How to Kill Creeping Charlie With 2,4-D

Apply herbicide to control creeping Charlie leaves.

As they arrived to settle the United States, Europeans brought with them a shade-tolerant ground cover known by many names, including creeping Charlie, creeping Jenny and ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea). Unfortunately, the plant turned out to be invasive and is now considered a broadleaf weed. Creeping Charlie also is hard to control because it constantly self-propagates through stems that keep extending across the yard. The herbicide 2,4-D is part of its elimination plan.

Things You'll Need

• Herbicide with 2,4-D and MCPP
• Cardboard
• Garden sprayer

Instructions

1. Apply herbicide that contains as its active ingredients 2,4-D and MCPP. Read the manufacturer's instructions for application rates.

2. Spray the herbicide on a dry day in mid-fall, when creeping Charlie is actively growing and the temperature has dropped to the 60s or 70s Fahrenheit.

3. Protect non-targeted plants with a piece of cardboard placed around them as a shield. This herbicide kills all vegetation it touches.

4. Spray the creeping Charlie leaves, doing your best to keep the 2,4-D off the soil so it doesn't reach the roots of other plants.

References

• University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension: Creeping Charlie
• University of Minnesota Extension--Yard & Garden Brief: Creeping Charlie