Creeping charlie may appear as an aesthetic and harmless ground cover due to its green leaves and small purple flowers, but it could be a nightmare for homeowners.
It can be challenging to deal with creeping charlie plants, as it is one of the most stubborn lawn invaders. It is an aggressive weed plant which can turn a healthy lawn into a harmful mess and rapidly spread in shady and damp spots.
It has the ability to spread through seeds, roots, and creeping stems, which can also become harmful to other plants if not treated properly.
In this blog, you will learn three effective methods to remove creeping charlie and preventive measures to stop it from coming back.
What is Creeping Charlie?
Creeping charlie, also known as ground ivy, is one of the hardest perennial weeds to manage. Its presence indicates compacted or poorly drained soil. Creeping charlie spreads in two ways: either through seeds or by rooting along its creeping stems. Initially, it was brought to the U.S as a ground cover for shady areas. However, the long runners of creeping charlie started to compete with lawn grasses in the shade, growing 5-10 feet.
One can easily recognise ground ivy as it has square, creeping stems rooted at the nodes, and consists of round to kidney-shaped leaves attached with short stalks. The leaves release a mint-like fragrance once mowed or crushed properly, as they belong to the mint family. Creeping charlie has bright green leaves which are arranged opposite to each other, and in May it produces bluish-purple, trumpet-shaped flowers.
3 Different Ways of Removing Creeping Charlie
There are multiple ways to eliminate creeping charlie. The method you choose is based on whether you’re dealing with a small patch or a large area. It can be challenging to get rid of it completely, but with the right set of techniques and regular maintenance, it can be kept under control. Here are 3 different ways one can use to remove Charlie.
Hand Pulling Method
The hand-pulling method is one of the easiest ways to get rid of creeping charlie. It is one of the organic methods and preferred by those people who look for a normal approach. However, it is only effective when the weed is in small patches and not in large areas. For better results, it is suggested to pull out the plant after rain or when the soil is moist, as the roots come out more easily.
Make sure to remove the charlie before the flowers come out, or else it will spread quickly through seeds. Once removed, don’t throw it in your compost as the roots and seeds survive and return when the compost is used later. Put the weed in a bag and put it with the yard waste for proper disposal.
Smothering Method
Smothering can be a good option if you have a large patch of creeping charlie and don’t want to take it out by hand. To perform this method, one needs to block the sunlight and air, which further kills the weed and its roots. For best results, cover the area with a plain, unwaxed, biodegradable newspaper or cardboard, then add a thick layer of mulch on top. It is crucial to use 4 to 6 layers of newspaper or cardboard to ensure the weed is fully covered. This helps in preventing chemicals from entering the soil and offers effective results.
Herbicide Method
With the greater extent of the weed problem, it gets tough to remove them by the above methods(smothering and hand pulling). Hence, herbicides are used to tackle the problem effectively. Using a herbicide made for broadleaf weeds works well. It contains ingredients like 2,4-D, dicamba or triclopyr, which are effective enough to kill a weed properly. While performing this method, make sure to read and follow the instructions mentioned on the label to prevent it from harming other healthy plants.
The long-term impact can be harmful to the environment and your land. Hence, make sure to use it only when required to deal with serious situations. Otherwise, consider using safer, environmentally friendly alternatives.
How to Stop the Growth of Creeping Charlie?
Seeing creeping charlie in your lawn can be a sign that growing conditions are not ideal. Too much shade, wet soil or low soil fertility could be the culprit as they create a perfect environment for the weed to grow. However, with the right preventive measures, it can be controlled and eventually eliminated from the yard area.
-
Growing Healthy Grass: Creating a healthy lawn with thick and fresh grass can prevent creeping charlie from spreading or taking over.
-
Choosing Alternative Plant Option: At times, lawn grass alone doesn’t suffice to prevent charlie growth. Hence, planting ground covers which thrive well in shade or wet soil can also be considered.
-
Fixing Vulnerable Spots: Make sure to look for flower beds or bare patches in the lawn area and fix them, as creeping charlie often grows in such open and empty spaces.
-
Using Mulch: To fix the above-mentioned spots, you can use mulch to cover these areas and block creeping charlie. It also prevents other weeds from thriving in your lawn.
Conclusion!
You can tackle and get rid of creeping charlie once you figure out the right method. Along with that, by following the correct preventive measures, you can keep your lawn healthier and greener. With patience and proper care, you can enjoy the benefits of a healthy garden in your home.
