How can I control ground ivy or creeping Charlie in the lawn?
Ground ivy is a perennial and returns each year from its crown and root system. Ground ivy commonly grows in shady areas of lawns, but can be found in sunny areas as well. It spreads by rooting where the nodes touch the soil surface, forming dense patches. This weed is in the “difficult-to-control” category, and control is fair to good at best with herbicides. For homeowner use, 2,4-D, MCPP and dicamba are labeled, and these three herbicides are often found in a combination product. Treatment can be made in late spring and early fall when the weed is actively growing. It may take several applications over a couple of seasons to get ahead of it. Lawn care services have herbicides that may be more effective, and if the problem is out of control, perhaps contract with a service to work at eliminating it.
