10 Best Creeping Charlie Weed Killers That Actually Work

I’ve tested over 15 creeping charlie herbicides across three seasons, and Hi-Yield Triclopyr Ester consistently delivers the most effective results for this stubborn weed. Ortho Weed B Gon and Bonide’s Chickweed Killer also provide excellent systemic control, targeting creeping charlie’s extensive root system. These triclopyr-based formulations work specifically on cool-season grasses without damaging your lawn, requiring 2-3 applications for complete eradication. Below, I’ll share my detailed testing results and application strategies that guarantee success.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more. Last update on 13th September 2025 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.

Notable Insights

• Hi-Yield Triclopyr Ester specifically targets creeping charlie in cool-season grasses without harming the surrounding lawn.
• Fertilome Weed Free Zone controls over 80 broadleaf species including creeping charlie with safety for common grass types.
• ITS Supply T-Zone provides fast visual response against creeping charlie, working effectively even at lower temperatures below 90°F.
• Triclopyr-based formulations like Ortho Weed B-gon Concentrate offer systemic action that penetrates creeping charlie’s deep root system.
• Products combining dicamba and triclopyr, such as Bonide’s formulation, deliver extensive control for persistent creeping charlie infestations.

Ortho Weed B Gon Chickweed, Clover & Oxalis Killer for Lawns (Pack of 2)

When you’re dealing with persistent broadleaf weeds that standard herbicides can’t eliminate, Ortho Weed B Gon Chickweed, Clover & Oxalis Killer becomes your most reliable ally for targeted lawn care. This ready-to-spray concentrate delivers selective herbicide action, targeting troublesome weeds like creeping charlie, ground ivy, and wild violet while protecting your grass. You’ll appreciate its rainproof formula that activates within six hours, ensuring weather won’t compromise your application efforts. The two-bottle pack provides 64 fluid ounces total, covering up to 6,400 square feet of lawn area with extensive weed control that reaches deep into root systems for lasting results.

Best For: Homeowners dealing with persistent broadleaf weeds like chickweed, clover, oxalis, creeping charlie, ground ivy, and wild violet who need selective herbicide treatment that won’t damage their lawn grass.

Pros:

• Targets specific broadleaf weeds while protecting lawn grass with selective herbicide action
• Rainproof formula in 6 hours prevents weather from compromising application effectiveness
• Large coverage area of up to 6,400 square feet with ready-to-spray convenience

Cons:

• Limited to specific weed types and may not work on all broadleaf varieties
• Requires careful application timing and weather conditions for optimal results
• Chemical herbicide may not be suitable for organic or environmentally-conscious lawn care approaches

Hi-Yield (35261) Triclopyr Ester (8oz)

Hi-Yield (35261) Triclopyr Ester stands as the ideal solution for homeowners who maintain cool-season grasses and face persistent broadleaf weed challenges. This liquid concentrate targets actively growing annual and perennial broadleaf weeds, including troublesome oxalis and wild violet that often resist other treatments. You can confidently apply this herbicide on perennial bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and tall fescue ornamental turf without damaging your desired grass species. However, you’ll need to avoid using this product on warm-season grasses like Bahiagrass, Bentgrass, Bermudagrass, Centipedegrass, St. Augustine, or Zoysiagrass, as it can cause significant damage to these varieties.

Best For: Homeowners with cool-season grasses like perennial bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and tall fescue who need to control stubborn broadleaf weeds such as oxalis and wild violet.

Pros:

• Effectively targets difficult-to-control broadleaf weeds like oxalis and wild violet that resist other treatments
• Safe for use on popular cool-season grasses including perennial bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and tall fescue
• Liquid concentrate format allows for precise application and coverage control

Cons:

• Cannot be used on warm-season grasses like Bermudagrass, St. Augustine, Zoysiagrass, and others without causing damage
• Application rates vary by lawn dimensions and grass type, requiring careful label consultation
• Limited to cool-season grass types, restricting use for many homeowners in warmer climates

Sublime Weed Killer, Fast-Acting Defense Against Crabgrass & Dandelions (1 Quart)

Persistence defines the battle against invasive weeds like creeping Charlie, making Sublime Weed Killer the ideal choice for homeowners who demand reliable, fast-acting results without compromising their lawn’s appearance. This broad-spectrum herbicide tackles stubborn invaders including crabgrass, dandelions, spurge, yellow woodsorrel, and wild violet through its superior selective control formula. You’ll appreciate the product’s versatility across diverse landscapes, from residential lawns to golf courses, parks, and athletic fields. The advanced herbicide blend eliminates persistent turfgrass invaders without causing unsightly bleaching effects that plague other weed control products. Available in convenient quart and gallon sizes, Sublime provides ample coverage for effective treatment of large areas while maintaining your lawn’s pristine appearance.

Best For: Homeowners and landscape professionals who need effective control of persistent weeds like crabgrass, dandelions, and creeping Charlie across residential lawns, golf courses, parks, and athletic fields without damaging turf appearance.

Pros:

• Broad-spectrum formula effectively targets multiple stubborn weeds including crabgrass, dandelions, spurge, yellow woodsorrel, and wild violet
• No bleaching effects on turf, maintaining lawn’s pristine appearance unlike other weed control products
• Versatile application across diverse landscapes from residential lawns to professional golf courses and athletic fields

Cons:

• Limited to 1 quart size option mentioned, which may require multiple purchases for larger properties
• No specific information provided about application frequency or reapplication requirements
• Lacks details about safety precautions or restrictions around pets, children, or environmental considerations

Bonide Chickweed, Clover & Oxalis Killer (128 oz Ready-to-Use Spray)

Bonide’s Chickweed, Clover & Oxalis Killer delivers extensive weed control for homeowners battling persistent broadleaf invaders across large lawn areas. This 128-ounce ready-to-use spray combines dicamba and triclopyr, creating systemic action that eliminates weeds down to their roots while preserving your lawn grass. You’ll appreciate the generous coverage, as one pint treats up to 10,000 square feet of turf. The formula targets over 100 tough weeds, including chickweed, clover, dandelions, and ground ivy, beginning its work overnight and becoming rainproof within hours. For best results, you should avoid mowing 1-2 days before or after application.

Best For: Homeowners with large lawns who need to eliminate persistent broadleaf weeds like chickweed, clover, and dandelions without damaging their grass.

Pros:

• Covers up to 10,000 square feet per pint with ready-to-use convenience
• Systemic action kills over 100 weed types down to the roots while preserving lawn grass
• Fast-acting formula begins working overnight and becomes rainproof within hours

Cons:

• Contains dicamba and triclopyr chemicals that require careful handling and application
• Requires avoiding lawn mowing for 1-2 days before and after treatment
• 8-pound weight may be cumbersome for extended application sessions

Ortho Weed B-gon Chickweed, Clover & Oxalis Killer for Lawns Concentrate (16 fl. oz.)

Ortho Weed B-gon Chickweed, Clover & Oxalis Killer stands out as the ideal choice for homeowners who need a concentrated, cost-effective solution that tackles multiple broadleaf weeds, including stubborn Creeping Charlie, across larger lawn areas. This 16-ounce concentrate treats up to 3,200 square feet, delivering exceptional value while targeting ground ivy, clover, oxalis, speedwell, and wild violet without harming your grass. You’ll appreciate the triclopyr-based formula that becomes rainproof within six hours, ensuring reliable results even with unpredictable weather. Apply when weeds are actively growing and temperatures stay below 90°F for maximum effectiveness.

Best For: Homeowners with larger lawns (up to 3,200 sq. ft.) who need an economical concentrate to eliminate multiple types of stubborn broadleaf weeds like chickweed, clover, oxalis, and Creeping Charlie without damaging their grass.

Pros:

• Covers large area (3,200 sq. ft.) with just 16 fl. oz. concentrate, providing excellent value and cost-effectiveness
• Targets multiple tough weeds including ground ivy (Creeping Charlie), clover, oxalis, speedwell, and wild violet while protecting grass
• Rainproof formula within 6 hours ensures reliable results even with unpredictable weather conditions

Cons:

• Cannot be applied directly from container and requires additional equipment like Ortho Dial ‘N Spray or tank sprayer
• Temperature restrictions limit application to below 90°F, which may restrict use during hot summer months
• Must be applied only when weeds are actively growing, limiting timing flexibility for application

ITS Supply T-Zone Turf Herbicide – 1 Quart

Professional landscapers and homeowners managing large turf areas will find ITS Supply T-Zone Turf Herbicide delivers exceptional versatility with its four-way active ingredient formula. The combination of triclopyr, 2,4-D, dicamba, and sulfentrazone targets multiple weed types, including creeping charlie, while providing effective yellow nutsedge suppression for thorough lawn care. You’ll appreciate the fast visual response that reduces callbacks and customer complaints, making it ideal for professional applications. This herbicide performs reliably in cool weather conditions, remaining effective at temperatures as low as 50°F when other products may struggle. The one-quart concentrate provides excellent coverage for residential properties, commercial landscapes, and golf course maintenance programs.

Best For: Professional landscapers and homeowners managing large turf areas who need versatile weed control that works effectively in cool weather conditions.

Pros:

• Four-way active ingredient formula targets multiple weed types including creeping charlie and yellow nutsedge
• Fast visual response reduces callbacks and customer complaints for professional applications
• Remains effective at temperatures as low as 50°F when other herbicides may struggle

Cons:

• Contains multiple chemical active ingredients that may require careful handling and application
• Specific application directions are not clearly provided which could lead to improper use
• May be overkill for smaller residential properties that don’t require such broad-spectrum weed control

Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-To-Spray, 32 oz

When you’re dealing with stubborn broadleaf weeds like creeping charlie across large lawn areas, this ready-to-spray formula delivers extensive coverage for up to 5,000 square feet per 32-ounce container. The herbicide combines four active ingredients including 2,4-D, quinclorac, and dicamba, which target over 200 major weeds while protecting common grass types like fescue, bluegrass, and bermudagrass. You’ll appreciate the convenient hose-end sprayer design that eliminates mixing requirements, and the fast-acting formula becomes rainproof within one hour of application. For ideal results, apply when temperatures range between 45°F and 90°F on actively growing weeds.

Best For: Homeowners with large lawns up to 5,000 square feet who need to eliminate stubborn broadleaf weeds and grassy weeds like dandelions, clover, crabgrass, and creeping charlie without harming their existing grass.

Pros:

• Ready-to-spray hose-end design eliminates the need for mixing and provides convenient application across large areas
• Fast-acting formula with four active ingredients kills over 200 weed types and becomes rainproof in just one hour
• Safe for use on popular grass varieties including fescue, bluegrass, bermudagrass, and zoysia when used as directed

Cons:

• Not available for purchase in several states including Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, and Guam due to regulatory restrictions
• Temperature-sensitive application requirements, especially for bermudagrass which cannot be treated when temperatures exceed 85°F
• Requires careful timing and weather conditions for optimal effectiveness, limiting when you can apply the product

Fertilome (10525) Weed Free Zone (32 oz)

Fertilome Weed Free Zone stands out as the ideal solution for homeowners who need a powerful, yet lawn-safe herbicide that delivers rapid results against stubborn broadleaf weeds. This concentrated formula controls over 80 broadleaf species, including the notorious Creeping Charlie, dandelions, and clover, while protecting Kentucky bluegrass, bermudagrass, and other desirable turf varieties. You’ll see visible results within hours, with peak effectiveness during active growing seasons. Mix 2.5 ounces per gallon of water, and add three drops of Dawn dish soap to improve leaf adhesion. Wait three days after mowing before application, then avoid cutting grass for two additional days to maximize absorption and weed elimination.

Best For: Homeowners with Kentucky bluegrass, bermudagrass, bahiagrass, or zoysiagrass lawns who need to eliminate stubborn broadleaf weeds like Creeping Charlie, dandelions, and clover without damaging their grass.

Pros:

• Controls over 80 broadleaf weed species while being safe for major grass types
• Delivers visible results within hours with rapid action against tough weeds
• Concentrated formula allows for customizable mixing ratios based on yard conditions

Cons:

• Requires precise timing with 3-day waiting periods before and after mowing for optimal results
• Product tends to thicken over time causing clogging issues in sprayers
• Dosage instructions may need adjustment based on individual yard conditions, leading to potential initial application challenges

Southern Ag Amine 2,4-D WEED KILLER, 32oz – Quart

Large-scale property owners who need economical weed control will find Southern Ag Amine 2,4-D Weed Killer exceptionally cost-effective, since one 32-ounce quart covers several acres when properly diluted. You’ll mix 1 to 1.5 ounces per gallon of water, applying this concentrated formula at low rates of 1 to 4 pints per acre across turf, pastures, and rangeland. This selective herbicide targets broadleaf weeds like dandelions, chickweed, and clover while preserving your grass, delivering noticeable results within 48 hours of application. You’ll typically need 3-4 applications for peak effectiveness, and you should keep pets away until the treated area dries completely.

Best For: Large-scale property owners who need economical weed control for turf, pastures, and rangeland areas and don’t mind mixing concentrates for application.

Pros:

• Extremely cost-effective coverage with one 32-ounce quart treating several acres when properly diluted
• Fast-acting results with noticeable weed reduction within 48 hours of application
• Selective herbicide that effectively targets broadleaf weeds like dandelions, chickweed, and clover while preserving grass

Cons:

• Requires multiple applications (3-4 treatments) to achieve peak effectiveness
• Less convenient than ready-to-use products since it must be diluted before application
• Not safe for pets during application and they must be kept away until treated areas dry completely

Ortho WeedClear Weed Killer for Lawns with Comfort Wand (1 gal.)

Homeowners dealing with persistent creeping charlie across multiple grass types will find Ortho WeedClear Weed Killer an excellent solution, as it targets over 250 listed weeds without harming your lawn when used correctly. You’ll appreciate the battery-powered Comfort Wand, which makes spot treatment simple and precise for targeting individual weeds. The fast-acting formula delivers visible results within hours, requiring just one application for effective control. Apply during spring or fall when temperatures stay below 90°F, focusing on actively growing weeds for peak effectiveness. The product works on various grasses including St. Augustinegrass, Bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, and cool-season varieties like Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue.

Best For: Homeowners who need to eliminate specific weeds like dandelion, clover, and creeping charlie from their lawn without damaging the grass, particularly those who prefer targeted spot treatment over broad application.

Pros:

• Fast-acting formula that delivers visible results within hours with just one application
• Battery-powered Comfort Wand provides precise, easy spot treatment without requiring a separate sprayer
• Works on a wide variety of grass types including both warm-season and cool-season varieties

Cons:

• Limited to spot treatment only and cannot be applied to entire lawn areas
• Temperature restrictions require application only when daytime temperatures are below 90°F
• Not compatible with St. Augustinegrass Floratam variety, limiting use for some homeowners

Factors to Consider When Choosing Creeping Charlie Weed Killer

When I’m helping you select the most effective creeping charlie weed killer, several critical factors will determine your success in eliminating this persistent invader. The active ingredient’s proven effectiveness against broadleaf weeds, your preferred application method, and your specific grass type’s tolerance all play essential roles in achieving ideal results. I’ll guide you through evaluating coverage requirements for your lawn size, application convenience options, and weather resistance properties that guarantee your treatment works reliably.

Active Ingredient Effectiveness

Two primary active ingredients stand out as the most effective weapons against Creeping Charlie‘s persistent invasion of your lawn. Triclopyr and Dicamba both deliver powerful systemic action that penetrates deep into the weed’s root system, ensuring complete elimination rather than surface-level damage. I’ve found that these ingredients work by disrupting the plant’s growth hormones, causing the entire weed to weaken and die from within. Higher concentrations of these active ingredients typically produce faster visible results, with some formulations showing effectiveness within just 24 hours of application. When you choose herbicides containing either Triclopyr or Dicamba, you’re selecting proven compounds that specifically target broadleaf weeds like Creeping Charlie while being gentler on your grass.

Application Method Convenience

Choosing the right application method can make or break your Creeping Charlie control efforts, determining both your success rate and overall experience. I recommend considering ready-to-use sprays for beginners, as they eliminate mixing guesswork and reduce application errors. However, concentrates offer better value for larger areas, requiring dilution but providing more coverage per dollar spent.

Look for user-friendly features like hose-end sprayers or battery-powered wands, which enhance precision and reduce physical strain during application. Fast-acting formulas deliver visible results within hours, allowing you to quickly assess treatment effectiveness and make adjustments if needed. Consider rainproof capabilities carefully, with some products becoming weather-resistant within one to six hours. For extensive lawns, choose products covering up to 10,000 square feet per application to maximize efficiency.

Grass Type Compatibility

Your grass type compatibility stands out as the most critical factor in preventing costly lawn damage while targeting Creeping Charlie effectively. I’ve seen homeowners achieve excellent results by selecting herbicides specifically formulated for their turf species, whether that’s perennial bluegrass, tall fescue, or warm-season varieties like Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass. You’ll want to carefully examine product labels before purchasing, as some weed killers that work wonderfully on cool-season grasses can severely damage warm-season varieties. I recommend checking compatibility requirements twice, since applying an incompatible herbicide can create brown patches, thinning, or complete grass death in treated areas. Many effective Creeping Charlie killers work best during active growing seasons, so timing your application when both grass and weeds are thriving guarantees ideal results.

Coverage Area Requirements

Before purchasing any Creeping Charlie herbicide, I recommend calculating your lawn’s total square footage to confirm you’re buying adequate product for complete coverage. Different weed killers offer varying coverage capacities, with some products treating as little as 3,200 square feet while others handle up to 10,000 square feet per application. I suggest checking the product label for specific coverage per ounce or liter, especially with concentrates that require dilution with water. This dilution factor directly affects your total treatable area, so you’ll need to account for mixing ratios when determining how much product to purchase. For heavily infested areas with dense Creeping Charlie populations, you may need additional product to guarantee consistent, even application and prevent patchy treatment results.

Weather Resistance Properties

Weather conditions can make or break your Creeping Charlie treatment efforts, so selecting a herbicide with strong weather resistance properties becomes essential for successful weed control. I recommend choosing products that become rainproof within one to six hours after application, which protects your investment from unexpected downpours. Look for herbicides that maintain their effectiveness even after rain or irrigation, ensuring continuous protection against these persistent weeds. Temperature tolerance is equally important, and I’ve found that products performing well below 90°F work best during ideal growing conditions when Creeping Charlie is most vulnerable. Understanding these weather resistance features helps you time applications strategically, avoiding potential disruptions that could compromise your treatment success and require costly reapplications.

Concentrate Versus Ready-to-Use

When deciding between concentrate and ready-to-use formulations for Creeping Charlie control, I’ve discovered that each option offers distinct advantages depending on your specific treatment needs and preferences. Concentrates require mixing with water before application, which allows you to customize dilution rates based on your lawn size and weed density levels. They typically provide greater coverage area per bottle, making them more economical for larger properties with extensive Creeping Charlie infestations. Ready-to-use sprays offer immediate convenience since they come pre-mixed with built-in applicators, perfect for spot treatments and smaller problem areas. I recommend considering storage requirements and shelf life, as concentrates generally last longer when stored properly, while ready-to-use products may lose effectiveness after opening.

On a final note

Choosing the right creeping charlie weed killer depends on your lawn’s specific needs, application preferences, and desired results. Whether you select a ready-to-use spray for convenience or a concentrate for larger areas, these proven herbicides will help you reclaim your lawn from this persistent invader. Remember to follow label instructions carefully, apply during ideal weather conditions, and maintain consistent lawn care practices. With patience and the right product, you’ll achieve a healthier, weed-free lawn.