Find out how to identify and get rid of poison oak while avoiding painful rashes this plant can cause.
This guide explains how to identify poison oak and eliminate this troublesome plant safely.
How to Identify Poison Oak
Poison oak is native to North America.
Credit:Denny Schrock
They’re both in the same genus of toxic plants aspoison ivyand poison sumac.
Poison oak, like its cousin poison ivy, has compound leaves.
However, they can also be less lobed and more like a squashed football.
Poison oak can be hard to identify when the leaves have fallen off for winter.
Killing poison oak keeps it from spreading but doesn’t completely remove the hazard.
Button up the collar, put up long hair, and wear safety glasses.
If it sounds like you are getting ready to work with hazardous material, it’s because you are.
Don’t skimp on the protection.
Poison oak is nasty stuff.
Young, small plants are easily removed, but older plants take some digging.
Cutting the plant off at ground level will only cause it to resprout with vigor.
Hand pulling is best, especially for poison oak growing near where people or pets walk or play.
Double bag poison oak in a securely sealed plastic bag before putting it in your trash.
Never burn poison oak.
Inhaling it can even be fatal.
Chemical Treatment for Getting Rid of Poison Oak
Using herbicideto kill poison oak is effective.
Herbicides with glyphosate or triclopyr are effective and best applied during the growing season when the leaves are green.
Multiple treatments are likely to be needed.
Be sure to follow all instructions on the label, including PPE.
Take care when applying near gardens or trees.
