The Appearance of Poison Ivy. 
Avoid Then Conquer It This Year With These Landscaping Tips

“Leaves of three let them be.” Being exposed to poison ivy is the worst, especially if you are sensitive to its toxic oil. Fortunately there are precautionary steps that can be taken to avoid this dangerous plant. First and most important, make sure you know how to properly identify poison ivy. Know what it looks like and be safe rather than sorry. Poison ivy leaves are shiny and thin. Young leaves are bright green with a hint of red or orange. The edges are jagged and of course they occur in threes. One leaf is at the end of the stem and two other leaves form exactly opposite each other. During early summer, you may see white or green berries or small white flowers around the stem.

Look up and down for the feisty leaves. They can be discovered anywhere. An unloved area of your yard is a good place to investigate. The vine, once it has taken hold, can get thick and hairy and grow up a tree or fence, side of a garage or infiltrate another unsuspecting bush.

It is very hardy and has aerial roots, not needing soil to survive. It can thrive under decks, stairwells, sheds, or rocks and grow on a trellis, swing set, patio, retaining wall, hardscape or interlocking masonry. It can also crop up among other landscaped areas of your lawn, backyard or pool area.

If you are lucky enough not to have been exposed yet, “play it safe and spray the daylights out of it with a poison ivy killer and wear disposable gloves when you pick it up” is the best advice from Essex County homeowners discussing poison ivy on Facebook. Covering your whole body (long pants, long sleeves, socks, boots and even a hat) is essential to protect skin from the oil that will cause the allergic reaction. Use plastic disposable gloves rather than cotton gardening gloves, as the oil on the leaves can soak right through the cotton. There are creams that can create a barrier to the oil and can be applied before working on removing the poison ivy from your yard or garden.

Disposing of the harmful leaves, stems, berries and vines can create a problem. Use plastic lawn bags, tie them securely and ensure there are no holes or vines sticking out anywhere. Prevent children or even pets from going near the area until it is affirmed that the poison ivy is gone. Even with these precautions, if leaves come in contact with your body, wash with soap and water immediately to prevent the oil from binding to your skin. If you do end up “getting poison ivy” never scratch the area that is affected. Vigorously wash with soap and water and find a product right away that contains hydrocortisone to relieve the itching. Cool oatmeal baths can sooth as can applying yogurt to the blisters. Keep the area clean. The best way to prevent a poison ivy reaction to your skin may be to avoid it altogether and let the professionals handle it. Curb Appeal Design professional landscaping has the tools and the experience. They can help to expertly conquer the threat so you can regain the use of your outdoor space for summer entertaining. Call the Curb Appeal team and your garden and your family will love you for it.

Curb Appeal Design, LLC, a licensed home & business service warranty and repair company uses the most up-to-date techniques and technology to safeguard your most valuable investment, your home. Founded in 1984 and managed by customer-focused president, Mo Soliman, Curb Appeal Design services NJ counties such as Morris, Union and Essex counties and surrounding areas including Chatham Borough, Chatham Township, Summit, Livingston, West Orange, Madison, Short Hills, Millburn and Essex Fells, NJ.

Mo Soliman (973) 451-0203 -  www.curbappealdesign.biz
Curb Appeal Design, LLC - 973-451-0203 | 12 Walsh Way | Morris Plains | NJ | 07950