Creeping Charlie, also known as ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea), is an aggressive perennial weed and a member of the mint family. It is notorious for forming dense, low-growing mats that quickly choke out turfgrass. Many homeowners turn to combination products like “Weed and Feed” to manage common lawn invaders. These products pair a selective broadleaf herbicide with a fertilizer, offering a convenient two-in-one solution for lawn maintenance.
Standard Weed and Feed Efficacy
Standard Weed and Feed products typically contain a general broadleaf herbicide, most commonly 2,4-D, which works well on many annual and simple perennial weeds. However, these common formulations are generally not strong enough to eliminate a well-established infestation of Creeping Charlie. The weed often shows a high degree of tolerance to these milder herbicides, resulting in only temporary leaf burn rather than complete plant death.
The “feed” component, which is the nitrogen fertilizer, can unintentionally work against the goal of eradication. Fertilizer is meant to boost the growth of turfgrass, but when Creeping Charlie is present, it also stimulates the weed’s growth. By encouraging the invader, the product can sometimes worsen the problem, making the combination counterproductive for controlling this particular weed.
Why Creeping Charlie Resists Common Herbicides
Creeping Charlie is difficult to control due to its unique physical structure. The plant’s leaves are covered with a thick, waxy layer, known as the cuticle, which acts as a barrier. This waxy surface causes many herbicide droplets to bead up and roll off the leaf, preventing the chemical from being absorbed into the plant’s vascular system.
The weed’s low-growing habit and aggressive spreading mechanism also contribute to its resilience. Creeping Charlie spreads via stolons, which are horizontal stems that trail along the ground. These stems root easily at the nodes wherever they make contact with the soil, creating a complex, interconnected network. If an herbicide application only kills the exposed leaves, the plant can quickly regenerate from the roots and buried stem sections.
Proven Strategies for Eradication
Eradicating Creeping Charlie requires a shift away from granular Weed and Feed products to specialized liquid herbicides and precise application timing. The most effective chemical control comes from products containing the active ingredient triclopyr. Triclopyr is highly effective against ground ivy and is often found in combination with other chemicals like dicamba or 2,4-D in “3-way” broadleaf weed killers.
The waxy leaf surface necessitates liquid spray application, which is superior to granular products because the liquid is more likely to stick and penetrate the foliage. This method ensures the herbicide is absorbed by the leaves, where it can be translocated throughout the plant, including down to the rooting stolons. For optimal results, a non-ionic surfactant can be added to the spray mix to help the herbicide droplets spread out and adhere better to the waxy leaves.
Timing the application is important for achieving deep, systemic control. The best time to apply herbicide is in the early to mid-fall, generally between mid-September and early November. During this period, the plant is naturally moving nutrients from its leaves down to its root system to prepare for winter dormancy. Applying the specialized herbicide at this time allows the chemical to be pulled deep into the roots along with the nutrients, maximizing the kill rate. A single treatment is rarely sufficient, and a second application about a month after the first is often necessary to eliminate the entire infestation.
Long-term defense against re-infestation involves improving the density of the turfgrass. Creeping Charlie thrives in thin, weak, and shady lawn areas, so cultural practices that promote a healthy lawn are beneficial. Maintaining the lawn at a higher mowing height, typically between 2.5 to 3 inches, helps the grass blades shade the soil, making it less hospitable for the low-growing weed to establish itself.