The evergreen, creeping weed called Glechoma hederacea is also known as creeping charlie.It can quickly become a stubborn weed, because it is very resilient.The plant is easy to reproduce from seeds and can grow quickly.The vine can easily move from one lawn to another.It has blue flowers, but they are often undesirable due to its aggressiveness.
Step 1: There are suitable areas for manual removal.
It works best in small areas that are affected by the plant.Areas with widespread creeping charlie will take a long time to manually remove, so you might consider sunlight deprivation or chemical treatment in these cases.If you are going to pull the plant out by hand, you should wear gloves.During manual removal, gloves can prevent blisters from forming.It's a common skin allergy that can cause itching or a rash from contact.Gloves will prevent you from having an allergic reaction.
Step 2: Remove leaves and vines.
To make the roots more accessible, you should cut off the leaves and vines.The easiest way to do this is with a few snips from a pair of shears.The roots in the ground will be able to be targeted once the protective upper foliage is removed.If you want to dispose of the charlie later, put it in a bag and collect it off to the side.It is possible to reseed your plot with lost bits and pieces.It might be a good idea to avoid doing this on windy days.You don't want the plant growing somewhere else if the wind blows a stray leaf or vine.It is not a good idea to cut through the top layer of the plant with a hoe.This can lead to more charlie.
Step 3: Pull up the roots thoroughly.
The roots pull free in loose soil with relatively little effort.The roots may be very stubborn.Apply steady pressure to the root until it pulls free.A rooting tool, which is shaped like a long, flat-tipped screwdriver, can be used to assist in removing difficult plants.The soil should be looked at after the hand removal of roots.The creeping charlie may return if you leave behind root pieces.
Step 4: Remove clippings and roots.
Be careful when disposing of the leaves and vines you have cut from the plants because they could be used to seed creeping charlie.If the wind carries seeds or leaves back to your plot, avoid open compost piles.You can use a thin tined rake to sift through the dirt.Small pieces can help regrowth.The creeping charlie should be thrown away in the garbage, but you could also burn them.If your region requires one, be sure to have a fire permit.
Step 5: Regrowth can be deterred by adding mulch.
Adding mulch, like wood chips, over the area the plant was growing can help prevent regrowth after you've weeded out the creeping.If you want the best effect, use a regular cover of 2 - 3 in.
Step 6: As the charlie grows, remove it.
It can be difficult to get the whole root system and remove every leaf.You'll probably miss a few and see the plant come back.Pull the creeping charlie leaves out when you see them again.It should stop coming back eventually.After each weeding, the creeping charlie should diminish, but it can take up to a year or more before the plant is fully removed.
Step 7: The planted of sunlight should be seen.
The plants need light for growth.Even in low level light, this plant can survive.The light must be completely blocked to the plant if you intend to use this method.
Step 8: Place creeping charlie over the area that has been affected.
There are a lot of items you could use.You could put a large piece of cardboard, a heavy drop-cloth, or a tarp over the plant to block the light.If you want to keep creeping charlie, you might consider cutting a hole in a heavy cloth or tarp.It is possible to block light to the creeping charlie around the wanted plant.Along with the creeping charlie, any surrounding plants that are deprived of light will die.You will need to reseed your plot later.
Step 9: Protect your light cover.
Stray wind, animals, or other environmental factors can cause your light cover to shift.Stabilize your light cover by heaping some soil, rocks, or some other kind of weight on top of it.If you want the light to be completely blocked, you need to make sure the cardboard is large enough to cover at least six inches beyond the stems.
Step 10: Don't wait until the plant dies.
Depending on soil richness and other factors, a week of light deprivation can cause the creeping charlie to die.You can peek under your light cover to see if the charlie has died.The creeping charlie should be dead if you notice that it is withered, shriveled, and lacking in green color.
Step 11: The plant should be removed and the remains cleared.
There is a risk of creeping charlie reseeding after the plant dies.If you want to prevent regrowth, you should gather up all of its plant matter, including roots, and throw it away or burn it.You should wear gloves when handling charlie.Many people are allergic to this plant.Burning permits are required to prevent false fire alarms.You need a burning permit to burn this plant.
Step 12: The creeping charlie can be treated with a suitable herbicides.
This plant is resistant to many common treatments and you should be aware of that.It won't be strong enough to kill creeping charlie.Special compounds in the three way herbicides are effective at eliminating creeping charlie, so they should be prioritized.The creeping charlie may be affected by some herbicides.Before you give it to someone, you should check the label for the full effects.A period of time after its application can be harmful to children and animals.In these cases, you should block off the area and keep an eye on children and pets until your label indicates the herbicide has diminished to safe levels.
Step 13: The plant should be treated with herbicides in fall.
The ideal time to treat creeping charlie is now.At this time of the year, the plant begins to store food for the winter.Your treatment will have a bigger effect on the plant.More isn't always better when using a herbicidal treatment.If you follow the directions, you will get the best results.
Step 14: The creeping charlie needs to be treated in the spring.
Though spring applications won't be as effective as fall applications, treating creeping charlie in the spring is a useful follow-up to fall treatments.Severe or stubborn cases are best suited for a follow-up spring application.
Step 15: Annual treatments are the best for results.
If you have a plot that is susceptible to creeping charlie, or if this plant is common in your area, even if you kill or remove it completely, it will likely spring up again from another source.If you have a situation like this, you'll likely have to apply herbicide to your lawn every year to make sure the plant doesn't come back.Pruning shade casting branches will make your lawn less hospitable for creeping charlie.A thick cover of grass can make your lawn less hospitable.It's less likely that creeping charlie will pop up in shady areas if you plant grass that grows well in shade.
Step 16: The plant can be controlled using a natural method.
If you don't want to use chemicals on the plant, you can always use some horticultural vinegar.Adding lime to the soil is one of the natural ways to control the plant.This will make the soil inhospitable to creeping charlie.