Ground Ivy, AKA Creeping Charley

Dean

Well-known Member
Today, I decided to try to get the creeping charley in my yard under control.

I'm using Spectracide Weed Stop, mixed per label instructions, and a hand sprayer. The weed Stop is intended to control broad leaf weeds in lawns. The active ingredient is 2-4-D.

Unlike most broad leaf weeds, creeping charley will grow beneath a walnut tree, and I have lots of it beneath one in the corner of my yard.

I stopped spraying at the tree canopy because I do not know if 2-4-D will leach through the ground and damage the tree. Anyone know?

Dean
 

I have been spraying Creeping Charlie with Trimec which contains 2-4-D for three years. I have been going right under my trees with no ill effect. The Creeping Charlie seems to grow better with it though.
 
I can only relay my experience with 2-4D on poison sumac. It does kill poison sumac when sprayed on the leaves, so technically it will kill trees, but I think it needs to be applied to the leaves, and not just some of the leaves but most if not all of them.

What little the tree will manage to pull up from the ground should not affect it, to my way of thinking. Just my guess, though. I've sprayed some around the bases of apple trees in my backyard, and the %$#@ things are still growing and dropping apples.
 
Hopefully, Weed Stop will.

Creeping Charlie is on the list of controlled weeds on the label.

Time will tell.

Dean
 
You just have to keep after it. One application will not get rid of it. Several applications per year are required, and it may take a couple of years to really knock it back. It's pretty tough stuff, but you can beat it. Don't give up.
 
There are 2 versions of Trimec. Plus and Classic if memory serves. One will do it the other won't. It does take multiple applications.
AaronSEIA
 
I use a mix of Triad and 2-D. I blanket spray my 4 acre yard and then spot spray trouble areas as needed. Ground Ivy is the worst problem weed I have and you just have to keep after it!!! I spray in the spring and after first fall frost. I don't have any problems with it hurting my trees. All though it says not to spray with in the drip ring of trees.
 
2,4-D can leach to the roots and kill trees! The half life of 2,4-D is generally about 2 weeks in warm, moist conditions. The danger comes when a heavy rain follows application. Some species of trees and shrubs are more sensitive than others. Watch the 14 day forecasts when deciding to spray close to desired species. Damage may not be apparent until next spring.
 
straight 2-4d wont kill creeping charley I use weedmaster which is dicamba at 12% and 2-4d at 36% I mix 32oz to 11gals seems to do the job
 
Weed Stop has both 2,4,D and Dicamba as well as other stuff both at much lower percentages.

Creeping Charler is on the lost of controlled weeds. Surprisingly, so is Yellow Nutsedge.

It is supposed to produce visible results in 8 hours.

Should know more tomorrow.

Dean
 
Trimec works on creeping charlie, but you have to keep after it with multiple sprayings timed about 2 weeks apart.

It took me 2 years of spraying 5-6 times a summer to get my yard under control after we moved in. You never get it all on the first application.

Also, you have to use a hose end sprayer and spray the whole area. Spot spraying does not work, you miss more than you hit.

Grouse
 

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