10 Best Herbicides for Creeping Charlie That Actually Work

I’ve found that triclopyr-based herbicides like Hi-Yield Triclopyr Ester and combination formulas such as ITS Supply T-Zone deliver the most effective results against creeping charlie‘s persistent root system. These selective herbicides target broadleaf weeds without damaging your turf, while products containing 2,4-D like Southern Ag Amine provide faster visible results within 48 hours. The key lies in choosing formulations specifically designed for your grass type and applying during ideal conditions. Below, I’ll share the exact products and application strategies that consistently eliminate this stubborn invader.

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Notable Insights

• Triclopyr-based herbicides like Hi-Yield Triclopyr Ester effectively target creeping charlie’s persistent root system in cool-season lawns.
• Combination herbicides with multiple active ingredients, such as T-Zone, provide comprehensive control against stubborn broadleaf weeds.
• 2,4-D formulations like Southern Ag offer fast-acting results within 48 hours for large-scale creeping charlie infestations.
• Mesotrione-based products like Tenacity work as both pre-emergent and post-emergent treatments for year-round creeping charlie management.
• Ready-to-spray options like Ortho WeedClear provide convenient application while targeting over 200 weed species including creeping charlie.

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

When you’re battling stubborn creeping Charlie that’s invaded your lawn alongside other persistent weeds like crabgrass and dandelions, Sublime Weed Killer offers a thorough solution that won’t compromise your turf’s appearance. This selective herbicide targets tough invaders including spurge, yellow woodsorrel, and wild violet while protecting your grass from damage. You’ll appreciate its superior herbicide blend that eliminates bleaching issues, ensuring your lawn maintains its healthy green color throughout treatment. The versatile formula works effectively across diverse landscapes, from residential lawns to golf courses and athletic fields, providing reliable broad-spectrum control for homeowners and professionals alike.

Best For: Homeowners and lawn care professionals who need to eliminate stubborn weeds like crabgrass, dandelions, and creeping Charlie from their turf without causing bleaching or damage to the grass.

Pros:

• Selective herbicide formula targets weeds while protecting grass from damage and bleaching
• Broad-spectrum control against multiple persistent weeds including crabgrass, dandelions, spurge, and wild violet
• Versatile application suitable for various landscapes from residential lawns to golf courses and athletic fields

Cons:

• Only available in smaller 1 quart and 1 gallon sizes which may require multiple purchases for very large properties
• No specific information provided about application frequency or retreatment intervals
• Lacks details about safety precautions for pets, children, or environmental considerations during application

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

Hi-Yield (35261) Triclopyr Ester stands as an excellent choice for homeowners managing cool-season grass lawns who need targeted broadleaf weed control. This liquid concentrate effectively eliminates stubborn perennial weeds like Oxalis and Wild Violet, which often resist other herbicides. You’ll find it works best on perennial bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and tall fescue lawns, making it ideal for northern climates.

However, you must avoid using this product on warm-season grasses including Bermudagrass, St. Augustine, Zoysiagrass, and Centipedegrass, as it can cause significant damage. The concentrated formula requires careful dilution according to label instructions, ensuring proper coverage without harming your desired turf grass species.

Best For: Homeowners with cool-season grass lawns (perennial bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and tall fescue) who need to eliminate stubborn broadleaf weeds like Oxalis and Wild Violet.

Pros:

• Effectively controls difficult perennial broadleaf weeds that resist other herbicides
• Concentrated formula provides good value and coverage when properly diluted
• Safe for use on common cool-season grasses in northern climates

Cons:

• Cannot be used on warm-season grasses like Bermudagrass, St. Augustine, and Zoysiagrass
• Requires careful dilution and application according to specific label instructions
• Limited to cool-season turf types, restricting use in southern regions

ITS Supply T-Zone Turf Herbicide – 1 Quart

Professional landscapers and homeowners seeking reliable, year-round weed control will find ITS Supply T-Zone Turf Herbicide particularly effective against stubborn creeping charlie infestations. This one-quart concentrate combines four powerful active ingredients—triclopyr, 2,4-D, dicamba, and sulfentrazone—creating a thorough solution that targets broadleaf weeds and nutsedge simultaneously. You’ll appreciate its fast visual response, which reduces callbacks and complaints while providing consistent results across residential, commercial, and golf course applications. The herbicide’s cool-weather effectiveness sets it apart, maintaining potency at temperatures as low as 50°F when other products fail. This temperature tolerance guarantees you can tackle creeping charlie during prime treatment windows in early spring and late fall.

Best For: Professional landscapers and homeowners who need effective year-round weed control for stubborn broadleaf weeds like creeping charlie and nutsedge across residential, commercial, and golf course properties.

Pros:

• Four powerful active ingredients (triclopyr, 2,4-D, dicamba, and sulfentrazone) provide comprehensive broadleaf weed and nutsedge control
• Effective in cool weather conditions down to 50°F, allowing for extended treatment windows in early spring and late fall
• Fast visual response reduces callbacks and complaints while delivering consistent results across various application sites

Cons:

• Contains multiple chemical active ingredients that may require careful handling and application
• One-quart size may not be cost-effective for large-scale commercial operations
• Specific application directions are not detailed, requiring additional research for proper use

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

Southern Ag Amine 2,4-D Weed Killer stands out as an excellent choice for homeowners managing large properties where creeping charlie has established extensive coverage. This concentrate offers exceptional value, requiring only 1 to 1.5 ounces per gallon of water, which means you’ll treat vast areas cost-effectively. The dimethylamine salt formulation targets broadleaf weeds like creeping charlie while preserving your grass, delivering visible results within 48 hours of application. You’ll appreciate its versatility across turf, pastures, and fence lines, though plan for multiple applications to achieve complete control. Remember to keep pets indoors until the treated area dries completely for their safety.

Best For: Homeowners with large properties who need an economical solution to control broadleaf weeds like creeping charlie, dandelions, and clover across extensive turf, pasture, or rangeland areas.

Pros:

• Highly economical concentrate that covers large areas with minimal product usage (1-1.5 oz per gallon)
• Fast-acting formula that delivers visible results within 48 hours while preserving grass
• Versatile application across multiple environments including turf, pastures, rangeland, and fence lines

Cons:

• Requires multiple applications (3-4 treatments) to achieve complete weed control
• Not pet-safe during application and requires waiting until area is completely dry
• Less convenient than ready-to-use products since it requires dilution and mixing

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

For homeowners seeking a convenient, hose-end solution that eliminates the guesswork of mixing ratios, Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-To-Spray offers an effortless approach to creeping charlie control. This 32-ounce ready-to-use formula combines four active ingredients, including 2,4-D, quinclorac, and dicamba, creating a powerful herbicide that targets over 200 weeds while protecting your established lawn grasses. You’ll appreciate the simple application process that requires only attaching your garden hose and spraying until the lawn surface appears wet. The fast-acting formula becomes rainproof within one hour and delivers visible results with a single application, making it perfect for busy homeowners who want effective weed control without extensive preparation or multiple treatments.

Best For: Homeowners with established lawns who want a convenient, ready-to-spray solution for controlling over 200 types of weeds including creeping charlie, dandelions, and crabgrass without the hassle of mixing chemicals.

Pros:

• Ready-to-spray hose-end design eliminates measuring and mixing, making application quick and effortless
• Fast-acting formula with four powerful active ingredients kills over 200 weeds with one application and becomes rainproof in just 1 hour
• Safe for use on major lawn grass types including Bermudagrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Fescues, and Zoysiagrass when used as directed

Cons:

• Not available for purchase in Florida, Guam, Hawaii, or Louisiana due to shipping restrictions
• Temperature limitations require careful timing (45°F-90°F range, and no Bermudagrass treatment above 85°F)
• 32-ounce container only covers up to 5,000 square feet, which may require multiple bottles for larger properties

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

Bonide Chickweed, Clover & Oxalis Killer stands out as an excellent choice for homeowners who need a powerful, ready-to-use solution that tackles creeping charlie alongside more than 100 other stubborn weeds. This 128-ounce spray delivers systemic action through dicamba and triclopyr, which kill weeds down to their roots while preserving your lawn grasses. You’ll appreciate the convenient ready-to-use formula that requires no mixing, and the impressive coverage of up to 10,000 square feet per pint guarantees excellent value. The herbicide begins working overnight and becomes rainproof within hours, making it reliable even with unpredictable weather conditions.

Best For: Homeowners with residential lawns who need to eliminate chickweed, clover, dandelions, creeping charlie, and other stubborn broadleaf weeds without harming their grass.

Pros:

• Systemic action with dicamba and triclopyr kills weeds down to the roots while preserving lawn grasses
• Ready-to-use formula requires no mixing and covers up to 10,000 square feet per pint for excellent value
• Fast-acting formula begins working overnight and becomes rainproof within hours

Cons:

• Contains dicamba, which can be controversial due to potential drift concerns and environmental impact
• Requires avoiding lawn mowing 1-2 days before and after application, limiting timing flexibility
• At 8 pounds for the 128 oz container, it may be heavy and cumbersome for some users to handle

Atticus Torocity Herbicide (8oz) – Mesotrione Concentrate Weed Killer

Homeowners battling persistent creeping charlie in established lawns will find Atticus Torocity Herbicide delivers professional-grade results with its 40% mesotrione concentrate formula. This versatile herbicide works as both pre-emergent and post-emergent treatment, giving you flexibility in timing applications throughout the growing season. You’ll appreciate that this concentrate targets ground ivy effectively while remaining safe for Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, and centipedegrass. The 8-ounce bottle provides excellent value, lasting multiple seasons with proper dosing using the included pre-marked syringe. Remember to avoid application on bentgrass, zoysiagrass, and actively growing bermudagrass for best results.

Best For: Homeowners with established lawns who need flexible timing for controlling persistent weeds like creeping charlie, crabgrass, and broadleaf weeds in Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, and centipedegrass.

Pros:

• Dual-action formula works as both pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicide, providing flexible application timing throughout the growing season
• Professional-grade 40% mesotrione concentrate offers broad-spectrum control of stubborn weeds while being safe for most common turf grasses
• Excellent value with 8-ounce concentrate lasting multiple seasons and included pre-marked syringe for accurate dosing

Cons:

• Cannot be used on bentgrass, zoysiagrass, or actively growing bermudagrass, limiting compatibility with certain lawn types
• Results require patience as effectiveness takes several weeks to manifest, and some weeds may need a second application
• Not available in all regions (Alaska, Hawaii, Vermont) and requires careful application to avoid overdosage that could damage lawn grass

Syngenta Tenacity Herbicide – Pre-Emergent and Post-Emergent Weed Control (8-oz)

Syngenta Tenacity Herbicide stands out as an exceptional choice when you need versatile weed control that works both before and after weeds emerge. This 8-ounce liquid formulation contains mesotrione as its active ingredient, effectively controlling 46 different broadleaf weeds and grass species, including troublesome varieties like crabgrass, dandelion, and ground ivy. You’ll appreciate its selective action that targets unwanted vegetation while protecting your desired turfgrass from damage.

The herbicide’s dual-action formula provides both pre-emergent and post-emergent control, preventing new weeds from establishing while eliminating existing problems in one application. With its user-friendly squeeze bottle design, you can easily measure the recommended dilution of one teaspoon per two gallons of water without losing syringes or creating waste.

Best For: Homeowners and lawn care professionals who need comprehensive weed control that can be safely applied during seeding and overseeding while protecting established turfgrass.

Pros:

• Dual-action formula provides both pre-emergent and post-emergent control, eliminating existing weeds while preventing new ones from germinating
• Controls 46 different broadleaf weed and grass species including difficult varieties like crabgrass, dandelion, and ground ivy
• User-friendly squeeze bottle design allows easy measurement without lost syringes or waste

Cons:

• Limited to 8-ounce size which may require multiple purchases for larger lawn areas
• Requires proper dilution mixing (1 tsp per 2 gallons of water) which adds preparation time
• Selective herbicide may not be compatible with all turfgrass species, requiring label consultation before use

PBI/GORDON Trimec Lawn Weed Killer, one gallon

Large-scale lawn enthusiasts will find PBI/GORDON Trimec Lawn Weed Killer delivers exceptional value with its impressive coverage capacity, treating between 32,000 to 64,000 square feet from a single gallon container. You’ll appreciate its broad-spectrum formula that targets over 250 broadleaf weeds, including stubborn creeping Charlie that resists many conventional treatments. Customer reviews consistently highlight visible results within 48 hours when applied properly, though patience remains essential as this herbicide works methodically to eliminate established weeds. You can apply this concentrate using a hose-end sprayer for precise coverage, with many users reporting success at temperatures around 83°F before frost arrives for maximum absorption and effectiveness.

Best For: Large-scale lawn owners who need to eliminate over 250 types of broadleaf weeds across 32,000-64,000 square feet and don’t mind waiting for methodical results.

Pros:

• Exceptional coverage capacity with one gallon treating up to 64,000 square feet, providing excellent value for large properties
• Broad-spectrum effectiveness against over 250 broadleaf weeds including hard-to-control varieties like creeping Charlie and Virginia Buttonweed
• Fast visible results within 48 hours when applied properly at optimal temperatures around 83°F

Cons:

• Slow-acting formula requires patience as it works methodically to eliminate established weeds
• May require multiple applications for persistent or hardy weed species to achieve complete control
• Application timing is critical and must be done before frost for optimal effectiveness

Mesotrione Weed Killer Concentrate for Lawns 8 oz

Professional-grade mesotrione concentrate delivers the precise control you need when creeping charlie has established deep roots throughout your lawn. This liquid herbicide functions as both pre-emergent and post-emergent treatment, targeting stubborn broadleaf weeds while protecting your grass during application. You’ll appreciate the hassle-free spray coverage that guarantees even distribution across affected areas, maximizing effectiveness against persistent invaders like creeping charlie, dandelion, and clover. The proven formulation provides prolonged protection, preventing future weed establishment while eliminating existing growth patterns that damage lawn uniformity and health.

Best For: Lawn care enthusiasts dealing with established broadleaf weeds like creeping charlie, dandelion, and clover who need both immediate control and long-term prevention in new or existing lawns.

Pros:

• Dual-action formula works as both pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicide for comprehensive weed control
• Professional-grade mesotrione concentrate provides prolonged protection against future weed establishment
• Hassle-free spray application ensures even coverage and protects grass during treatment

Cons:

• Concentrate formula requires proper mixing and dilution before application
• May require multiple treatments for deeply established weeds like creeping charlie
• Limited to 8 oz size which may not cover larger lawn areas without purchasing multiple bottles

Factors to Consider When Choosing Herbicide for Creeping Charlie

I’ll help you select the most effective herbicide for your creeping charlie problem by examining five critical factors that determine success. The active ingredient’s potency against broadleaf weeds, proper timing for application, and your specific grass type compatibility form the foundation of smart herbicide selection. Additionally, calculating accurate coverage areas and understanding temperature restrictions will guarantee you achieve maximum control while protecting your lawn’s health.

Active Ingredient Effectiveness

Several active ingredients demonstrate proven effectiveness against Creeping Charlie, and understanding their mechanisms will help you choose the most suitable herbicide for your lawn’s specific needs. Triclopyr stands out as particularly effective, specifically targeting broadleaf weeds like Creeping Charlie through selective control mechanisms that preserve your grass. Products containing 2,4-D deliver fast-acting results, often showing visible effects within 48 hours of application. Mesotrione offers versatility by providing both pre-emergent and post-emergent control, making it excellent for thorough lawn management. I recommend considering combination formulations that blend triclopyr with dicamba, as these multi-ingredient products enhance effectiveness by targeting different growth stages. This approach prevents the weed from recovering and guarantees more complete elimination from your lawn.

Application Timing Requirements

While many gardeners focus solely on choosing the right herbicide, timing your application correctly determines whether you’ll achieve complete Creeping Charlie elimination or face disappointing results. I’ve found that applying herbicides during active growth periods, specifically spring or early fall, maximizes plant absorption and treatment effectiveness. Temperature plays a vital role in success, so I always wait for consistent daytime temperatures between 50°F and 85°F before treating my lawn. Soil moisture enhances herbicide uptake, making post-rain or post-watering applications particularly effective since stressed plants absorb chemicals poorly. For pre-emergent herbicides, I apply them in early spring before seed germination begins. I never mow 1-2 days before or after application, allowing maximum chemical uptake and preventing treatment disruption.

Grass Type Compatibility

Since different grass species react uniquely to herbicide treatments, selecting the wrong product can damage your lawn while leaving Creeping Charlie untouched. I’ve learned that cool-season grasses like perennial bluegrass and ryegrass typically tolerate broadleaf herbicides well, while warm-season varieties such as Bermudagrass and St. Augustine grass require more careful product selection. The key lies in reading herbicide labels thoroughly, as they’ll specify which grass types can safely receive treatment and at what application rates.

Understanding your grass’s growth patterns also helps determine ideal timing for herbicide applications. Cool-season grasses actively grow during spring and fall, making these periods ideal for treatment, while warm-season grasses thrive in summer heat, requiring different application schedules for maximum effectiveness against Creeping Charlie.

Coverage Area Calculations

A measuring tape becomes your most valuable tool when determining herbicide coverage requirements for Creeping Charlie control, as accurate calculations prevent both wasteful overapplication and ineffective underdosing. I recommend measuring your entire lawn area first, then consulting the herbicide label for specific coverage rates, which typically range from 2,500 to 5,000 square feet per quart. Dense weed infestations require higher application rates, so I adjust my calculations accordingly when Creeping Charlie covers more than 30% of the treatment area. Planning for 10-15% overlap between spray passes guarantees complete coverage without gaps where weeds can survive. I always purchase slightly more product than my calculations indicate, accounting for edge treatments and potential reapplication needs in heavily infested areas.

Weather Temperature Restrictions

After calculating your herbicide coverage needs, timing your application becomes the next critical factor, with temperature restrictions playing a major role in successful Creeping Charlie control. I recommend applying herbicides when daytime temperatures fall between 45°F and 90°F, as this range guarantees peak absorption and effectiveness. When temperatures exceed 85°F, you’ll risk reduced herbicide performance and potential damage to your desirable grass, particularly if you’re managing cool-season varieties like fescue or bluegrass. I’ve found that cooler weather applications, especially with fast-acting herbicides, can effectively target actively growing Creeping Charlie without stressing your lawn. Don’t forget to monitor humidity levels and recent rainfall, as these conditions greatly influence how well the herbicide penetrates the weed’s waxy leaves.

Pre Vs Post-Emergent

When choosing between pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides for Creeping Charlie control, you’ll need to assess your current infestation level and long-term management goals. If you’re dealing with established creeping Charlie patches, post-emergent herbicides target these existing weeds directly, working best on young, actively growing plants during spring or early fall. However, since creeping Charlie is a perennial weed, you’ll likely need multiple applications for complete control. Pre-emergent herbicides create a soil barrier that prevents new weed seeds from germinating when soil temperatures reach around 50°F, making them ideal for prevention rather than treatment. I recommend combining both approaches: use post-emergent herbicides to eliminate current infestations, then apply pre-emergent treatments to prevent future establishment and maintain long-term control.

Concentrate Vs Ready-To-Use

Once you’ve determined your application strategy, selecting between concentrate and ready-to-use herbicides depends on your specific lawn care needs, experience level, and treatment area size. If you’re managing extensive creeping charlie infestations across large properties, concentrates offer superior economic value, as small amounts create substantial coverage when properly diluted. However, ready-to-use formulations provide foolproof convenience for smaller areas, eliminating mixing errors that could reduce effectiveness or damage desirable grass. I recommend concentrates for experienced gardeners comfortable with measuring ratios and following safety protocols, while ready-to-use products suit beginners preferring straightforward applications. Consider that concentrates often deliver longer-lasting results through higher active ingredient concentrations, though ready-to-use options may require more frequent treatments to achieve complete creeping charlie control.

On a final note

I’ve outlined eight proven herbicides that’ll effectively eliminate creeping charlie from your lawn, each targeting this persistent weed through different active ingredients and application methods. Whether you choose triclopyr-based products like Hi-Yield, broadleaf killers such as Trimec, or selective herbicides like Tenacity, you now have reliable options for reclaiming your turf. Remember to take into account factors like grass type, application timing, and safety requirements when selecting your herbicide, ensuring successful long-term control of this invasive ground ivy.