Here is a dead tree where nearly every small branch we see is actually poison ivy. In fact, the upper part of the tree broke off and is being held up just by the poison ivy vines.

While poison ivy vines don’t kill the trees they climb, they certainly don’t help them.

But poison ivy will climb anything – walls, trees, old cars.

And in winter it is hard to spot poison ivy without the “leaves of three”. So this is a good example to keep in mind if you see an old tree covered in vines – be careful!