On 14 May 2005 12:06:19 -0700, wrote:

There is definitely poison ivy that grows as a vine. I just whacked
some here in NJ yesterday that was growing up a tree in the woods at
the border of my lawn. The root was about 1 1/2" in diameter at the
base. It went a good 20+ feet up the tree. You're right about needing
the Roundup to be strong. I used it at about 10%, whiere 1 or 2% is
fine for most common broadleaf weeds and grass.

Yes, I have the vines as well, and they grow like crazy!

They do make a brush killer labeled for poison ivy, but I've had good
luck doing the following:

I cut the vine a foot or two from the last root. I take a small
container of full strength roundup, and dip the cut end of the vine
(the part that is still rooted in the ground) into the pure roundup
and leave it for several minutes. (when I'm working with the ivy I
wear protective clothes, gloves, and eye protection.)

This usually kills the vine within a week or two. It's a pain to do a
bunch of vines, but it works. I've thought about an alternate method,
but haven't tried it yet. Cut the vines as above. take a cotton ball
and dip it into full strength roundup. Place on the end of the vine,
and cover with a piece of aluminum foil crumpled to hold it on the
vine. With this method, you could do a whole bunch without taking the
time to soak each vine. If you try this, be sure to collect the foil
pieces and cotton balls and dispose of properly.

While we're on the subject, a company called Gemplers
(www.gemplers.com) sells a product called (IIRC) Technu, that you wash
with after exposure to poison ivy or related nasty. It claims to be
effective even when used hours after exposure. When I'm out mucking
around in the areas I know there is ivy, I wash off my arms and legs
with it afterward, and it really does seem to work. It's a lot less
messy than those barrier lotions you put on ahead of time.

Insert usual disclaimers.

HTH,

Paul