Most people associate this nasty nuisance with its likelihood to cause a skin rash. Nevertheless, poison oak can also put a stranglehold on weakened areas in your lawn. It thrives in areas with plenty of sunlight and irrigation, but it can tolerate dry climates. Around three quarters of all people are allergic to its irritating oil urushiol, which causes mild to moderate reddish skin infections. The rash will last around 10 days, but lawn infestations last all year.
Poison oak springs up perennially from strong root crowns, and spreads by an extensive rhizome network. An initial infestation starts when birds disperse seeds to open areas in your yard. Flowering occurs from March until June, but the seeds are spread from late summer to fall. Regardless of the time of year, the oil that covers poison oak leaves can cause an allergic skin reaction.
This pesky weed will rarely infest a well-kept lawn, so make sure to fertilize and mow your lawn regularly. Poison oak can be controlled by applying a Roundup® Brand Weed & Grass Killer to your weed problems. Always use gloves and protective gear when removing poison oak from your yard. If the infestation is widespread, call a professional removal service.
Even after the poison oak plant is dead, the leaves still can transmit its rash-inducing oil to your
skin.
Wash all items, including garden tools, shoes and clothes, before using them again.
Do not
burn the weeds, as oil particles can spread through the air, causing serious respiratory problems.
Be careful to keep your pets out of infested areas, as they can carry the oil back into your home.
If you were in contact with poison oak, rinse your skin with isopropyl alcohol and lots of cold
water. Contact your physician immediately.
Depending on where it grows, poison oak can grow as a vine or a shrub. The leaves of usually have 3 scalloped leaflets each, although occasionally there can be up to 9. During the fall, the leaves will go from dark green to a rich red color. Its small, whitish green flowers sprout where the leaves join to the stem. As a shrub, it can reach heights of 1 to 6 feet tall.
