Know what’s growing before you reach for the weed whacker.
Three leaves may not look particularly threatening, but when those leaves belong to poison ivy, getting too close can quickly turn into an uncomfortable problem. Poison ivy is widespread throughout Collingwood, Ontario, and it can grow in gardens, wooded areas, along roadsides, and in other natural spaces.
For property owners, knowing what poison ivy looks like is an important part of landscape care. The plant can vary considerably in its growth habit and may appear as a low-growing plant, trailing vine, or climbing vine. Its leaves are typically arranged in groups of three, although appearance can change throughout the growing season.
Common signs of poison ivy include:
- Three leaflets arranged together on each compound leaf
- Alternate leaf arrangement along the stem
- Green leaves that can develop red or orange colouring
- Growth along woodland edges, gardens, fences, or roadsides
Poison ivy contains an oil that can cause an itchy skin reaction in people who are sensitive to it. Direct contact is not the only concern. The oil can also be transferred from the plant onto clothing or equipment, and burning fresh poison ivy can release the oil into smoke. It can be easy to mistake poison ivy for other plants, and when you are uncertain about a plant, it is best to avoid handling it until you can have it properly identified.
Removing poison ivy is not a simple matter of cutting back what is visible above ground. The plant can regrow from its roots and stems, which makes proper removal and follow-up important. Our experts at WillowStone can assist with plant identification and develop a management strategy that best suits your property.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team to protect your landscape and loved ones from the effects of poison ivy.