Tree covered in poison ivy

[Wwallace52590]

I’ve got to climb a tree that has poison ivy on it for the first time. How do you guys deal with it? Am I going to have to wash all my gear after? Throwline? Ropes? Harness?

Is poison ivy dormant in the winter? Will I have to even worry about it?

 

[Patrick A]

If the vine is still alive, the oils will spread every time you cut and touch the cut area. It does not matter what season. I frequently climb and cut poison ivy covered trees/trunks but I do not wash my gear afterwards. It all depends on your level of reaction.

 

[Cobleskill]

If you are fairly allergic even dead vines and the hair left on the wood after you pull the vine off are still potent. I have heard some people can just get close to it and get it. Doesn't sound reasonable to me. I know burning it is not good.

I know I have got some blisters from handling firewood that had just the hairs left on it. On my wrist where the glove and coat sleeve leave a bare area carrying an armload of firewood.