Ground ivy, scientifically known as Glechoma hederacea and commonly called Creeping Charlie, is a persistent, highly invasive perennial weed that quickly colonizes and dominates lawns. This aggressive broadleaf plant, a member of the mint family, challenges homeowners seeking healthy turf. Addressing an infestation requires a specific, multi-faceted approach for successful and lasting eradication.
Identifying Ground Ivy and Understanding Its Growth Habit
Proper identification of Glechoma hederacea is the first step in successful control. The plant is easily recognized by its small, rounded to kidney-shaped leaves, which feature scalloped edges and grow oppositely along the stem. The leaves and stems emit a distinct, minty odor when crushed or mowed, a trait shared with other members of the Lamiaceae family.
The weed’s defining feature is its aggressive growth habit through stolons, or above-ground runners. These creeping stems are square-shaped and can grow up to several feet in length. At every node, the plant puts down shallow roots, anchoring itself and establishing new plants. This rooting at multiple points means that simply pulling the weed or treating the surface is ineffective, as fragments left behind quickly regenerate the infestation.
Non-Chemical and Cultural Control Methods
For small, isolated patches, manual removal can be attempted, but it requires meticulous attention. Hand-pulling is most effective after a soaking rain or deep watering when the soil is loose, allowing for the removal of longer chains of stolons and roots. Ensure that every fragment of the stem and root is removed, as any piece left in the soil can quickly sprout a new plant.
Another non-chemical approach for larger areas is smothering, which deprives the weed of sunlight and oxygen. Applying a thick layer of mulch or covering the area with opaque plastic sheeting kills the ground ivy underneath. This method requires the material to remain in place for several weeks and will also kill any desirable plants in the covered area.
Cultural controls focus on altering the growing environment to favor turfgrass. Ground ivy thrives in moist, shaded areas, so correcting poor soil drainage and pruning nearby trees increases sunlight penetration, making the area less hospitable. Maintaining a healthy, dense turf through practices like overseeding thin areas helps the grass outcompete the weed for resources.
Targeted Herbicide Application for Eradication
For widespread, established infestations, post-emergent herbicides are the most effective control method. Products containing the active ingredient triclopyr provide the highest level of control against ground ivy. Combination broadleaf herbicides that include ingredients such as 2,4-D, dicamba, and MCPP (or MCPA) are also effective, often offering better results than 2,4-D alone.
These chemical treatments should be applied as a liquid spray rather than a granular product, ensuring direct contact with the leaves for better absorption. Adding a non-ionic surfactant to the spray mixture helps the herbicide penetrate the ivy’s waxy leaf surface. This improved adherence allows the chemical to be translocated throughout the plant’s entire system, including the root structure.
The timing of the application is important for maximizing efficacy. The most effective time for treatment is in the late fall, typically from late September through November, when the plant is actively moving carbohydrates down to its roots for winter storage. A second application in the spring, when the plant is flowering in May, is highly effective for a two-part approach. Application during the summer months is less effective due to the plant’s reduced metabolic rate.
Long-Term Lawn Health to Prevent Reinfestation
Sustaining a dense, vigorous lawn is the best long-term defense against ground ivy return after control. This begins with maintaining a consistent fertilization schedule to support strong grass growth. Applying approximately three to four pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet annually, spread across multiple applications, helps turf species outcompete the weed.
Proper mowing height is a powerful cultural control. Maintaining the turf at a height of at least three inches encourages deeper root growth and a denser canopy. This taller grass shades the soil, reducing the light available for ground ivy to germinate and spread. Aeration should be performed regularly to alleviate soil compaction, which improves water infiltration and allows grass roots to thrive.
Regular soil testing ensures the proper pH balance and nutrient levels, creating conditions favorable for turfgrass. Deep, infrequent watering encourages the grass to develop deep roots while allowing the soil surface to dry out, which discourages the shallow-rooted ground ivy. Implementing these cultural practices makes the lawn a hostile environment for the weed, preventing reinfestation.