Thanks for your question.  In order for me to provide you with a complete answer, I need some more information.  What was the composition of the chemical spray you used.

For your information, our forum is strictly an on-line service.  We do not return any phone calls.

Looking forward to hearing back from you.



Thanks for your question and the pictures.

We are a group of volunteer Master Gardeners from various Minnesota locations. We are strictly an on-line service. For this reason we do not make telephone calls nor provide on-site professional services.

As I suspected, the primary (5.33%) active ingredient in the Trimec spray is known as 2,4-D (first ingredient listed on product label). It is marginally effective against poison ivy. It usually needs to be applied several times. The best time to apply it is when the plant is actively growing (usually late spring to early summer). Poison ivy can come up every year from the previous year’s roots. 2,4-D does not always kill all these roots. I’m not surprised that you found it less than satisfactory. See:

https://www.maine.gov/dacf/php/gotpests/weeds/factsheets/poison-ivy-clemson.pdf

https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C867-10&title=controlling-poison-ivy-in-the-landscape

https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/poison-ivy/

The reality is that it can take several years and intensive efforts to bring about the elimination of poison ivy. Even trying to pull it up by hand will typically leave root fragments remaining in the soil from which new plants will arise. Here are a few ideas about controlling poison ivy that sometimes do employ 2,4-D. Mention is also made about the use of glyphosate. This chemical can be effective if done properly. However it will also kill any plant with which it makes contact. Caution is necessary when using it. Pay particular attention to the processes known as solarization (clear plastic) and occultation (black plastic):

https://randylemmon.com/pests-diseases-weeds/poison-ivy-control/

https://granbydrummer.com/2022/05/june-invasive-actions-have-big-payoffs/

https://www.housedigest.com/1530499/smother-poison-ivy-plants-kill-lawn-weed/ - :~:text=Enter occultation, a novel yet,ivy's lifeline to essential resources.

https://morningchores.com/soil-solarization/

https://mdc.mo.gov/trees-plants/nuisance-native-plants/poison-ivy-control - :~:text=Glyphosate is a nonselective herbicide,the roots and prevent sprouting.

https://roundup.com/en-us/specific-weeds/how-to-get-rid-of-poison-ivy.html

Please examine these sites carefully. Essentially you have the choice of five different approaches:

1). Removal by hand with the use of various tools;

2). Extensive and prolonged use of herbicides containing 2,4-D;

3). Use of a broad spectrum (kills everything) herbicide containing glyphosate;

4). Solarization;

5). Occultation;

My two preferences would be solarization and occultation. They would be essentially natural. After they do their thing, you would be able to plant things in the same area. The downside for both approaches is that they will take time. Planting in the area probably would not be possible until 2025.

I apologize for the amount of this material. Please look things over. I will be glad to answer any further questions you might have. Good Luck.