Ways to Eliminate Creeping Charlie

 

Project Summary

• Duration of Work: 1 to 2 hours
• Overall Duration: 2 to 3 hours

• Proficiency Level: Intermediate
• Projected Expense: $0 to $30

Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederaceae) is a perennial herb that is visually appealing yet can become a highly invasive ground cover. Originally from Europe, it was brought to North America in the 19th century for its ornamental and medicinal uses. Today, it has spread extensively, becoming a persistent lawn weed that can suffocate both grass and ornamental plants.

Creeping Charlie easily propagates through its seeds, roots, and stems that take root at the nodes. This allows it to thrive and spread in any location, including containers. Here are some effective methods to eliminate creeping Charlie.

• Ideal for small areas.
• Might need to remove weeds frequently.
• You have the option to choose what you want to remove.
• Affordable
• Requires a significant amount of labor
• The most secure method for eliminating it, ensuring safety for individuals, animals, and beneficial insects.

• Ideal for expansive spaces.
• More enduring
• Has the ability to eliminate other vegetation.
• May incur high costs.
• Faster and more efficient.
• Caution should be exercised when it comes to food.

Warning

A popular home remedy for eliminating creeping Charlie involves using a Borax solution. However, this approach has become less popular. If the solution is not mixed and applied with exact measurements, it may lead to boron toxicity in the soil.

Requirements for Your Task

Devices / Instruments

• Horticultural gloves
• Pruners
• Watering hose
• Shovel or garden fork
• Weed removal tool
• Safety glasses
• Herbicide spray pump

Materials

• Yard debris bags
• Herbicide
• Cardboard sheet (optional)

Instructions

Methods for Manually Eliminating Creeping Charlie

One of the most prevalent and pet-friendly methods for eliminating creeping Charlie is hand-pulling. If you notice fresh growth appearing, you may need to repeat the hand-pulling to completely eradicate the plants. The advantage of this approach is that it won’t harm your grass, unlike chemical treatments.

Manually removing creeping Charlie can effectively eliminate it without harming your grass, making it a safe option for pets. However, it may take multiple efforts over the season to completely eradicate the plant. The advantage of this approach is that it solely targets creeping Charlie, leaving the rest of your garden and yard unharmed.

It is advisable to manually remove small patches in the spring prior to the flowering of the plant as a first step in the eradication process.

Cut the foliage and branches.

Use your gardening shears to cut away the leaves and trailing stems from the plant, ensuring to leave a small portion above the soil for easy removal by hand. Gather the cuttings and put them into a yard waste bag.

Drench the Region

Thoroughly wet the area infested with creeping Charlie using a garden hose. Ensure the soil is completely soaked, and allow it to sit for approximately 30 to 60 minutes before moving on to the next step.

Aerate the ground.

Use a pitchfork to aerate the soil, revealing some of the roots and rhizomes (small white roots).

Eliminate the Roots

Hold the plant near the ground and tug it upwards to extract the roots. If the roots are deeply embedded, use a pitchfork to loosen the soil, allowing for a complete removal in a single motion. Transfer the whole plant along with its roots into the lawn waste bag.

Examine the Surroundings

Examine the area using a garden trowel or weeding tool to identify and eliminate any remaining rhizomes. Clearing out all visible rhizomes will simplify future removal attempts.

Methods for Eliminating Creeping Charlie Using Herbicides

To effectively eliminate creeping Charlie, particularly when the area is too extensive for manual removal, using a herbicide or weed-control solution is recommended. Apply a lawn-safe herbicide selectively to the creeping Charlie, adhering to the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Products containing dicamba or 2,4-D are typically effective for this purpose.

Although applying herbicides is quick and efficient, it may also harm other nearby vegetation. Exercise caution to avoid spraying your vegetable garden or any nearby thriving plants.

Should you choose to apply an herbicide, it is best to do so in the autumn following the initial frost, when the plant is at its peak and prior to seed dispersal. Pick a day with minimal wind, and ensure that there is no forecast for rain or snow in the 24 hours following the treatment.

Combine the herbicide with water.

Add the herbicide to a pump sprayer and combine it with water according to the guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Accuracy is key; using an excessive amount can damage the soil, while insufficient quantity may fail to eliminate the creeping Charlie. Always wear protective goggles and gloves when working with chemicals.

Spray

Apply the herbicide directly to the creeping Charlie, focusing on the leaves and stems to ensure the solution penetrates to the roots. Take care to avoid overspray to protect any surrounding plants you wish to preserve. If creeping Charlie is present in flower beds or near decorative plants, consider using a large piece of cardboard to protect your garden plants from any unintended spray.

Keep the Zone Undisturbed

Allow the treated section to remain untouched throughout the winter months. When spring arrives, gather any remaining weed remnants. Cultivate the soil and enrich it with a natural fertilizer that promotes nitrogen fixation. After that, either replant or reseed your lawn.

How to Suppress Creeping Charlie Using Newspapers

Certain individuals have effectively eradicated creeping Charlie by covering it with multiple layers of newspaper. Alternatively, a tarp or cardboard can be employed for this technique. This method restricts airflow and sunlight, which diminishes the plant’s vitality, making it simpler to uproot and reducing the chances of it reappearing. It’s important to ensure that the newspaper fully envelops the plant, rather than merely providing a bit of shade. To prevent it from moving, consider placing rocks or bricks on top. After a week, inspect the plant for any remaining green. If it’s still alive, reapply the covering and allow for additional time. Once the plants appear wilted and brown, they can be removed.

Be aware that this technique could also harm any plants that are growing alongside creeping Charlie, as they may become smothered as well. If you choose to go this route, be prepared to either reseed your lawn or completely replant your garden. Additionally, you should be ready to tolerate the sight of a newspaper or an unsightly tarp in your lovely garden while the smothering materials take effect.

Ways to Keep Creeping Charlie from Returning

To stop creeping Charlie from returning, inspect the area on a weekly basis for any signs of regrowth and remove the plants. Additionally, applying a pre-emergent herbicide in the spring can aid in preventing any resurgence.

To reduce the likelihood of Creeping Charlie reappearing, it’s important to keep your lawn in good condition. Regularly mow the grass to the correct height, and ensure it receives adequate water and nutrients. If certain spots in your lawn struggle to grow, possibly due to excessive shade or inadequate drainage, consider planting species that flourish in those specific conditions. This approach can help deter the invasion of Creeping Charlie.

Advice for Eliminating Creeping Charlie

Remember these suggestions while trying to eliminate Creeping Charlie:

• Keep an eye on the area to identify any new plants as soon as they appear. It’s important to note that even the smallest fragment of rhizome that remains can eventually grow into a new plant. Typically, creeping Charlie is expected to reemerge after the initial hand-pulling.
• Choose a targeted broadleaf weed killer that is effective against creeping Charlie if you opt for chemical treatment. Ensure that the product is compatible with the type of grass you have.
• Be aware of the shortest interval required between herbicide applications. Numerous broadleaf weed control products can be used multiple times throughout the growing season.
• Be sure to follow the suggested waiting time before replanting grass or initiating the growth of other plants after applying a chemical treatment. Refrain from planting edible varieties in the vicinity unless the product explicitly indicates that it is safe for such plants.

Tip

If you’re looking for a natural approach to eliminate creeping Charlie, vinegar can be an effective solution. Combine two parts vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle and apply it generously to the plant. The vinegar works by causing the leaves to die off. However, creeping Charlie is known for its resilience and may regrow from its roots. To achieve a lasting solution, you will probably need to apply vinegar several times and also pull the plant out by hand.

What are the best methods to eliminate creeping Charlie for good?

Eliminate creeping Charlie for good by either manually pulling it out or applying an herbicide. Exercise patience, as you will need to repeat your chosen method multiple times.

Does dish soap eliminate creeping Charlie?

A mixture of dish soap, Epsom salt, and vinegar in equal proportions can effectively eliminate creeping Charlie. The soap works to dissolve the plant’s protective layer, allowing the vinegar and Epsom salt to dehydrate and ultimately destroy the plant.

Is it acceptable to allow creeping Charlie to grow in my garden?

You can allow creeping Charlie to thrive in your garden if you control its growth effectively. This plant can serve as an excellent attractor for pollinators and can function well as ground cover. However, be cautious not to let it grow unchecked, as it may dominate other areas of your garden.