How to get rid of Creeping Charlie

🌿 How to Get Rid of Creeping Charlie in Your Lawn 
To get rid of creeping charlie (also called ground ivy), you need a combination of cultural practices and targeted herbicides. The best methods include hand-pulling small patches, applying selective broadleaf herbicides with triclopyr, and improving lawn health through fertilization, mowing, and aeration to prevent regrowth.

What Is Creeping Charlie?Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea) is a fast-spreading perennial weed that grows low to the ground. It thrives in shady, moist areas and quickly takes over weak lawns.
Identifying Creeping Charlie:
  • Leaves: Round or kidney-shaped with scalloped edges
  • Stems: Square, creeping along the ground and rooting at nodes
  • Flowers: Small, purple-blue flowers in spring
  • Growth Habit: Forms dense mats that choke out grass

Why Creeping Charlie Is So Hard to Control
  • Aggressive Growth: Spreads by both seeds and creeping stems (stolons).
  • Shade Tolerance: Thrives where grass struggles (under trees, fences, shady corners).
  • Resilient Roots: Even small root fragments can regrow.
In Bethesda, where many lawns have shade from mature trees, creeping charlie is a common nuisance.

How to Get Rid of Creeping Charlie in Your Lawn1. Hand-Pulling (Best for Small Patches)
  • Water the area first to loosen soil.
  • Pull slowly to remove roots.
  • Use a hand weeder or dandelion fork to dig out stolons.
    ⚠️ Works best for small, new infestations.

2. Smothering with Mulch or TarpsFor garden beds or corners of the yard:
  • Cover creeping charlie with black plastic, cardboard, or mulch for 1–2 months.
  • Blocks sunlight and kills weeds.
    ⚠️ Not practical for large lawns.

3. Selective Herbicides (Best for Larger Areas)The most effective chemical control is triclopyr-based herbicides (selective broadleaf killers).
  • Apply in fall (September–October) when the weed is storing nutrients in its roots.
  • Spring applications can also work but may require multiple treatments.
  • Always follow label instructions to protect grass and nearby plants.
Other options include products containing dicamba or 2,4-D, but triclopyr is most reliable.

4. Improve Lawn Health (Long-Term Prevention)A healthy, dense lawn prevents creeping charlie from returning.
  • Mowing: Keep grass at 3–4 inches to shade out weeds.
  • Aeration: Relieve soil compaction in shady Bethesda lawns.
  • Fertilization: Feed your grass regularly to outcompete weeds.
  • Overseeding: Add shade-tolerant grass like fine fescue in problem areas.

3 Natural Ways to Kill Creeping CharlieSome homeowners prefer chemical-free options:
👉 In most Bethesda lawns, a combination of hand-pulling small patches and professional herbicide treatments is the most effective approach.


FAQ: Creeping Charlie in Bethesda LawnsQ: What kills creeping charlie but not grass?
A: Selective herbicides with triclopyr target creeping charlie while leaving most grasses unharmed.
Q: Can I permanently get rid of creeping charlie?
A: Yes, but it takes persistence. Combining fall herbicide treatments with lawn care improvements is the best long-term solution.
Q: Is creeping charlie bad for my lawn?
A: Yes. It chokes out turfgrass, spreads aggressively, and leaves bare patches if not controlled.
Q: Will mowing get rid of creeping charlie?
A: No. Mowing actually helps it spread by scattering fragments. It must be pulled, treated, or smothered.

Call to Action🚫 Tired of battling creeping charlie and other stubborn weeds? Don’t waste another season fighting it alone.
At Lawn Care Bethesda MD, we specialize in:
✅ Professional weed control (including creeping charlie removal)
✅ Lawn fertilization & overseeding
✅ Aeration for healthier, thicker turf
📞 Call us today at (301) 284-3981 for a FREE lawn evaluation or book online at www.lawncarebethesdamd.com.
Let us turn your lawn into the thick, green, weed-free yard your neighbors will envy!