Ortho Poison Ivy Killer vs Roundup

The main difference between Ortho Poison Ivy Killer and Roundup is that Ortho Poison Ivy Killer specifically targets tough weeds like poison ivy, poison oak, and kudzu. At the same time, Roundup is a broad-spectrum herbicide that kills most plant types.

Ortho Vs Roundup Poison Ivy

Though both brands share some common ortho max poison ivy, they have some individual specifications.

Ortho Roundup
Active Ingredient Triclopyr Active Ingredient Glyphosate
Poison ivy, poison oak, kudzu, etc. Broad spectrum, 200+ types
Excellent for Spot treatment Excellent for Broadcast application
Rain Proof up to 2 hours Rain Proof up to 30 minutes
Around homes, cabins, fences, trails Overgrown areas, wooded lots, large areas
Mixing Ratio 4 oz per gallon Mixing Ratio 6 oz per gallon
Coverage 100-400 sq ft per gallon Coverage Up to 1500 sq ft per 32 oz bottle
Systemic through leaves and kills Systemic through leaves and roots
Selective broadleaf, Kills only Poison Ivy Non-selective, kills all plant types
Repeat Applications Usually not needed Repeat Applications May be required for tough weeds
Best Use for Spot treat poison ivy Best Use for Large area weed clearance

Active Ingredient

The active ingredient in Ortho Poison Ivy Killer is triclopyr. Triclopyr is a selective herbicide that is designed to control broadleaf weeds while causing little or no damage to grasses. This makes it very effective at killing tough broadleaf weeds like poison ivy, poison oak, and kudzu without harming lawn grasses.

Roundup’s active ingredient is glyphosate. Glyphosate is a non-selective, broad-spectrum herbicide that will kill most types of plants, both grasses and broadleaf weeds. It is not selective like triclopyr.

Mode of Action

Ortho GroundClear Poison Ivy & Tough Brush Killer works by entering the leaves and stems of target weeds and then moving throughout the plant to provide complete control. This causes the weeds to wilt and yellow within 2 to 6 weeks after application.

Roundup Concentrate Poison Ivy Plus Tough Brush Killer is absorbed through the leaves of the target weeds. It then moves to the roots, gradually killing the entire plant. It also prevents regrowth by stopping plant cell division.

Target Weed

Ortho GroundClear Poison Ivy & Tough Brush Killer specifically targets over 60 tough weed and brush species, including poison ivy, poison oak, kudzu, wild blackberries, honeysuckle, maple, mesquite, and more.

Roundup Poison Ivy Plus Tough Brush Killer is effective on over 200 types of weeds and grasses. This includes woody brush, vines, poison ivy, poison oak, kudzu, and other invasive plants. It has very broad-spectrum activity.

Mixing Ratio

The mixing ratio for Ortho GroundClear Poison Ivy & Tough Brush Killer is 4 fluid ounces of concentrate per 1 gallon of water. This provides the proper concentration for effective weed control.

For Roundup Concentrate Poison Ivy Plus Tough Brush Killer, the mixing ratio is six fluid ounces per 1 gallon of water. The specific 6:1 ratio ensures proper herbicide concentration.

Coverage

When mixed at four fl. oz. per gallon, Ortho GroundClear Poison Ivy & Tough Brush Killer covers 100-400 sq. ft, depending on weed density. More concentration is needed for dense, established weeds.

The recommended dilution for Roundup Concentrate Poison Ivy Plus Tough Brush Killer provides coverage of up to 1,500 square feet per 32 oz. bottle when applied as directed.

Rainproof

Ortho GroundClear becomes rainproof within 2 hours after application. This provides sufficient time for the herbicide to absorb into plant tissues before rain can wash it off.

Roundup Concentrate Poison Ivy Plus Tough Brush Killer is rainproof approximately 30 minutes after application. This rapid rainproofing prevents rain from washing off the herbicide.

When To Apply

The ideal time to apply Ortho GroundClear Poison Ivy & Tough Brush Killer is when target weeds are fully leafed out and actively growing. Avoid application during drought conditions.

For best results with Roundup Concentrate Poison Ivy Plus Tough Brush Killer, apply during warm weather when weeds are actively growing. Cooler temperatures may slow activity.

How Often to Apply

Ortho GroundClear Poison Ivy & Tough Brush Killer provides complete season control with just one application. Repeat applications are generally not necessary.

For Roundup Concentrate Poison Ivy Plus Tough Brush Killer, repeat the application if vines or tough brush are not completely killed within four weeks. Some established weeds may require a follow-up application.

Compatibility

Ortho GroundClear Poison Ivy & Tough Brush Killer can be applied using an Ortho Dial N’ Spray or tank sprayer. It should not be combined with other products.

Roundup Concentrate Poison Ivy Plus Tough Brush Killer can be applied using Roundup brand backpack sprayers or tank sprayers. Do not combine with other herbicides.

Where to Use

Ortho GroundClear Poison Ivy & Tough Brush Killer can be used around homes, cabins, fences, and trails where tough weeds like poison ivy are problematic.

Roundup Concentrate Poison Ivy Plus Tough Brush Killer can be used in wooded areas, vacant lots, recreational fields, trails, camp sites, and other overgrown areas invaded by tough brush.

Special Instructions

Avoid contact between Ortho GroundClear Poison Ivy & Tough Brush Killer and any water supply. Prevent runoff into drains during and after application.

Do not use Roundup Concentrate Poison Ivy Plus Tough Brush Killer for lawn renovation or garden plot preparation. It is not labeled for use on or near edible crops. Carefully follow all label precautions.

Our Observation
Both Ortho Poison Ivy Killer and Roundup Concentrate Poison Ivy Plus Tough Brush Killer are effective at controlling tough weeds like poison ivy.

However, Ortho seems better suited for spot-treating specific weeds like poison ivy around homes and cabins, while Roundup is better for broadcast application over large areas.

The non-selective nature of glyphosate makes Roundup a good choice for clearing overgrown lots and wooded areas. Overall, for most homeowners looking to eliminate poison ivy, we recommend Ortho Poison Ivy Killer for its selectivity and effectiveness on these tough plants.

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