Creeping Charlie in the Turf

Q: We have a pronounced problem with Creeping Charlie and are about to try a Borax application. Is this worthwhile or is there something better?

A: Creeping Charlie is a difficult weed to control because it spreads aggressively by stolons and rhizomes.

Herbicides often will not translocate through these plants parts and this weed will regrow from the rhizomes and stolons.

Don't bother with Borax, it can damage your turf plus it is not labeled for turf use which makes it illegal.

Establishing and/or improving a grass stand to outcompete creeping Charlie is essential, this is easier said than done primarily because Creeping Charlie thrives in the shade and turfgrasses have a tough time in the shade.

For most effective control a multi-pronged approach is needed including: Mowing the established turf at 3" or more Broadleaf herbicide application in the spring after flowering and then again 3-4 weeks later.

You could and probably should also apply in the late summer, early fall (Aug 15-Oct15) and again 3-4 weeks later.

A three-way combination of 2,4-D, dicamba, and MCPP works well.

Professionals can apply Confront which is even better.

Unfortunately, these applications may be needed for many years to be most successful.

Do a fall fertilization to thicken the grass stand.

You could do an overseeding in the fall each year to thicken the stand even more. Controlling creeping Charlie takes a lot of work and may not be totally successful. Thus many homeowners learn to accept this creeping Charlie and give up on controlling it.

The only way to truly eradicate is with a non selective herbicide such as roundup then completely re-seed or install new sod.... lots of work!