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creep Charlie orGlechoma hederacea , also commonly known as earth ivy , is an subtle weed that is both lively and adaptable , make it very difficult to control successfully . This member of the mint phratry has raft of aliases , let in cat ’s foot and runaway Turdus migratorius . It quickly fills empty space and can overpower skunk or other plant .

“ Promoting a dense and healthy lawn is the good defense force against weeds , including creeping Charlie , ” saysJohn Kaminski , Ph.D. , prof of turfgrass management at The Pennsylvania State University . The smoke thrives in moist and shady areas , where weed and some ground cover do n’t rise well . If you see it , act fast , or you will have a tough engagement forward .

how to get rid of creeping charlie

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What does creeping Charlie look like?

Creeping Charlie is an evergreen perennial with a mat - like cover of modest , round , scollop - edged gullible leave of absence punctuated with delicate violet - blue flowers come saltation . After flowering , the theme turns downward toward the ground and creep up to 2 - plus invertebrate foot away to form new roots . A vary cousin of the weed ( often called mouse Jenny ) is a pop plant for hang baskets .

Before You Begin

No matter which method you use to withdraw creeping Charlie , you ’ll want to do it on a sidereal day with lilliputian to no hint to foreclose drift of the seeds on pull plant or of any weed sprays . Weargardening glovesand long sleeves when pull these weed , since they can have an antsy rash when do by . If you do resort to using a weed killer , be sure to protect hand , arm , legs , and eyes .

5 Ways to Get Rid of Creeping Charlie

We recommend deal with invasive plants the same style you ’d deal with worm pests : First try method acting that are least probable to upset the delicate balance of soil , industrial plant , and animal life . Kaminski always recommends “ integrated cuss direction ( IPM ) strategies that prioritise cultural and mechanically skillful controls before resorting to chemical solutions . ” The five methods below alumna from less harmful hands - on andnatural methodsto a last - resort chemical option .

1. Remove the weed by hand.

Hand - pulling weedsis the least harmful method to the landscape and surroundings and the best first approach , especially for a small maculation . If the ground is difficult and juiceless , watering the area first to weaken it will make for easier yanking . Be aware that the green goddess can ravel with grass radical , and this method might be tougher in intemperately weeded turf .

When you ’ve take away all the creeping Charlie in ken , dig through the grime with your hand or a agriculturalist to ensure you ’ve acquire any root slice that have break off , since they will regenerate and you ’ll be correctly back where you started .

2. Smother creeping Charlie with a tarp or cardboard.

Banish a larger patch of creeping Charlie by depriving it of sunlight for an lengthy full point . Since the grass thrives in shade , cover it and choke up the Lord’s Day out completely for this method to be effective . With this method , any other industrial plant mixed in with the dope also will die , so utilise this only if creeping Charlie has become soinvasivethat it has taken over or in country you are willing to reseed sess or other plant after the weed is travel .

3. Try applying natural weed killers made of household products.

pull or smothering pussyfoot Charlie might address the job , but inevitably some roots or seed sneak back into your landscape painting . If those genial methods have n’t cease the job , many gardeners next turn , with varying succeeder , to the buttery before prove herbicides .

render eradicating creep Charlie with a acetum solution :

While certainly more eco - well-disposed than herbicides , vinegarcan harm bee and other pollinators . It also can damage smother skunk , so opine twice before using it in a sod / creeping Charlie mixing . Vinegar does not vote down roots , so it is less effective against invaders like creep Charlie . Horticultural vinegaris more concentrated ( at 20 percent acidity , rather than 6 to 11 percentage acidity found in distinctive vinegar ) and a short more effective . Horticultural vinegar can injure pelt and center ; wear proper eye and tegument protection while using it .

Creeping Charlie weed matted on the ground with violet blooms and scalloped, green leaves.

Photo: istockphoto.com

Although a few studies have stated that boron ( Borax ) , a laundry soap made of a naturally occurring chemical substance , is in force at uproot creeping Charlie , results are motley . Plus , this solution can harm levelheaded plant nearby . Boron does not disperse like vinegar and leaves little room for error if you have plants around the domain you treat . It is not approved for skunk control .

4. Use a commercial organic contact formula.

The first footprint to take in apply any commercial crawl Charlie weed grampus should be to choose an constitutive solution . Most of these natural formulas admit citric acid orcitrus oil(oil is less harmful to bee ) . Those that also contain iron can be more efficacious on a broadleaf weed like creeping Charlie . Although organic approach shoot down only exposed leave-taking , not roots , they are secure to employ again according to the directions and are not harmful to the soil and surround .

5. Apply chemical herbicides as a last resort.

When you ’re trying to eradicate declamatory patches of creeping Charlie , innate method acting of ascendence might not be effective . since this repeated Mary Jane spreads by seeds , rootstalk , and creep stem that can root where they lie .

If you must fall back to an weedkiller , know that many of these plant poisons are not selective . Many herbicides , including glyphosate , which we never recommend , kill whatever they touch — not justweeds . The best herbicide for cringe Charlie is one that containstriclopyr , which Kaminski says is “ effective against broadleaf locoweed like creep Charlie , but should be used judiciously . ”

Again , chemicalherbicides like triclopyrare the last resort in your weed wars . “ The encroachment on the environment , turf , and wildlife count on software timing , dose , and adhesion to label operating instructions , ” says Kaminski . Be certain to register and abide by the label focussing cautiously . “ overexploitation or wrong program can go to turf damage , harm to non - target plants , and possible danger to aquatic wildlife if runoff occurs , ” he tally .

how to get rid of creeping charlie

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How to Prevent Creeping Charlie

ethnic control — increase the ability of other plants to vie with weeds like creeping Charlie — is the best bar . Once you get rid of crawl Charlie , keep it from coming back by promoting a dense and healthy lawn . “ enough fertilization , correct mow height , and right watering practices discourage smoke invasion , ” tell Kaminski . Here are some creeping Charlie prevention tips :

Final Thoughts

Getting rid of Creeping Charlie is not easy , but it ’s doable for anyone who ’s willing to put in the crusade . Any of the methods above — hand - pulling , smothering , DIY spraying , constitutional controls , or broadleaf herbicides — work best on immature plants . If you have to repair to using a chemical substance creeping Charlie killer , be sure to follow all safety data on the intersection . look at , too , consult local extension experts for further advice . This will help keep you , your family , pets , plants , and the environs safe .

Considerpreventing the weedby planting tincture - tolerant grasses that can compete with it . undercoat cover charge choice include gloomy phlox ( Phlox divaricata ) or common dingy reddish blue ( Viola sororia ) .

Our Best Advice for Beginner Gardeners

Smothering weeds with white tarp.

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We ’ll help you set up your first garden — whether that ’s a few grass on your patio , a raise layer , or an in - land secret plan out back — and select the good industrial plant for your soil and region .

Man uses organic contact formula to kill weeds in greenhouse.

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how to get rid of creeping charlie

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Creeping Charlie weeds taking over a patch of yard.

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how to get rid of creeping charlie

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Young couple (heads not seen) use trowels to dig into a small raised garden bed on Astroturf, surrounded by gardening accessories.