How to Control Creeping Charlie
If you’ve spotted creeping charlie early, repeated hand-weeding is an option, but you must remove and destroy every bit of the roots. Don’t add this plant to the compost bin because it could very well take root there. It’s better to bag it for a yard waste pick up. If creeping charlie has spread throughout a large area, it can be difficult to control through hand weeding alone. If it’s taking over a space where you don’t want to grow anything else for at least 6 months, you can try smothering it under layers of cardboard or sheets of black plastic. If it is in your lawn, a broadleaf herbicide can be very effective, but it should be applied in early fall so that the plant takes the product down to its roots, weakening it as it goes dormant for winter. The most effective broadleaf herbicide for creeping charlie contains triclopyr, generally in combination with 2, 4-D, and Dicamba. Standard herbicides without these components won’t work as well. Test Garden Tip: Always read and follow label directions whenever you use herbicides to avoid harming yourself and the environment. Some years ago, the application of borax was suggested as a herbicide, but it’s not effective. In addition, applying borax to the soil, even in small amounts, can make the soil less able to support lawn grasses and other desirable plants.
How to Keep Creeping Charlie from Creeping Back
The presence of creeping charlie signals that the growing conditions for your lawn may need to be addressed. Too much shade, wet soils, or poor fertility could be issues. A healthy stand of turf makes it harder for creeping charlie to invade your yard, or you may choose to plant a groundcover that performs better than lawn grasses can. Any open areas in your landscape, such as planting beds, can be areas that creeping charlie pops up. Keep the areas well-mulched to reduce problems with it and other weeds.
