How to Remove Poison Ivy Naturally with Goats

Say Goodbye to Poison Ivy—Naturally

If poison ivy is creeping across your yard, threatening your kids, pets, or garden plans, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most frustrating invasive plants to deal with—and also one of the hardest to kill without chemicals. But here in Western New York, there’s a better way: let goats do the dirty work.

At Only Goats Farm, our WNY Party Goats specialize in poison ivy removal and other goatscaping services. Here’s what you need to know about how it works, what to expect, and how to keep poison ivy from coming back.

---

🐐 What to Expect During Goat Removal

1. Fast Eaters, Not Magic Erasers

Goats love poison ivy and will happily eat it down to the stems. In most cases, you’ll see a dramatic reduction within 1–3 days depending on the size of the area and number of goats. However, goats don’t dig up the roots—so some regrowth is expected unless you follow up.

2. Temporary Browsing Damage

They’ll eat leaves, vines, and even bark. If poison ivy is climbing trees or structures, goats will strip everything they can reach. This is normal and part of effective removal.

3. Complete Clearing is Rare

Goats may avoid some plants (like thorny bushes or ferns), so expect a few untouched patches. These can be addressed with a second round or light manual clearing.

4. Safe & Contained Grazing

We bring the goats, set up secure fencing, and monitor their work until the job is done. The goats are safe, efficient, and focused on their task.

5. Natural Resting Periods

Goats won’t be standing and eating the whole time. They often lie down during the day to chew cud and rest. This is a natural part of their digestion and not a sign of slacking—they’re still working!

Responsibilities During Removal

Only Goats Farm:

• Deliver goats and set up fencing
• Monitor grazing and adjust as needed
• Remove goats at completion and provide progress updates

Homeowner:

• Ensure access to the property
• Keep pets away from grazing area
• Avoid spraying any chemicals before or during grazing
• Let us know about any hazards or plant concerns

---

🌱 What to Do After Goat Removal

Once the goats have cleared the visible growth, it’s your turn to stop the roots from bouncing back.

1. Treat Immediately—or Wait if Unsure

If you know where poison ivy was, start treatment right away. If you’re unsure, give it a few days to regrow slightly so you can better spot any remaining vines.

2. Target the Roots

Goats don’t kill roots, so choose a follow-up method:

→ Chemical Option

• Use Roundup Poison Ivy Plus or Ortho MAX Poison Ivy & Tough Brush Killer
• Apply directly to foliage at the highest “safe concentration” listed on the label
• Apply on still, dry days
• Avoid repeated light sprays (they do more harm long-term)
• Avoid persistent herbicides that could damage your soil or garden later

→ Non-Chemical Option

• Use 20% horticultural vinegar mixed with dish soap
• Reapply frequently for effectiveness
• Pull visible roots manually
• Cover area with cardboard, black plastic, or mulch to block sunlight

→ Sheet Mulching (Best Long-Term Option)

• Lay 2 layers of cardboard over the area
• Add 12–24″ of wood chips on top
• Let it sit for a full season to smother roots

Why it works:
Wood chips retain moisture, suppress regrowth, improve soil, and mimic poison ivy’s former ground-protecting role—without the rash.

Caution:

Don’t plant food crops in that area for at least one year after treatment, especially if you used herbicide. Residual oils or chemicals could still be active.

3. Replant or Reseed

Choose fast-spreading ground cover to prevent poison ivy from returning.

Recommended Ground Covers:

• Creeping thyme
• Dutch white clover
• Ajuga (bugleweed)
• Pachysandra (for shade)
• Creeping sedum
• Native grasses and wildflowers

4. Monitor for Regrowth

Check the area every few weeks for 6–12 months. If you see poison ivy again, you may want a second visit from the goats or spot treat.

---

⚠️ Important Notes

• Poison ivy oils stay active on stems, roots, and soil. Wear gloves during all handling.
• Goats are the first step—not the final solution. Follow-up work is essential.
• Some regrowth is normal. The goal is long-term suppression.

---

📞 Need Help with Poison Ivy in WNY?

WNY Party Goats (a division of Only Goats Farm) serves the Buffalo and Western New York region with eco-friendly poison ivy removal and goatscaping services.

📧 Email: contact@onlygoatsfarm.com

We’re happy to check on regrowth, offer quotes, or schedule a follow-up.

---