To kill creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea), a persistent and tough broadleaf weed, here are the most effective methods:
Chemical Control
- Use a postemergence broadleaf herbicide specifically labeled for creeping Charlie. The best herbicides for homeowners contain triclopyr or sulfentrazone
- Other effective herbicides include 2,4-D and dicamba , but triclopyr is often recommended as the most effective
- For spot treatment of small patches, selective broadleaf herbicides can be sprayed directly on the weed
- For larger infestations, use a concentrated lawn weed killer with triclopyr or similar active ingredients, applied with a sprayer or hose-end applicator
- Herbicide application is most effective when creeping Charlie is flowering or actively growing, typically in spring or late summer (August-September)
- Multiple applications spaced a few weeks apart may be necessary to fully eradicate the weed
Non-Chemical and Cultural Control
- Maintain a healthy, dense lawn by feeding your grass, mowing high, and repairing bare spots to crowd out creeping Charlie and prevent its spread
- Repeated hand weeding can help control small outbreaks, especially when soil is moist
- Physical removal with a dethatching rake over time can reduce creeping Charlie, followed by reseeding bare spots with grass
- Covering infested areas with black plastic for several weeks to months can kill creeping Charlie by heating and blocking sunlight, but this also kills other plants and requires patience
- Avoid using borax as a control method; while it can kill creeping Charlie by raising soil boron levels, it can also harm all other plants nearby and persist in soil for years
Additional Tips
- Avoid spraying herbicides near tree roots, as some chemicals can harm trees
- For flower beds, hand pulling combined with weed barriers or mulching to block sunlight is recommended to avoid damage to perennials
In summary, the most reliable way to kill creeping Charlie is with selective broadleaf herbicides containing triclopyr or sulfentrazone, applied carefully and repeatedly, combined with cultural practices to strengthen your lawn and prevent reinfestation
