Knowledgebase
Poison Sumac Removal #577914
Asked July 08, 2019, 12:31 PM EDT
Livingston County Michigan
Expert Response
Natural poison sumac control: difficult but not impossible. You may
be able control poison sumac by pulling or digging the plant, but be
sure to get the entire root system or the plant will re-sprout. Be sure to dress appropriately – wear gloves, long, sturdy pants and long-sleeved shirts and avoid coming in direct contact with the plant. Wash your clothing immediately in hot, soapy water when you are finished working on the plants.
You can also cut the plant to ground level with pruning shears, but
you’ll need to repeat the task every two weeks or so to keep up with new
growth. If you are persistent, the plant will eventually die, but it
may take a couple of years. Again, clean your tools in hot, soapy water.
Dispose of all plant parts in plastic bags.
A Note of Caution: Avoid burning poison sumac trees because heating the plant releases vapors that can cause serious allergic reactions. When inhaled, the vapors can even be fatal.
Chemical Control: Herbicides containing glyphosate are an effective means of control. Use the product strictly according
to the directions on the label, and keep in mind that glyphosate is
non-selective and will kill any plant it touches. RoundUp is one product that contains this chemical. You may have heard about it on the news as potentially causing cancers -- especially in those who use it frequently. So be advised. Always carefully read and follow all directions on the label.
Alternatively, you can cut the plants to a height of about 6 inches, then apply the weed killer to the cut stems. Use pruning shears, not a weed trimmer or mower, to avoid releasing irritating plant parts into the air.
Note: Chemical control should only be used as a last resort, as organic approaches are safer and much more environmentally friendly.