Ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea), often called Creeping Charlie, is a pervasive perennial weed that challenges homeowners seeking a pristine lawn. This aggressive plant is a member of the mint family, recognizable by its scalloped, kidney-shaped leaves and creeping stems called stolons. Ground ivy spreads rapidly by rooting at the nodes along its stems, forming dense mats that can quickly smother turfgrass. Successfully removing this weed without harming the surrounding lawn requires a targeted strategy addressing both immediate removal and long-term prevention.
Non-Chemical Methods for Safe Ground Ivy Removal
For homeowners who prefer to avoid chemical treatments, physical removal and environmental manipulation offer grass-safe solutions. Manual removal is most effective for small or newly established patches, requiring diligence to prevent regrowth. The primary action is to gently but firmly pull the plant, ensuring the entire root system and extensive network of stolons are removed. This task is significantly easier after a deep watering or heavy rain, as moist soil allows the roots to slide out cleanly.
Ground ivy thrives in shaded, moist, and poorly drained areas where turfgrass struggles to grow. Adjusting these environmental conditions is a powerful non-chemical control measure. Increasing sunlight by pruning the lower branches of nearby trees or shrubs makes the area less hospitable to the shade-loving weed. Improving soil drainage also helps, since the plant prefers consistently wet conditions.
Smothering techniques can be used for isolated, dense areas, though they require careful application to protect adjacent grass. Covering the infested patch with an opaque material, like thick plastic or cardboard, blocks all sunlight, eventually killing the plant. While effective, the surrounding turfgrass will also be deprived of light and may die, necessitating reseeding once the ground ivy is gone. Non-chemical methods are safest for the lawn, but they demand persistence and are often not sufficient for large, well-established infestations.
Selecting and Applying Selective Herbicides
When manual and cultural controls prove insufficient, selective broadleaf herbicides offer the most effective way to eliminate ground ivy while preserving turfgrass. The term “selective” means the product targets broadleaf weeds (dicots) like ground ivy, but not monocot grasses. The most potent active ingredients include triclopyr, 2,4-D, dicamba, and MCPP, often found in combination products. Triclopyr is considered the most effective standalone ingredient against this weed.
These herbicides work by mimicking natural plant hormones, causing the broadleaf plant to grow uncontrollably until it dies. Because ground ivy has waxy leaves that resist absorption, timing and technique are crucial. The best time to apply these systemic herbicides is in the fall, specifically after the first frost. During this period, the plant is actively moving nutrients down to its root system for winter storage. Spring applications are possible, but they are less effective than those done in autumn.
To protect the lawn, the herbicide should be applied as a spot treatment, directly coating the ground ivy foliage, rather than broadcasting it across the entire lawn. Avoid application during high temperatures or windy conditions, which can cause the chemical to drift onto desirable plants. The product label must be followed precisely, confirming the herbicide is safe for the specific type of turfgrass, such as Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, or Zoysia. Ground ivy is resilient, often requiring two applications separated by several weeks in the fall, and repeated treatments over two or three seasons to achieve complete control.
Maintaining Turf Density for Long-Term Prevention
Once the ground ivy is removed, long-term prevention focuses on creating a dense, healthy lawn that outcompetes the weed. A vigorous turfgrass stand is the first line of defense, as ground ivy struggles to establish itself where it cannot reach sunlight or soil. Proper mowing height is an impactful practice; maintaining grass at 2.5 to 3.5 inches allows the blades to shade the soil, discouraging the growth of low-lying weeds.
A proactive fertilization program encourages the grass to spread and thicken, making it difficult for ground ivy stolons to root. Maintaining a balanced nutrient supply, particularly nitrogen, promotes the dense growth required to crowd out invaders. Overseeding in the fall is also recommended to fill in any thin or bare patches, which are prime entry points for the weed.
Water management helps to eliminate the moist conditions ground ivy prefers. Watering deeply but infrequently encourages the turfgrass to develop deep, drought-tolerant roots, allowing the soil surface to dry out between waterings. Combining these cultural practices with occasional monitoring ensures the lawn remains healthy and resistant to future ground ivy invasions.