Creeping Charlie

[enisthemenace]

I am sure this has been discussed before, but outside of burning my lawn, what are effective ways of killing and preventing Creeping Charlie, while saving the grass?

I used to like pulling it. It was kind of fun, and if I kept up with it, it wasn't too much work, but now I don't have as much time as I used to. Two young kids who are involved in everything, means we are basically taxi services every day. The lack of time has allowed some invading CC to really take hold, and if I don't do something soon, my entire back yard is going to be a mess.

Any ideas? It's driving me nuts to see that crap.

 

[ISUAgronomist]

Trimec. Creeping charlie is a pain to kill so it may take repeat applications.

This coming week when it's warm and the weeds are actively growing would be a perfect time for applying. Trimec is a combination of synthetic hormone herbicides which work best then the plant is actively growing.

 

[jbindm]

Lawn care service. Just not A+. They did a bang up job of killing all our creeping charlie last summer, and for no additional charge they poisoned our strawberry patch, lettuce garden, and every last ground cover plant in the front yard. Thanks, fellas.

 

[hoosman]

Weed be gone works for me. The price went way up last summer though. You need to use a high dosage and maybe a second application.

 

[Cyfan4good]

He's in your lawn??

 

[Incyte]

Trimec. Creeping charlie is a pain to kill so it may take repeat applications.

This coming week when it's warm and the weeds are actively growing would be a perfect time for applying. Trimec is a combination of synthetic hormone herbicides which work best then the plant is actively growing.

I was listening to an ISU horticulturist on NPR (not joking - I actually listened to NPR) and he said the bast time for application is as late as possible such as in November/December. They did some study and it had the highest kill rate then.

If you do kill it this spring, make sure your is lawn is growing well to fill it in with grass to suppress it from coming back.

 

[Bret44]

Fence off the yard, get a goat, problem solved.

 

[enisthemenace]

Trimec. Creeping charlie is a pain to kill so it may take repeat applications.

This coming week when it's warm and the weeds are actively growing would be a perfect time for applying. Trimec is a combination of synthetic hormone herbicides which work best then the plant is actively growing.

Well crap. My local hardware store (locally owned, so I like to support them), doesnt carry Trimec. I went with Weed-B-Gone instead. Just applied. Hopefully it works out

 

[peteypie]

He's in your lawn??
View attachment 26487

I was gonna go with:

 

[TheBentStick]

Fence off the yard, get a goat, problem solved.

I did this and it worked well. However, if I did it again, I'd definitely get a prettier goat.

 

[cyclone101]

I am sure this has been discussed before, but outside of burning my lawn, what are effective ways of killing and preventing Creeping Charlie, while saving the grass?

I used to like pulling it. It was kind of fun, and if I kept up with it, it wasn't too much work, but now I don't have as much time as I used to. Two young kids who are involved in everything, means we are basically taxi services every day. The lack of time has allowed some invading CC to really take hold, and if I don't do something soon, my entire back yard is going to be a mess.

Any ideas? It's driving me nuts to see that crap.

I would've used that free labor.

 

[1100011CS]

I like creeping charlie. It doesn't grow very high so you don't have to mow.

 

[enisthemenace]

I like creeping charlie. It doesn't grow very high so you don't have to mow.

And that is why we have it in yards. Some do like it. I hate it.

 

[hoosman]

Hard to believe it was brought here by Euro settlers. What were they thinking?

 

[Kitkat]

I really have tried everything mentioned on this thread, and although they eliminate Charlie, he always comes back. Even if you eradicate Charlie from the margins of your lawn, he will return because he is probably established on property adjacent to yours.

 

[cyking]

Well crap. My local hardware store (locally owned, so I like to support them), doesnt carry Trimec. I went with Weed-B-Gone instead. Just applied. Hopefully it works out

Must do it again in 10 days.

 

[rdtindsm]

You'll constant effort is required to control weeds. I've found any broadleaf killer is reasonably effective with creeping charley. May also want to spend some time time pulling stolens up once the leaves are dead.

I use a hand pump to spot spray on a regular basis depending on the weed. Monthly or bi-monthly once things are under control. Wild violet is very resistant, but eventually succumbs with repeated application. I'll hand weed violet, but only after some spraying in order to weaken the roots.

 

[chuckd4735]

Its best to just let me creep. I wont hurt you.

 

[demoncore1031]

There's a rock band from Cedar Rapids called Creeping Charlie. They kinda suck though. I remember a metal band called Creeping Charlie that was cool from many years ago. I believe they were from the twin cities.

 

[somecyguy]

Well crap. My local hardware store (locally owned, so I like to support them), doesnt carry Trimec. I went with Weed-B-Gone instead. Just applied. Hopefully it works out

I was just at Theisen's in CR and they have Trimec. In case you have one nearby.