Creeping Charlie is an aggressive weed that can easily take over your garden and lawn in a very short amount of time. It is a plant that is native to Europe and Southeast Asia and can be a bit of a headache even to the most seasoned gardener.
For some people, removing the weed and declaring victory becomes downright personal. This blog will help you achieve that clean lawn you have always desired where there is no sign of Creeping Charlie.
1. Manual Removal
One of the ways to get rid of the Creeping Charlie is to simply pluck them out. If they appear too pervasive be sure you remove them as soon as possible. Or else you will have a whole garden turn into a family meeting of Creeping Charlies.
Before plucking out the Creeping Charlie, make sure that you put on some gloves, knee pads, and long sleeves for your own safety. If the ground is dry, water the area first since it'll make it a lot easier to pull out. Use a small shovel or a trowel to dig around the base, you want to get the entire creeping charlie, including the roots.
If you've got a big patch of creeping Charlie or just can't stand the thought of pulling it all by hand, smothering is a great alternative. To smother creeping Charlie, all you need to do is cover the area with several layers of newspaper or cardboard, then add a thick layer of mulch on top. This method actually works because it cuts off the plant's light supply, effectively killing it.
To try this technique, gather plenty of plain, unwaxed, and biodegradable newspaper or cardboard but make sure it is plain to avoid unwanted chemicals leaching into the soil. You'll typically need four to six layers to ensure complete coverage.
3. Use Natural Weed Killers
Eliminating creeping Charlie by pulling or smothering might help, but some roots or seeds usually find a way back into your garden. If these gentler methods haven't done the trick, many gardeners often look to their pantry before resorting to herbicides.
First, try using a vinegar solution to get rid of creeping Charlie. Combine 2 cups of white vinegar with 1 cup of warm water in a spray bottle. Thoroughly spray the leaves and stems on a sunny, low-wind day. Check every few days to see if new growth appears. Reapply to the greening areas as needed, likely requiring multiple applications.
4. Try Commercial Organic Formula
When tackling the dastardly creeping Charlie with a commercial weed killer, it's best to start with an organic solution. Many of these eco-friendly formulas feature citric acids or citrus oil (a bee's best friend). For an extra punch against those stubborn broadleaf invaders, look for ones with iron.
While these natural warriors only zap the exposed leaves and spare the roots, you can safely reapply as needed without turning your garden into a toxic wasteland. So, do your eco-cape and get ready to battle those weeds with a clear conscience!
Steps involved
Put on long sleeves, gloves, and goggles to avoid splatter with acetic or citric acid because safety comes first. ALWAYS!
Thoroughly mix the concentrate with water, using the suggested ratio on the container for these hard-to-control weeds.
Fill a spray bottle or garden sprayer with the solution.
Spray directly on leaves until they are thoroughly and evenly covered.
Reapply if large weeds begin to regrow.
5. Try Borax Solution
Using borax to control Creeping Charlie can be an effective organic method, but it requires careful application to avoid damaging your lawn or other plants.
All you need is Borax powder, water, and a spray bottle. Dissolve 10 ounces of borax powder in 4 ounces of warm water. Stir until the borax is fully dissolved. Add this borax solution to 2.5 gallons of water and mix well.
Application:
Pour the solution into a spray bottle or garden sprayer. Evenly spray the solution over the areas infested with Creeping Charlie. Be cautious to avoid over-application, which can harm grass and other plants. Ensure that the ground is moist before application.
Apply the borax solution in late spring or early fall when Creeping Charlie is actively growing. Do not apply borax more than once a year to avoid soil toxicity. Borax is toxic in high concentrations, so use it sparingly.
Sweep the flame over the Creeping Charlie, aiming to wilt the leaves without setting the plant or surrounding area on fire. The goal is to heat the plant to the point where cell walls burst, not necessarily to burn it to ash. Creeping Charlie has a robust root system, so multiple treatments may be necessary to deplete the plant's energy reserves.
But as we always say, Safety First, so, arm yourself with safety gear, a fire extinguisher, and a good sense of humor, because you're about to make your yard a no-Charlie zone, one fiery sweep at a time!
7. Use Chemical Herbicides
For dealing with severe creeping Charlie infestations, it’s best to use herbicides containing dicamba or triclopyr, as most broadleaf weed killers aren’t effective against it. These herbicides might need to be applied multiple times at the right moments to achieve the best results.
We suggest using dicamba-based weed killers on the infested soil in early fall, a period when ground ivy is most actively growing. Be sure not to mow the treated area for at least 2 days to allow the herbicide to penetrate the plant’s roots, which helps prevent the weed from regerminating in the spring.
8. Use Boiling Water
While dealing with the notorious creeping charlie, boiling water can be a natural and effective way to tackle it. Bring a pot or kettle of water to boiling and carefully transfer the boiling water to a heat-resistant container like a watering can or pitcher. Identify the areas where Creeping Charlie is growing. It often spreads along the ground, sending out runners.
Slowly pour the boiling water directly onto the creeping charlie plants and surrounding area. Be precise to avoid splashing onto nearby plants you want to keep. Creeping Charlie can be persistent, so you may need to repeat the process several times to fully eradicate it. Be vigilant and keep an eye out for any regrowth. Handle boiling water with extreme caution to avoid burns. Wear appropriate protective gear if necessary.
Long grass makes it difficult for the grass to take the nutrients it needs from the soil. When grass is too long, the grassroots struggle to get oxygen and water from the atmosphere, causing them to weaken. This may leave room for weeds like creeping Charlie to move in and take over the areas left by the dying grass.
Also, like most weeds, creeping Charlie doesn’t do well in regularly mown lawns. Tall grass shades the soil which helps block the necessary sunlight that weeds need to germinate. Mow grass regularly to a height of 2 to 3½ inches.
10. Overseed Patches
Overseeding is a great method to combat the plant in your lawn. By overseeding, you encourage healthy grass growth that can outcompete creeping charlie and fill in bare patches, thereby reducing its presence over time. First, rake and prepare the patches of lawn where creeping charlie is present. Remove any debris, dead grass, or weeds to create a clean seed bed.
Choose a high-quality grass seed that is well-suited to your region and matches the existing grass type in your lawn. Spread the grass seed evenly over the prepared patches. You can use a spreader for larger areas or hand-sow for smaller patches.
Water the newly seeded areas thoroughly immediately after seeding. Keep the soil moist until the new grass is well-established. Avoid mowing these areas until the new grass reaches a height of at least 3 inches.
11. Edging
Dealing with creeping charlie in your lawn can be tricky, but edging can certainly help! Firstly, create a physical barrier between your lawn and garden beds with plastic or metal edging. This can prevent creeping. You can also try digging a trench around your lawn about 6 inches deep as it can help stop the roots of creeping charlie from spreading.
Keep your lawn well-mowed and edges trimmed regularly to discourage weeds like Creeping Charlie from taking hold.
12. Adjust Soil pH
Although adjusting soil pH alone typically won't eliminate Creeping Charlie, but it can help create conditions less favorable to its growth. Creeping charlie thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soils so raising the pH above 6.5 can help.
You can do this by adding lime to your soil along with calcium and magnesium, as it helps to raise the pH of the soil following the manufacturer's recommendations based on your soil test results.
13. Try Raking
Raking can be a useful technique for managing Creeping Charlie, especially if the infestation isn't too extensive. But raking comes at a cost that can make the problem worse by spreading nodes and inducing their development into new plants. So if you are considering raking, you must be very careful while raking.
Choose a dry day when the soil is not too wet. This makes it easier to work with the plants without causing soil compaction. Use a dethatching rake or a regular garden rake with sturdy tines. The goal is to gently loosen the creeping charlie plants from the soil. Start by gently raking over the affected area, aiming to lift and loosen the creeping Charlie vines from the soil. Be careful not to disturb the soil too deeply, as this can encourage the growth of more weeds.
Irrigating your lawn won't directly get rid of creeping charlie, but proper watering can help your grass compete better with weeds. Creeping Charlie prefers moist, shaded areas, so maintaining a balanced watering schedule that promotes healthy grass growth can make your lawn less hospitable to it.
So make sure you water your lawn properly without overdoing it to discourage the growth of Creeping Charlie.
15. Mulching
A healthy lawn is the best weapon against many weeds. When the grassroots is healthy, the grass grows thicker, leaving fewer spaces and opportunities for Creeping Charlie to invade or thrive.
Use organic mulches like wood chips, straw, or bark, which can help suppress weed growth, including creeping charlie. Avoid using mulch that is too thick, as it can create a barrier to water and air. Aim for a mulch layer about 2-3 inches deep. Too much mulch can create a dense layer that might suffocate plants or make it difficult for new plants to grow.
16. Use Corn Gluten Meal
Tackling creeping charlie with corn gluten meal is like inviting weeds to a gluten-free dinner party—sure, it might keep some new seeds from sprouting, but those pesky charlies already crashin' the lawn won't care much.
Corn gluten meal is often touted as a natural pre-emergent herbicide that can help control weeds like creeping charlie. It works by inhibiting root formation in germinating seeds, so it's more effective as a preventative measure rather than a solution for existing weeds.
Apply corn gluten meal in early spring before the creeping charlie starts actively growing and spreading. This is crucial because corn gluten meal works as a pre-emergent herbicide, preventing weed seeds from sprouting. Typically, you'll spread the corn gluten meal evenly over your lawn using a spreader. Water the area lightly after application to activate the gluten.
17. Practice Careful Observation
Practicing observation in your lawn maintenance routine is key to controlling the growth of creeping charlie and maintaining a healthy outdoor environment. Walk around your lawn regularly to inspect for signs of growth. Check spots where ground ivy is more likely to appear. As soon as you spot them, remove them promptly.
Keep an eye on soil moisture levels and adjust your watering practices accordingly. Promote strong, healthy turfgrass by following proper lawn care practices, including mowing at the correct height, aerating, and fertilizing appropriately. This knowledge can help you recognize potential problem areas and take preventive measures.
If you have an extremely big lawn and removing creeping charlie by yourself requires extra hand, opt out for help from professionals. Knowing that your lawn is in capable hands can provide peace of mind. You can rely on their expertise to achieve better results than DIY methods alone. Professional lawn care specialists bring years of experience and training.
Hiring experts frees up your time to focus on other priorities while ensuring your lawn receives the attention it needs. When considering expert help, look for reputable lawn care companies or specialists in your area. They can assess your lawn, provide a detailed plan of action, and work with you to achieve a healthier, ground ivy -free lawn you can enjoy year-round.
