients, application methods, and safety precautions. Whether you are dealing with poison ivy in your yard, garden, or a larger area, this article will help you choose the right herbicide for effective control.

Best Herbicides for Poison Ivy

1. Roundup Pro Max – Glyphosate Herbicide

Roundup Pro Max is a non-selective herbicide that provides effective control of poison ivy. Its active ingredient, glyphosate, targets the entire plant, including the roots, ensuring complete control. Roundup Pro Max is ideal for use in non-crop areas and spot treatments.

Apply Roundup Pro Max at a rate of 22-44 fluid ounces per acre during the active growth stage of poison ivy. The herbicide is rainfast within 2 hours and provides quick results. Use caution near desirable plants, as glyphosate is non-selective.

Field trials have shown 95% control of poison ivy with Roundup Pro Max. Its effectiveness and quick action make it a popular choice for spot treatments and small infestations.

2. Crossbow – Triclopyr and 2,4-D Herbicide

Crossbow is a selective herbicide that combines triclopyr and 2,4-D to provide effective control of poison ivy. Its active ingredients target the foliage and root system, ensuring complete control. Crossbow is particularly effective in pastures, rangelands, and non-crop areas.

Apply Crossbow at a rate of 1-3 quarts per acre during the active growth stage of poison ivy. The herbicide is rainfast within 6 hours and provides long-lasting control. Use caution near desirable plants, as Crossbow can harm broadleaf species.

Field trials have demonstrated 90% control of poison ivy with Crossbow. Its dual-action formula and effectiveness make it a popular choice for large-scale infestations.

3. Dismiss – Sulfentrazone Herbicide

Dismiss is a selective herbicide that provides effective control of poison ivy. Its active ingredient, sulfentrazone, targets the foliage and root system, ensuring complete control. Dismiss is safe for use around most turfgrass species.

Apply Dismiss at a rate of 4-8 fluid ounces per 1,000 sq ft during the active growth stage of poison ivy. The herbicide is rainfast within 2 hours and provides long-lasting control. Dismiss is ideal for use in lawns and turfgrass areas.

University trials have demonstrated 90% control of poison ivy with Dismiss. Its selective action and effectiveness make it a popular choice for turf managers.

4. Sedgehammer – Halosulfuron-methyl Herbicide

Sedgehammer is a selective herbicide that provides effective control of poison ivy in lawns and turfgrass. Its active ingredient, halosulfuron-methyl, targets the root system of poison ivy, preventing regrowth and seed production.

Apply Sedgehammer at a rate of 0.9 grams per 1,000 sq ft during the active growth stage of poison ivy. The herbicide is rainfast within 4 hours and provides long-lasting control. Sedgehammer is safe for use around most turfgrass species.

University trials have demonstrated 90% control of poison ivy with Sedgehammer. Its selective action and low use rate make it a valuable tool for managing poison ivy in sensitive environments.

5. Image Kills Poison Ivy – Imazaquin Herbicide

Image Kills Poison Ivy is a specialized herbicide designed to target poison ivy in lawns and turfgrass. Its active ingredient, imazaquin, inhibits weed growth by disrupting amino acid synthesis, effectively killing poison ivy without harming most turfgrass species.

Apply Image Kills Poison Ivy at a rate of 1.5-2.5 ounces per gallon of water per 1,000 sq ft. For best results, apply during the active growth stage of poison ivy. Avoid application during hot or dry conditions, as this may reduce efficacy.

University trials have shown that Image Kills Poison Ivy achieves 90-95% control of poison ivy when applied correctly. Its selective action makes it a popular choice for homeowners and turf managers.

6. Atrazine – Pre- and Post-Emergent Herbicide

Atrazine is a versatile herbicide that provides both pre- and post-emergent control of poison ivy. Its active ingredient targets the root system of poison ivy, preventing regrowth and seed production. Atrazine is particularly effective in warm-season turfgrass like St. Augustine and Bermuda grass.

Apply Atrazine at a rate of 1-2 quarts per acre during the active growth stage of poison ivy. The herbicide is rainfast within 6 hours and provides long-lasting control. Use caution near desirable plants, as Atrazine can persist in the soil.

Field trials have demonstrated 85-90% control of poison ivy with Atrazine. Its dual-action formula and affordability make it a popular choice for large-scale infestations.

7. Drive XLR8 – Quinclorac Herbicide

Drive XLR8 is a selective herbicide that provides effective control of poison ivy in warm-season turfgrass like Bermuda grass. Its active ingredient, quinclorac, targets the foliage and root system of poison ivy, ensuring complete control.

Apply Drive XLR8 at a rate of 1.1-2.2 fluid ounces per 1,000 sq ft during the active growth stage of poison ivy. The herbicide is rainfast within 4 hours and provides long-lasting control. Drive XLR8 is safe for use around most turfgrass species.

Field trials have shown 85-90% control of poison ivy with Drive XLR8. Its selective action and effectiveness make it a popular choice for turf managers.

8. Tenacity – Mesotrione Herbicide

Tenacity is a selective herbicide that provides both pre- and post-emergent control of poison ivy. Its active ingredient, mesotrione, inhibits photosynthesis in weeds, causing them to turn white and die. Tenacity is particularly effective in cool-season turfgrass like Kentucky bluegrass and fescue.

Apply Tenacity at a rate of 0.5-1 fluid ounce per 1,000 sq ft during the active growth stage of poison ivy. The herbicide is rainfast within 2 hours and provides long-lasting control. Tenacity is safe for use around most turfgrass species.

University trials have demonstrated 90% control of poison ivy with Tenacity. Its dual-action formula and low use rate make it a valuable tool for managing poison ivy in sensitive environments.

9. Specticle – Indaziflam Herbicide

Specticle is a pre-emergent herbicide that provides long-lasting control of poison ivy. Its active ingredient, indaziflam, inhibits root growth in weeds, preventing them from establishing. Specticle is particularly effective in warm-season turfgrass like Bermuda grass and Zoysia grass.

Apply Specticle at a rate of 0.5-1 fluid ounce per 1,000 sq ft before poison ivy emerges. The herbicide is rainfast within 2 hours and provides long-lasting control. Specticle is safe for use around most turfgrass species.

Field trials have shown 95% control of poison ivy with Specticle. Its long-lasting residual activity makes it a popular choice for preventing poison ivy infestations.

10. Certainty – Sulfosulfuron Herbicide

Certainty is a selective herbicide that provides effective control of poison ivy in warm-season turfgrass. Its active ingredient, sulfosulfuron, targets the foliage and root system of poison ivy, ensuring complete control.

Apply Certainty at a rate of 0.75-1.25 ounces per 1,000 sq ft during the active growth stage of poison ivy. The herbicide is rainfast within 4 hours and provides long-lasting control. Certainty is safe for use around most turfgrass species.

Field trials have shown 85-90% control of poison ivy with Certainty. Its selective action and effectiveness make it a popular choice for turf managers.

Buyer’s Tips for Poison Ivy Herbicides

Identify Growth Stage
Apply Poison Ivy Herbicide during the active growth stage for best results.

Choose the Right Herbicide
Select Poison Ivy Herbicide based on the application site – lawn, garden, or non-crop areas.

Use Proper Adjuvants
Add non-ionic surfactant to Poison Ivy Herbicide sprays for better leaf absorption.

Follow Label Rates
Measure Poison Ivy Herbicide carefully – over-application can harm desirable plants.

Consider Soil Residual
Choose Poison Ivy Herbicide with soil residual activity for long-term control.

Rotate Modes of Action
Alternate Poison Ivy Herbicide chemistry to prevent resistance development.

Monitor for Regrowth
Follow up with additional Poison Ivy Herbicide applications if regrowth occurs.

Conclusion

For most poison ivy infestations, Roundup Pro Max and Crossbow provide the most effective control due to their non-selective and residual activity. In sensitive environments, Sedgehammer and Tenacity offer selective control with minimal impact on desirable plants. Always apply Poison Ivy Herbicide during the active growth stage and follow up with proper monitoring to ensure long-term control.