Question
Well, this may not be the type of question you normally answer, but I am desperate to find a good answer and hope you can help. I've looked online without much success.

I have a child with autism who does eat non-food items. There are several plants in our yard that I have learned are toxic and I'd like to get rid of them. All have been simple except for English Ivy, which is growing throughout the landscape and has seemed very resistant to any pesticide or treatment I've tried. It's not a huge area, but significant - approximately, 6 ft. X 6 ft. - and growing up and around a tree and shed and also adjacent yards.

Thank you for your help.

~ Michelle  

Answer
Dear Michelle,

I completely understand your concern.  You are speaking to the mother of a severely ADHD child who, as a little guy, decided to "taste what poison was like" and proceeded to drink some herbicide.  

Luckily, since he doesn't depend on photosynthesis to survive, he was fine.... but I do understand the (non-food eating) habits of kids who have impulsive behavior issues.

To eradicate ivy, which is essentially a vine, you need to use an herbicide specifically designed for Poison Ivy.  Concentrated Round Up used at double strength or sold as "Tough Brush" killer would work.  There are some commercial poison ivy killers, too.  

 http://yardener.com/YardenersToolshedofProducts/WeedControlProducts/SyntheticHer...

In any event, you need to repeat the application once every four to seven days and when the weather turns cold (dormant) dig out as much of the root as you can.

Best of luck to you!

Gina