Poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix) is a toxic plant that can cause severe skin irritation upon contact. It thrives in wet, marshy areas and is known for its compound leaves and clusters of white or grey berries. Because of its toxicity, getting rid of poison sumac requires careful handling and effective removal techniques. In this guide, we’ll walk through the safest and most efficient ways to remove poison sumac plants from your property, ensuring you can reclaim your yard without risking exposure.
Identifying Poison Sumac
Before you begin the removal process, it’s essential to correctly identify poison sumac. Poison sumac is often mistaken for harmless plants like elderberry, so knowing what to look for is critical.
1. Key Characteristics of Poison Sumac
- Leaves: Poison sumac has compound leaves with 7–13 smooth-edged leaflets arranged in pairs, with a single leaflet at the tip. The leaves are pointed and grow in an alternating pattern along the stem.
- Stems: The stems of poison sumac are red or pinkish in color.
- Berries: Poison sumac produces clusters of small white or grey berries that hang from the stems. These are a distinguishing feature, as many non-toxic plants in similar environments have red or blue berries.
- Habitat: Poison sumac thrives in wet, marshy areas, such as swamps or the edges of ponds, but it can also grow in moist, upland areas.
2. Toxicity of Poison Sumac
Poison sumac contains an oily compound called urushiol, which causes an allergic reaction upon contact with skin. Urushiol is found in all parts of the plant, including the leaves, stems, berries, and roots. Even dead poison sumac plants can still contain urushiol, so they must be handled with extreme caution.
Tools and Protective Gear Needed
Before you start removing poison sumac, it’s vital to gather the proper tools and protective gear to avoid direct contact with the plant’s toxic oils.
1. Protective Gear
- Gloves: Wear heavy-duty, chemical-resistant gloves to protect your hands from urushiol. Avoid using cloth gloves, as urushiol can penetrate the fabric.
- Long-Sleeved Shirt and Pants: Wear long sleeves and pants to cover your skin completely. Choose materials that are resistant to oils, such as rubber or vinyl.
- Boots: Waterproof boots will protect your feet from exposure to the plant and the soil.
- Face Mask and Goggles: If you’re cutting or handling large amounts of poison sumac, a face mask and goggles will protect your face and eyes from particles and sap.
2. Tools for Removal
- Pruning Shears or Loppers: Use sharp pruning shears or loppers to cut down the poison sumac plants.
- Shovel: A shovel will be necessary for digging up the roots to ensure complete removal.
- Trash Bags: Use heavy-duty trash bags for disposing of the poison sumac plant material safely.
- Herbicide (optional): A glyphosate-based herbicide can be used for chemical control if you prefer not to manually dig up the plants.
How to Safely Remove Poison Sumac
There are two primary methods for removing poison sumac: manual removal and chemical control. We’ll walk through both methods so you can choose the one that works best for your situation.
1. Manual Removal
Manual removal is an effective and environmentally friendly way to get rid of poison sumac. However, it requires extreme caution to avoid contact with the plant’s toxic oils.
Step-by-Step Manual Removal Process
- Cut the Plant Down
- Start by using pruning shears or loppers to cut the poison sumac plants at the base of the stems. It’s best to do this during the growing season, when the plant is actively taking up nutrients from the soil.
- Dig Up the Roots
- Poison sumac can regrow from its root system, so it’s crucial to dig up as much of the root network as possible. Use a shovel to dig deep around the plant’s base and pull out the entire root system. Aim to get at least 12–18 inches of the root to prevent regrowth.
- Dispose of the Plant Safely
- Place all cut plant material and roots in heavy-duty plastic bags. Seal the bags tightly and do not compost the poison sumac, as the toxic oils can survive in compost and pose a risk later. Dispose of the bags with your regular trash pickup, following local guidelines for hazardous plant waste.
- Clean Your Tools and Gear
- After completing the removal, wash all tools and protective gear thoroughly with soapy water to remove any traces of urushiol. Be sure to also wash your clothes separately from other laundry to avoid cross-contamination.
2. Chemical Control
Using herbicides can be an effective method for larger poison sumac infestations or when manual removal isn’t feasible. The most commonly used herbicides for poison sumac are those containing glyphosate, a systemic herbicide that kills the entire plant, including the roots.
Step-by-Step Chemical Control Process
- Choose the Right Herbicide
- Look for a glyphosate-based herbicide labeled for use against woody plants or poison sumac. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing and applying the herbicide.
- Apply the Herbicide
- Apply the herbicide to the poison sumac during the growing season when the plant is actively transporting nutrients through its system. For best results, apply the herbicide on a dry, calm day to prevent it from drifting to other plants.
- For small plants, apply the herbicide directly to the leaves. For larger plants, you can also use the cut-stump method, where you cut the plant at the base and immediately apply herbicide to the freshly cut stump. This method helps the herbicide penetrate the root system more effectively.
- Monitor for Regrowth
- After applying herbicide, it may take several weeks to see the results. Monitor the area for any signs of regrowth. If new shoots appear, you may need to reapply the herbicide.
- Dispose of Dead Plants
- Once the poison sumac has died, use the same disposal methods as manual removal. Wear protective gear while handling the dead plants, as the urushiol oil can still be active even in dead material.
Preventing Poison Sumac from Returning
Once you’ve successfully removed the poison sumac, it’s important to take steps to prevent it from returning.
1. Monitor the Area Regularly
- After removal, check the area regularly for any signs of new growth. If you see seedlings or sprouts, remove them immediately before they have a chance to establish.
2. Maintain Healthy Ground Cover
- Poison sumac thrives in areas with poor soil and limited competition. Planting dense ground cover or grasses in the cleared area can help prevent the poison sumac from returning by crowding out new seedlings.
3. Improve Drainage
- Poison sumac prefers wet, boggy areas. Improving drainage in the area, such as by installing a drainage system or amending the soil with sand or organic matter, can make the environment less favorable for poison sumac growth.
4. Mulch the Area
- Applying a thick layer of mulch (about 2–3 inches) in the cleared area can suppress new seedlings and reduce the likelihood of poison sumac reestablishing itself. Make sure to keep the mulch at least 6 inches away from the base of any desirable plants.
What to Do if You’ve Been Exposed to Poison Sumac
Despite your best efforts to protect yourself, accidental exposure to poison sumac can happen. If you think you’ve come into contact with the plant, follow these steps to reduce the severity of the reaction:
1. Wash the Affected Area Immediately
- Use soap and cold water to wash the skin as soon as possible, preferably within 15 minutes of exposure. Specially formulated soaps like Tecnu or IvyX are designed to remove urushiol oil and can be more effective than regular soap.
2. Avoid Scratching
- If a rash develops, avoid scratching the affected area to prevent infection. Applying calamine lotion, hydrocortisone cream, or antihistamines can help relieve itching.
3. Seek Medical Attention
- If you develop a severe reaction, such as swelling, difficulty breathing, or widespread rash, seek medical attention immediately. In some cases, prescription medications or steroids may be required to treat the allergic reaction.
Conclusion
Getting rid of poison sumac is essential to ensure the safety of your outdoor spaces, but it requires careful handling due to the toxic nature of the plant. Whether you choose manual removal or chemical control, following the proper steps and using protective gear will help you eliminate poison sumac safely and effectively. After removal, taking preventive measures such as monitoring for regrowth and improving soil conditions will ensure that poison sumac doesn’t return.