Creeping Charlie is a weed that can be difficult to get rid of. It often pops up in lawns and gardens and can be tough to eliminate. There are many products on the market that claim to kill creeping charlie, but not all of them are effective. In this blog post, we will discuss what kills creeping charlie and how to get rid of it for good!
What is Creeping Charlie
Creeping Charlie (also known as Glechoma hederacea) is a pesky weed that is common in lawns and gardens. It is a member of the mint family and has dark green leaves with scalloped edges. The stems of the plant are hairy and can grow up to 12 inches long. Creeping Charlie blooms from May to July with small, blue flowers. This weed gets its name from its creeping habit – it spreads quickly and can be difficult to control.
When to Kill Creeping Charlie
The best time to kill Creeping Charlie is in the fall after it has flowered. At this time of year, the plant is storing energy in its roots for the winter. This makes it more susceptible to herbicides. Killing the weed in the fall will also prevent it from spreading and reseeding itself.
If you can’t wait until fall, you can also kill Creeping Charlie in the spring before it flowers. However, be aware that spring-applied herbicides may harm your lawn if they are not applied correctly. It’s always best to follow the manufacturer’s directions when using any type of pesticide.
How to Remove Creeping Charlie
If you have Creeping Charlie on your lawn, there are a few things you can do to get rid of it. You can either dig it up by hand or use an herbicide.
Digging it up by hand is the most effective way to remove Creeping Charlie. You’ll need to make sure you get all of the roots, as even a small piece of root left in the ground can regrow into a new plant. Once you’ve removed all of the plants, reseed the area with grass seed to help prevent new weeds from growing.
If you don’t want to dig up the plants, you can use an herbicide. Look for a product that contains glyphosate, such as Roundup. Be sure to follow the directions on the label c carefully, as glyphosate can also kill grass if you’re not careful. You may need to apply the herbicide more than once to completely kill the Creeping Charlie.
Get Rid of Creeping Charlie Naturally
There are also some natural methods you can use to get rid of Creeping Charlie. One is to cover the area with black plastic. This will smother the plants and kill them. You can also try using a solarization method. This involves covering the area with clear plastic for several weeks in the summer, which will trap the heat and kill the plants.
How to Control Creeping Charlie
Once you’ve gotten rid of the Creeping Charlie, take steps to prevent it from coming back. Mow your lawn regularly and remove any weeds that do pop up right away. Be sure to fertilize your lawn so that the grass is healthy and can better compete with weeds. With a little effort, you can keep your yard looking great and free of pesky Creeping Charlie.
