Get matched with top weed maintenance pros in Gardnerville, NV

There are several ways to kill poison ivy permanently. The trick is to keep it from coming back. Herbicides and natural remedies are highly effective for killing existing poison ivy plants. However, plant and root parts left behind can easily create new sprouts that turn into full-grown plants. The only way to permanently get rid of poison ivy is to be patient and diligent until all traces of the plant are dead and gone.

The fastest ways to kill weeds and unwanted grass include burning them, pouring boiling water on them, or pulling them out by hand, as these methods work almost instantaneously. For a quick-acting solution that works within a few hours, you can use a commercial-grade herbicide like glyphosate or a DIY vinegar, salt, and dish soap mixture. While effective, be aware that commercial herbicides introduce chemicals into your lawn. The slowest method for killing weeds is to starve them of sunlight and nutrients using mulch or fabric covers.

Mowing is one of the most important ways to maintain your lawn because it encourages grass to grow horizontally, creating a fuller, more uniform yard. On top of mowing your lawn, you’ll want to routinely fertilize your lawn, water it regularly, and take care of pests the moment they arise. 

Landscaping fabric can only help to prevent weed growth in the short term. It's not an ideal long-term solution because dirt will eventually make its way on top of it, causing weeds to sprout. These fabrics can also leave microplastics in the environment for many, many years, so pulling weeds using one of the methods in this guide as soon as you see them is a better long-term prevention strategy.