Creeping Charlie, a pesky weed native to Europe, has been tormenting American homeowners as far back as 1672 in New England.1
This invasive species can quickly dominate your yard if left unchecked, but many gardeners are unknowingly making mistakes that are actually helping it thrive.
Here are the top 10 blunders to avoid if you want to banish creeping Charlie from your lawn for good.
1. Relying on Borax as a Weed Killer
Social media gardening hacks often tout borax as an effective, eco-friendly way to eradicate creeping Charlie. However, researchers have concluded that borax isn’t as powerful as some claim and can harm other surrounding plants instead. (ref)
Finding the right amount to use is tricky, and different pH levels and soil types affect its efficacy, making it harder to achieve consistent results.
2. Failing to Remove the Entire Plant
Removing weeds by hand can work for small patches, but it’s crucial to remove the entirety of the plant and root system to stop the spread of creeping Charlie. If you leave even a tiny fragment behind, it can lead to a fresh outbreak.
Wet the ground first to make sure you can easily lift all parts of the root.
3. Mowing Too Low
If creeping Charlie is taking over your yard, mowing alone isn’t enough to manage its aggressive spread. In fact, setting your lawnmower too low will weaken your grass rather than the weeds, giving creeping Charlie an advantage.
Maintain a mowing height of 2 to 3 inches to give your lawn more fighting power.
4. Neglecting Regular Lawn Care
A healthy, well-maintained lawn is better equipped to keep creeping Charlie at bay. Keep up with routine fertilization and other lawn care needs to enhance your grass’s strength.
While it may not eliminate the weed completely, it can make it harder for creeping Charlie to creep in.
5. Allowing Too Much Shade
Creeping Charlie thrives in shady conditions, so allowing too much shade in your yard is a surefire way to encourage its growth. Prune trees and shrubs to allow more sunlight to reach your lawn, making it less hospitable for this invasive weed.
6. Overwatering Your Lawn
Creeping Charlie loves moist soil, so overwatering your lawn is like rolling out the welcome mat for this persistent plant. Water your grass consistently, but avoid creating soggy conditions that favor weed growth.
Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, adjusting for rainfall.
7. Ignoring Early Signs of Infestation
Catching creeping Charlie early is key to preventing it from spreading throughout your yard. Don’t ignore those first few sprigs popping up in your lawn – pull them out immediately, roots and all. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to eradicate later on.
8. Using the Wrong Herbicide
If you resort to chemical warfare against creeping Charlie, make sure you choose the right weapon. Look for a potent post-emergence broadleaf herbicide containing salt of dicamba or triclopyr.
These compounds target persistent spreaders without harming most lawn grasses. Avoid using them near vegetables or flowers, though.
9. Applying Herbicides at the Wrong Time
Timing is everything when it comes to herbicide application. The best time to spray creeping Charlie is mid to late autumn, after the first frost, when the plants are sending food reserves to their roots.
You can also hit them again in spring when they’re in bloom. Avoid applying herbicides during hot, dry weather.
10. Giving Up Too Soon
Controlling creeping Charlie takes persistence and patience. Even with the most diligent efforts, it may take several seasons to fully eradicate this weed.
Don’t get discouraged if it pops back up after you think you’ve won the battle. Keep pulling, spraying, and maintaining a healthy lawn, and you’ll eventually triumph over this tenacious invader.
Source:
1. University of Minnesota Extension
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.