Date: Tue, 10 Jul 2018 14:31:29 -0400
From: “John Dykers M.D.”
Subject: poison ivy on tree at new property of Starlight Mead
how big is the base??? some on my pine trees were 3 inch diameter! Or you may have a dozen 1/4 inch runners????
If big, cut it and leave it to die, preferable into winter; then it needs a place to rot. DO NOT BURN. THE SMOKE CARRIES THE PROTEIN AND WILL RAISE HELL WITH THE LUNGS OF ANYONE BREATHING IT.
Ole 2-4-D spray will kill the leaves and plants, but removal STILL REQUIRES THE SAME CARE. Gloves, cover skin, even touching the dead ivy, dead from whatever cause, the sticky base that carries the toxin is still there. AFTER removal, SCRUB, with LAVA or similar abrasive soap, not just a gentle wash with Ivory!
Sounds like your stalk is big going up the tree and you could well start with an axe and cut a 3 inch section out of the stalk. Later you can deal with the root by digging out or applying 2-4-D. Depends on your tolerance for herbicides and your availability of someone capable.
John Dykers