Weeping Norway spruce

[Lynn E]

Discovered in a shaded area at my folks home.
Tree has been in this spot for decades about 40 years and in 100% shade for at least 25 years.
It is about 3 feet tall, 5.5 feet length. Old fissured bark, dark green foliage appearing on 2 weeping branches.
Sadly the tree is just engulfed in poison sumac.
I would like to move the tree to my property.
Any suggestions would be appreciated. Lynn

 

[Wilson]

You would need to be fully protected before approaching poison sumac. I would wear one of my one piece Hazmat/tyvec suits from construction supply shops. Way better to over compensate on PPE in a situation like this, just my two cents. I imagine you won't be digging till spring next year?

 

[sorce]

Sounds like a @M. Frary job!

Sorce

 

[M. Frary]

I would reach in with something long like maybe pruners or the saw that goes on the end of theach pruners and cut the poison sumac off where it goes into the ground. That kills it. You can now pull it off with the pruners or wait until it dries out good then pull it off with gloves.
For disposal toss it into the woods. Never burn it. The smoke can be toxic.

 

[Arcto]

Depending on your time frame... Spraying the sumac with a systemic herbicide such as roundup will kill it. Spraying in fall before leaf drop is an ideal time. The Spruce could be dug next year. Keep in mind that herbicides will kill or damage any plant they are sprayed on including your spruce, so being careful about where you spray is important. I worked on a tree farm digging White Pine in college. Poison Ivy in the trees and rootballs was part of the job. Severed stems and roots all ooze sap containing the offending oil. We wore long sleeved clothing, gloves and old socks with holes cut for our fingers to cover our wrists which were a common spot to get the rash. In spite of all the precautions, I'd still get some nasty rashes.

 

[Potawatomi13]

CAREFUL removal of Sumac first taken care of do not forget Spruce will also have on it. Do not forget cleaning of all tools used on Sumac. Suggest also spraying Round Up on fresh stumps after raking away all poisonous leaf litter and duff from area. Collecting tree avoid stumps and roots in ground like plague. Perhaps nail soup cans on top of stumps for this purpose. Allow new tree to weather away offending poison through nice rainy fall and winter before actually handling. Otherwise believe tree will much appreciate regular water and fertilizer while in quarantine. Personally very allergic to poison oak so normally err on side of caution in contact situation. Safe collecting to you.

 

[Lynn E]

Thank you all for the great suggestions--didn't know hazmat suits were available. I like the idea of the pole tree trimmer to pull every thing away. Pota13--careful work with tools and tree is great idea.
And, Mike you're right--my brother spent almost 2 weeks in ICU after burning a brush pile filled with poison ivy. All due to inhaling the smoke. Thanks all.

 

[Dav4]

Whatever you do, just make sure your new weeping spruce survives. They are one of my favorite ornamentals and would have one here if I felt they would thrive in my yard...which the probably wouldn't. I'd carefully cut away all the sumac now...cover yourself from head to toe in clothes, immediately throw them in the wash when finished, then hop in the shower and scrub up with lots of soap everywhere...just in case. Apply round up concentrate to the sumac stubs. In late September, dig the spruce and get the biggest root ball possible and transplant. I suggest digging the transplant hole first. Fall is the best time of year to transplant imo. Have fun.

 

[M. Frary]

If it was near I would come over and just pull it off of the tree with gloves. I'm not allergic to these at all.