Ground ivy, often mistaken for clover or other common lawn weeds, can be a persistent nuisance in many gardens. To get rid of ground ivy in your lawn, you’ll typically need a combination of proper identification, consistent treatment, and preventative measures. This leafy invader, known scientifically as Glechoma hederacea and commonly as Creeping Charlie, spreads rapidly through its distinctive creeping stems and can quickly choke out desirable grass species. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about tackling this stubborn weed.
Identifying Ground Ivy: What You’re Up Against
Before you can effectively combat ground ivy, you must be able to identify ground ivy accurately. Recognizing its unique characteristics is the first step to successful weed control.
Key Features of Ground Ivy
- Leaves: Ground ivy has kidney-shaped to rounded leaves with scalloped or rounded edges. They are typically fuzzy or hairy and arranged in opposite pairs along the stem. The leaves often have a distinctive aroma when crushed, somewhat minty or unpleasant.
- Growth Habit: This is where its “creeping” nature is most evident. Ground ivy forms a dense, low-growing mat. It spreads aggressively via trailing stems, called stolons, which root at the nodes where they touch the soil. This means a small patch can quickly expand into a significant infestation.
- Flowers: In the spring, ground ivy produces small, funnel-shaped flowers that are usually lavender or purplish-blue, though they can sometimes be pinkish or white. These flowers are typically found in clusters in the leaf axils.
- Stems: The stems are square in cross-section, a characteristic shared with other members of the mint family. They are typically green but can sometimes have a reddish hue.
What sets ground ivy apart from similar weeds? While clover also spreads low, its leaves are usually trifoliate (composed of three leaflets) and often have white markings. Dandelions have basal rosettes of jagged leaves and a prominent yellow flower. Accurate identification ensures you’re not wasting time and resources on the wrong weed.
Strategies for Creeping Charlie Removal
Getting rid of ground ivy requires a multi-pronged approach. Relying on a single method might not be enough to fully eradicate it.
Manual Ground Ivy Removal: The Digging Method
For small, isolated patches, manual ground ivy removal can be an effective initial strategy, though it requires diligence.
How to Manually Remove Ground Ivy:
- Tools: You’ll need a garden trowel, a weeding fork, or a specialized weeding tool designed to get to the roots. Gloves are highly recommended, as the plant can irritate some people’s skin.
- Technique: Carefully dig around the base of the ground ivy patch. The goal is to lift the entire root system, including any stolons that have already taken root. Try to get as much of the root as possible. Small pieces left behind can resprout.
- Persistence: This method is labor-intensive and often needs to be repeated. New shoots will likely emerge from any missed roots or seeds.
- Disposal: It’s crucial to dispose of the removed ground ivy properly. Do not compost it unless you have a very hot compost pile, as it can easily spread. Bag it and put it in the trash.
Pros of Manual Removal:
- Environmentally friendly.
- No chemicals involved.
- Can be precise for small infestations.
Cons of Manual Removal:
- Very time-consuming and physically demanding.
- Difficult to remove all roots, leading to regrowth.
- Less effective for widespread infestations.
Chemical Control: Weed Killer for Ground Ivy
When manual methods aren’t sufficient, weed killer for ground ivy becomes a necessary consideration. Choosing the right herbicide is key to success.
Types of Herbicides for Ground Ivy
- Broadleaf Herbicides: These are designed to target and kill broadleaf weeds like ground ivy without harming grasses. Common active ingredients include 2,4-D, MCPP (mecoprop), and Dicamba. These are often found in liquid or granular formulations.
- Systemic Herbicides: These herbicides are absorbed by the plant and translocated throughout its system, killing it from the roots up. This is generally more effective for persistent weeds like ground ivy.
- Contact Herbicides: These kill the parts of the plant they directly touch but may not reach the roots, leading to quicker regrowth. They are less ideal for ground ivy.
Applying Herbicides Safely and Effectively
- Read the Label: Always, always read and follow the instructions on the herbicide label. This includes dosage, application method, safety precautions, and environmental considerations.
- Timing is Crucial: The best time to treat ground ivy is when it is actively growing and healthy, and before it sets seed. This typically means spring or fall. Avoid applying herbicides during drought conditions or when temperatures are very high (above 85°F or 30°C), as this can damage your lawn or reduce the herbicide’s effectiveness.
- Spot Treatment: For isolated patches, spot treating with a spray bottle can be more efficient and save on chemical use.
- Even Application: If using a broadcast spreader for granular herbicides, ensure an even application to avoid “hot spots” that can damage your grass.
- Wind Conditions: Avoid applying herbicides on windy days, as drift can damage desirable plants in your garden or neighboring properties.
Popular Herbicides for Ground Ivy
Several products are specifically formulated for herbicides for ground ivy. Some common active ingredients and their effectiveness include:
| Active Ingredient | Type of Control | Effectiveness Against Ground Ivy | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Triclopyr | Systemic | High | Very effective on woody plants and broadleaf weeds. |
| Dicamba | Systemic | High | Often combined with 2,4-D for a broader spectrum of control. |
| 2,4-D | Systemic | Moderate to High | Common in many broadleaf weed killers. |
| MCPP (Mecoprop) | Systemic | Moderate | Often used in combination with 2,4-D and Dicamba. |
| Quinclorac | Systemic | Moderate | Also effective on crabgrass. |
| Glyphosate | Systemic | High (Non-selective) | Kills all plants it touches, including grass. Use only for spot treatment on entirely infested areas you intend to reseed. |
Important Note on Non-Selective Herbicides: While glyphosate is effective at killing ground ivy, it is a non-selective herbicide. This means it will kill any plant it contacts, including your lawn grass. Therefore, it should only be used as a last resort for spot treatment in areas where you plan to completely renovate the lawn.
Organic Ground Ivy Control: Natural Approaches
For those who prefer a more organic ground ivy control approach, several methods can be employed, though they often require more patience and persistence.
Improving Lawn Health for Natural Suppression
A healthy, dense lawn is the best defense against weeds. Lawn care for ground ivy that focuses on promoting strong grass growth can naturally suppress its spread.
- Mowing Height: Mow your lawn at the recommended height for your grass type. Taller grass shades the soil, making it harder for weed seeds to germinate and for creeping ivy to establish.
- Proper Watering: Water deeply and infrequently. This encourages deep root growth in your grass, making it more resilient.
- Fertilization: Feed your lawn with the right nutrients at the right times. A well-fed lawn can outcompete weeds for resources.
- Aeration and Dethatching: Improve soil structure and air circulation by aerating compacted soil and dethatching to remove excess thatch buildup. This promotes healthy grass roots.
Natural Weed Killers and Methods
- Vinegar: Horticultural vinegar (20% acetic acid) can kill ground ivy on contact. However, it’s non-selective and can harm your grass, so use it with extreme caution and only on spot treatments. Repeat applications are often necessary.
- Boiling Water: Similar to vinegar, pouring boiling water directly on the ground ivy can kill it. Again, this is non-selective and best suited for very small, isolated patches or along walkways where you don’t mind killing everything.
- Corn Gluten Meal: This is a pre-emergent that can inhibit seed germination. If applied before ground ivy seeds germinate, it can help prevent new plants from establishing. Its effectiveness is debated, and timing is critical.
When to Treat Ground Ivy: The Best Time
The best time to treat ground ivy significantly impacts the success of your efforts.
Spring Application
- Why it Works: In the spring, ground ivy is actively growing and has not yet produced seeds for the year. Its energy is directed into leaf and stem development, making it more susceptible to herbicides.
- Ideal Conditions: Treat when temperatures are mild (between 60-85°F or 15-30°C) and there’s no immediate threat of frost or heavy rain. The soil should be moist.
Fall Application
- Why it Works: Fall is also an excellent time because ground ivy is storing energy in its roots for the winter. Systemic herbicides applied at this time will be readily absorbed and transported to the roots, leading to a more thorough kill.
- Ideal Conditions: Aim for late September through October in most regions, after the peak heat of summer has passed but before a hard frost. This timing also helps prevent new weeds from establishing before winter.
Avoiding Mid-Summer Treatment
- Why Avoid: High temperatures can stress both the ground ivy and your lawn. Herbicides can be less effective in extreme heat, and applying them can cause damage to your grass, leading to browning or wilting.
Preventing Ground Ivy: Keep it Out
Prevent ground ivy from taking hold in the first place by maintaining a healthy lawn and employing good gardening practices.
Healthy Lawn Practices
As discussed in the organic section, a dense, healthy lawn is your first line of defense.
Early Detection and Removal
- Regular Inspections: Walk your lawn regularly and look for early signs of ground ivy. The sooner you spot it, the easier it is to remove manually.
- Address Bare Spots: Fill in any bare patches in your lawn promptly. These are prime locations for weeds to germinate and establish.
Mulching
- Around Trees and Shrubs: Apply a layer of mulch around trees, shrubs, and flower beds. This helps suppress weed growth by blocking sunlight.
Avoid Overcrowding
- Spacing Plants: Ensure adequate spacing between plants in garden beds to allow for good air circulation and sunlight penetration, which discourages weed growth.
Common Questions About Ground Ivy
Can I treat ground ivy with household products?
While some household products like vinegar can kill ground ivy on contact, they are often non-selective and can damage your lawn grass. They are best used for spot treatment on very small patches, and repeated applications are usually necessary. For widespread infestations, commercial herbicides designed for lawn use are generally more effective and safer for your grass.
How long does it take to get rid of ground ivy?
Eradicating ground ivy can take time and persistence, often several seasons. It requires consistent application of control methods, whether manual or chemical, and a focus on building a healthy, dense lawn that can outcompete the weed.
Is ground ivy harmful to pets or children?
Ground ivy is generally not considered toxic to pets or children. However, if you use chemical herbicides, always follow the product’s safety instructions regarding re-entry times for people and pets. Also, some individuals may experience skin irritation from contact with the plant.
Why is ground ivy so hard to kill?
Ground ivy is difficult to kill because it spreads aggressively via shallow, trailing stems (stolons) that root at nodes, quickly forming a dense ground cover. It also has a relatively deep root system that can survive if the top growth is removed. Its ability to regenerate from small fragments makes complete eradication a challenge.
Conclusion: A Persistent Battle, A Winnable War
Ground ivy in grass can be a formidable foe, but with the right knowledge and a consistent approach, you can effectively manage and eliminate it from your lawn. Remember to identify ground ivy correctly, choose the appropriate weed killer for ground ivy if using chemicals, or commit to thorough manual ground ivy removal. Focus on improving your overall lawn care for ground ivy by promoting a healthy, dense turf. By understanding the best time to treat ground ivy and employing preventative measures, you can reclaim your lawn and enjoy a beautiful, weed-free outdoor space. Patience and persistence are your greatest allies in this ongoing turf war.