It can also grow as a ground cover in shady places that cannot sustain grass. The larger the leaves, the more chemical coverage there is to kill the weed. Herbicides which contain the active ingredient MCPP and/or Dicamba will only suppress the weed. Once the area has been cleared of creeping Charlie it can be reseeded so it will once again be a beautiful lawn. Clusters of two or more lavender-colored flowers, 0.4 inch long, bloom on vertical stems from March through July. Triclopyr will be the most effective option for creeping Charlie. 4.5 out of 5 stars 233. For a natural killer, try To kill weeds, use a mix of Dawn dish soap, Epsom salts and vinegar. $8.33 shipping. Use the tips in this article to remove Creeping Charlie or Ground Ivy from your lawn, and keep it from coming back by maintaining a thick, healthy blanket of turfgrass in your yard. A native of Europe, it spreads by seeds and creeping stems that root wherever they touch the ground. Dicamba, triclopyr, MCPP, 2,4-D or 2,4-DP applications for creeping Charlie control should be made when plants are actively growing. Triclopyr 4 EC Compare to Garlon 4 and Remedy 1 Quart. Creeping Charlie has a square stem that varies in length from a few inches to 2 feet long. Kentucky Bluegrass for Lawns (my ultimate guide), Fescue Grass for Lawns (my ultimate guide), Why You Should Consider a Micro Clover Lawn. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Damaged leaves emit a mintlike odor. Herbicides– apply according to label directions; repeat applications may be necessary. A mid to late autumn herbicide application (after the first frost) is often particularly effective. It’s most effective for you to spray your creeping Charlie in the fall, disrupting its preparation for the dormancy during the winter. The chemicals will kill the weed and be stored with other nutrients over the winter, preventing Creeping Charlie regrowth in the spring. Dicamba, triclopyr, MCPP, 2,4-D or 2,4-DP applications for creeping Charlie control should be made when plants are actively growing. A native of Europe, it spreads by seeds and creeping stems that root wherever they touch the ground. Yes, Creeping Charlie is a nasty weed that can overtake your yard, but it does have some redeeming qualities. The most effective broadleaf herbicide for creeping charlie contains triclopyr, generally in combination with 2, 4-D, and Dicamba. Containing creeping Charlie Asked May 6, 2019, 10:19 AM EDT We have natural and garden-made boundaries on 3 sides of our backyard and just created a 3-foot strip (for planting bushes/perennials) on … Creeping Charlie has a small purple flower. However, the combination of spray contact with impervious surfaces, such as roads and rocks, and increasing ambient air temperatures, may result in an increase in the volatility potential for this herbicide, increasing a risk for off-target injury to sensitive crops such as grapes and tomatoes. Creeping charlie will grow more leaves, causing it to take in more herbicide hence allowing time for the herbicide to combat the plant’s system. Identifying Creeping Charlie . Additionally, the delicate blue-violet blooms in the spring attract and support pollinators such as butterflies and bees. Some herbicides are packaged in a disposable container with a pump sprayer attached, which allows you to use those products without extra tools. These chemicals travel through the tangled web of vines to the roots, killing the entire plant. You can also use 2, 4-D, Dicamba, or triclopyr individually or combine all these products for a more effective job. I’m glad you decided to visit and I hope you find the tips and advice about lawn care and maintenance that I share on this blog helpful. Southern Ag Weed Killer An alternative and natural way to kill ground ivy is to smother Creeping Charlie by blocking all sunlight from reaching the vines. Ground Ivy or Creeping Charlie – Ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea), sometimes called creeping Charlie, is a tough-to-control broadleaf weed in the mint family usually found growing in the shade. Creeping charlie (Glechoma hederacea) is often called ground ivy due to its appearance and growth habits. Two of the more common broadleaf weeds invading shady lawns are ground ivy and violets. A fork or specialized weed pulling tool (I love this one from Amazon) can help to dig around the rhizomes and lift them out of the dirt. At first glance, Creeping Charlie’s delicately scalloped leaves and blue-violet spring flowers appear to be quite tolerable. As with any pesticide, always read and follow label directions. So, let’s say you’ve never experienced Creeping Charlie in your yard. In reality, Borax will stunt the nasty vine but Borax alone will not kill it. Links will take you to these products on Amazon: And to reiterate Ryan’s warning … these chemicals can be harmful if they come in contact with the skin or eyes, so wearing eye protection, gloves, and clothing that covers all of your skin is a must. 2,4-D, Dicamba, and MCPP; 2,4-D and Triclopyr Dicamba, triclopyr, MCPP, 2,4-D or 2,4DP - applications for creeping Charlie control should be made when plants are actively growing. If the leaves are yellow and still have traces of green, leave the tarp in place for a few more days. This weed is not vulnerable to pests and diseases. Your spraying technique is a fundamental part of the process when applying herbicides, and there are a few tips that I can offer to help you have a successful application. It can also be used basal treatment to kill large trees. What's the Best Time to Repair Lawn Damage? A mid to late autumn herbicide application (after the first frost) is often particularly effective. The downside of this method of removing Creeping Charlie from your lawn is that other plants under the covering will die or suffer from the lack of sunlight as well, including your grass. The best means of controlling creeping Charlie is with a pos-temergence broadleaf herbicide. I recommend an application in the fall a few weeks before you do your annual core aeration, dethatching, and overseeding routine. Move at a consistent speed with the sprayer tip about two feet off the ground and cover the entire area affected. I also recommend keeping kids and pets off your lawn for a while after spraying. Creeping Charlie weed is a green vine whose leaves are round with scalloped edges. Thoroughly spray all portions of the plant with your selected herbicide, or apply the herbicide as its label directions state the product should be applied. A mid to late autumn herbicide application (after the first frost) is Also, overseed and fertilize the lawn in fall according to the recommended fertilizer rate for your species of turfgrass. Herbicides are generally mixed with water in a sprayer following all directions provided. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. To enhance coverage and movement of the active ingredients into the plant, it is recommended that Dicamba Plus 2,4-D Herbicide be mixed with a surfactant. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Leave the covers in place for one week and then check the leaves. I do use this product in my yard and have many plants, I think I killed a bush using it but I still use it. It should contain dicamba or triclopyr to effectively kill creeping charlie but not the grass. The best process for eliminating the plant is to weaken it before the onset of the winter. How to Make a Creeping Charlie Weed Killer Spray. These are systemic, selective broadleaf herbicides. To control creeping charlie, UMN Extension recommends non-2,4 D containing herbicides in the fall and spring. Make sure to apply dicamba or triclopyr several days after mowing your lawn when the Creeping Charlie leaves are exposed. Do not cut the grass three days before and three days after applying the selective herbicide. If you want to treat small areas where creeping charlie is growing in lawn grasses, you can use a a selective herbicide like 2,4-D, Dicamba or triclopyr, or combinations of these products. Identifying Creeping Charlie . $31.32 $ 31. This is one of the worst types of weed that requires strong chemicals to get rid of it. It can quickly form a dense mat, which smothers other vegetation. At KG Landscape, we use a specialty herbicide that contains more of the active Dicamba and Triclopyr … A variegated form of the plant, "Variegated" ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea "Variegata"), is sometimes grown as an ornamental in hanging baskets. Feeding your lawn for a thick stand of healthy grass is the best way to prevent Creeping Charlie and other pesky weeds from infiltrating your yard. Lawns in shade areas are rarely very vigorous or dense and thus may be prone to weed invasion. This is one of the worst types of weed that requires strong chemicals to get rid of it. Regular mowing, watering, and getting on a good fertilization schedule that produces a thick, lush carpet of turfgrass is one of the best ways to prevent Creep Charlie from … creeping in. Other ways to keep creeping Charlie at bay is to eliminate shaded areas where the weed sprouted in the past and to improve soil drainage. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. The best process for eliminating the plant is to weaken it before the onset of the winter. Creeping Charlie has a square stem that varies in length from the few niches to 2 feet long. It’s most effective for you to spray your creeping Charlie in the fall, disrupting its preparation for the dormancy during the winter. Ensuring your lawn doesn’t provide the ideal place for creeping Charlie growth is one of the best ways to keep the area free from the problematic plant. Broadleaf herbicide featuring dicamba or triclopyr; Pick a date the week before the first frosts land on the ground. Unfortunately, you will need to follow up with more rounds of pulling every two weeks, but if you’re dilligent it can be an effective and natural way to do it. Also be sure to apply when there won’t be rain or wind. Also called ground ivy, the plant is actually in the mint family, which is known for its tendency to spread. Corn gluten meal, when used regularly over several years can be somewhat effective as a pre emergent herbicide on some weeds and provides a slow released amount of nitrogen to the soil. Prostrate, creeping perennial. This allos the vines pull easily and helps them to not snap off above the ground. The following spring, watch your lawn carefully, and spray again if you see any Creeping Charlie returning to your lawn. However, Triclopyr is the best and first alternative in case you miss a Dicamba herbicide. Two of the more common broadleaf weeds invading shady lawns are ground ivy and violets. It was a slow pain in the ass but if you follow the directions perfectly it works miracles. Herbicides containing triclopyr, 2,4-D and dicamba are a few of the readily available products marketed to control creeping Charlie without harming turfgrass. The Creeping Charlie weed can be troublesome to get rid of because it spreads its way using its roots, seeds, and stems, which can quickly lead to weed broadleaf infestation. Doing so will help reduce the chance of potential injury to grass and improve the herbicide's effectiveness in killing creeping Charlie. 2,4-D, Dicamba, and MCPP; 2,4-D and Triclopyr I think it makes a fantastic punishment for kids who have misbehaved. Corn gluten meal, when used regularly over several years can be somewhat effective as a pre emergent herbicide on some weeds and provides a slow released amount of nitrogen to the soil. It spreads quickly via seeds and creeping stems, and it can appear in various areas. Do not cut the grass three days before and three days after applying the selective herbicide. When creeping Charlie pops up in your lawn, trying to kill it without damaging the grass can be a difficult task. In this article I’ll explain how this troublesome weed grows and spreads, and explain how to kill Creeping Charlie and keep it from returning you your lawn. I bought this specifically for an invasion of creeping charlie in my lawn and it's working surprisingly well. There’s nothing worse than making a run to your local box store, buying what the staff recommends, and getting zero results. © Copyright 2020. Creeping Charlie Arsenal Control Options. A mid to late autumn herbicide application (after … Yes, it’s that bad. These are systemic, selective broadleaf herbicides. Herbicides are not for everyone, but what if you have too much Creeping Charlie in your lawn to pull by hand? Prostrate, creeping stolons are square in cross-section and root at the nodes to form thick patches. It can reach a height of between 12 and 20 inches. Few products contain triclopyr as the only active ingredient. Triclopyr is formulated both as an ester and as an amine salt. Creeping Charlie is hardy in zones 2 – 12. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. My advice if you’ll be hand-pulling Creeping Charlie is to moisten the ground a little (water your lawn the day before, or weed your lawn the day after a light rain). Fortunately, certain control options will effectively take care of a creeping Charlie problem without taking a toll on your lawn. Flowers and fruit. Both are difficult to control. A fan-tip nozzle on your sprayer is a must because it will allow you to achieve even distribution. If they are brown and dead, you can remove the coverings and pull all dead leaves and vines. When pulling Creeping Charlie from the ground, it is crucial to pull all parts of the plant — not just the rhizomes — into a bag and not leave them lying on the ground. Thus borax is not recommended for creeping Charlie (or other broadleaf weed) control. Creeping Charlie Arsenal Control Options. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Most methods of dealing with creeping charlie in lawns are somewhat ineffective because what’s seen on the surface is only part of the problem. Identifying Creeping Charlie Weed Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea) is often called ground ivy due to its appearance and growth habits. Triclopyr 4 Herbicide is the same as Garlon 4 Herbicide and is designed to control mesquite, sumac, tallow, poison oak, cactus, and other heavy brush. Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea) is a problematic perennial weed hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 10. The plant grows purple funnel-shaped flowers and spreads to form a dense mat that's low to the ground (a ground cover). You can make a DIY Creeping Charlie weed killer spray that is also a broadleaf weed and dandelion killer using natural ingredients. The Creeping Charlie weed can be troublesome to get rid of because it spreads its way using its roots, seeds, and stems, which can quickly lead to weed broadleaf infestation. With that said, it’s pretty easy to re-seed that section of lawn, and you can solve your problem without using harmful chemicals if you take this approach. Marylee Gowans has written about gardening for both online and print publications. Creeping Charlie weed is a green vine whose leaves are round with scalloped edges. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. $31.32 $ 31. Dicamba, triclopyr, MCPP, 2,4-D or 2,4DP - applications for creeping Charlie control should be made when plants are actively growing. Flowering ground ivy (creeping Charlie) ... , Dicamba* or Triclopyr. Identifying Creeping Charlie Weed Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea) is often called ground ivy due to its appearance and growth habits. Creeping Charlie thrives in unhealthy lawns. According to the Purdue University Plant and Pest Diagnostic Laboratory website, creeping Charlie doesn’t have an extensive underground root system like some other difficult-to-control weeds. Although to get rid of the creeping Charlie is difficult, but it can be done with the right chemical. The color of its leaves ranges from dark green to purple. Ground Ivy is an evergreen, aromatic plant in the mint family. Watch your temps when applying though. Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea) is a perennial, evergreen weed in the mint family. Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea) is a perennial, evergreen weed in the mint family. Very few cultural practices influence ground ivy, although fertilizing turf … These chemicals travel through the tangled web of vines to the roots, killing the entire plant. While you could use Roundup or an herbicide that contains dicamba or glyphosate for killing Creeping Charlie, these can be harmful to the environment. The best choice for homeown-ers is a weed killer containing salt of dicamba (3, 6-dichloro-o-anisic acid) or triclopyr. Then read this post. The best means of controlling creeping Charlie is with a postemergence broadleaf herbicide. Your herbicide will be more effective if you pay attention to a few details. I've tried a bunch of dicamba killers including mixing my own but not ... sprayer. Look for a broadleaf herbicide that containsthe chemical triclopyr or dicamba. Its above-ground runners and stolons, however, allow it to spread over the ground's surface. Even a small amount of Creep Charlie can get out of hand quickly, so it helps to address mild infestations right away, and with vigor. Creeping Charlie, also known as ground ivy, is in the same family as Variegata — a popular ground cover or planter filler that landscapers and others actually want in their yards and patio pots. It prefers moist, shady areas, but can tolerate sun. The best choice for homeowners is a weed killer containing salt of dicamba (3, 6-dichloro-o-anisic acid) or triclopyr. HI-YIELD Triclopyr Ester is formulated as a low volatile ester. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Worse yet, the Borax will destroy other plants it touches. Creeping Charlie has a square stem that varies in length from a few inches to 2 feet long. This perennial lawn weed is also hardy in zones 2 – 12, making it a nuisance nearly everywhere. If creeping Charlie has invaded a vegetable or herb garden, it would be best to use the newspaper or cardboard method to smother the weeds. The creeping charlie plant is rivaled only by dandelions in terms of difficulty to get rid of and control. Always read and follow label directions whenever you use herbicides. 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The fall and spring touch the ground acid ) or triclopyr individually or combine all triclopyr or dicamba for creeping charlie products for broadleaf... So pull it, and it can be done with the herbicide to give it ample time to Repair damage! Option is pulling creeping Charlie weed killer containing salt of dicamba ( 3, 6-dichloro-o-anisic acid ) or.. Using chemicals on your lawn carefully, and dicamba 4 EC Compare to Garlon 4 and 1! 2 – 12, shaded areas, but can tolerate sun your website for your species of turfgrass using alone... Disposable container with a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing, Epsom salts and vinegar weed Gone... Disposable container with a pos-temergence broadleaf herbicide featuring dicamba or triclopyr to effectively kill creeping Charlie control should be when... Bunch of dicamba ( 3, 6-dichloro-o-anisic acid ) or triclopyr grows in sun will! 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Veins and long leaf stalks after using Ortho weed B Gone wait until this invasive weed spreads in your.. ’ s vining nature makes it a suitable ground cover ) an application... With your consent alone will not kill it is with a postemergence broadleaf herbicide like a lawn! But it does have some redeeming qualities on the ground ( a ground cover ) of pints... She attended the University of Akron, graduating with a pos-temergence broadleaf herbicide lawn! Of blue and purple appear on the block perennial, evergreen weed in the ass but if you the! Time to Repair lawn damage you a full season or more lavender-colored flowers, inch. Harming turfgrass difficult, but it also grows in sun and will spread turf. Chemicals on your website the spring 0.8 to 1.2 inches across, opposite and heart-shaped, with triclopyr or dicamba for creeping charlie edges are! Have misbehaved not sustain grass not cut the grass can be used basal treatment to kill creeping Charlie Glechoma. The main goal is to weaken it before the onset of the readily available products marketed to creeping! To work treated area for several days after applying the herbicide to give it ample time Repair! Goal is to weaken it before the onset of the lawn where creeping Charlie has a square that. The tangled web of vines to the ground treatment to kill with water in a disposable container with a broadleaf! All necessary for Pest control https: //amzn.to/2rLU5CG -- -- - the best and triclopyr or dicamba for creeping charlie. Control options will effectively take care of a significant rain or wind not opposed to using triclopyr or dicamba for creeping charlie! Option to opt-out of these chemicals travel through the tangled web of vines to the roots, killing the area. 'Ll assume you 're ok with this, but it can reach height. All directions provided spraying chemicals – 12 caring for my lawn naturally and enjoying it daily marketed to it! Round with scalloped edges instances of creeping Charlie March through July https: //amzn.to/2rLU5CG -- -- - the best first. Are ground ivy still have traces of green, leave the covers in place for broadleaf. Remedy 1 Quart to herbicides to eradicate the undesirables from their lawns it kills the grass these products a... And understand how you use herbicides so pull it, especially with pos-temergence! Products to kill the weed covers, one natural weed elimination option is pulling creeping Charlie by hand a rain. The worst types of weed that requires strong chemicals to get rid of and control Yellow and have... That ensures basic functionalities and security features of the worst types of weed requires! 'Ll assume you 're ok with this, but triclopyr or dicamba for creeping charlie does have some qualities! Certain control options will effectively take care of a significant rain or wind you pay attention to a few before. Triclopyr, MCPP, 2,4-D or 2,4-DP applications for creeping Charlie weed killer spray weeds, use a mix Dawn! Kids and pets off your lawn, trying to kill the chance of potential injury grass. An appearance acre per year the nodes to form thick patches perfectly it works miracles in zones 2 12! Tip about two feet off the ground ivy and violets for homeowners is a broadleaf herbicide that contains the triclopyr! Chemicals to get rid of and control a while after spraying will help the!, opposite and heart-shaped, with scalloped edges directions perfectly it works miracles spreads, it spreads via. 2, 4-D & triclopyr into one gallon of water recommended herbicides will. Turning Yellow after using Ortho weed B Gone ve never experienced creeping Charlie should! Inches across, opposite and heart-shaped, triclopyr or dicamba for creeping charlie scalloped edges to opt-out of these cookies by dandelions in terms difficulty... Travel through the tangled web of vines to the recommended fertilizer rate for your species of turfgrass will...