What Kills Creeping Charlie But Not Grass? Top 10 Options

Creeping Charlie, also known as ground ivy, is a low-growing perennial broadleaf weed that forms dense mats in lawns, gardens, and shaded areas. It spreads through creeping stems that root at the nodes, making it difficult to control with hand-pulling alone. Because it is a broadleaf species, selective broadleaf herbicides kill it without harming most turfgrasses.

Choosing a product that kills creeping charlie but not grass depends on the turf species, the time of year, and how long the infestation has been established. Post-emergent broadleaf herbicides work best when applied in fall, when the plant is moving energy to its roots. Spring applications are less effective because the plant is growing rapidly and does not translocate herbicide as efficiently.

Creeping charlie is often found alongside other broadleaf weeds like violet, wild strawberry, and dandelion. A good program combines more than one active ingredient to control the full spectrum while leaving the grass unharmed. Always confirm the label for approved uses on your turf species.

In this guide, we review the top options that kill creeping charlie but not grass by examining selective broadleaf herbicides, application timing, and safe-use practices for long-term control.

What Kills Creeping Charlie But Not Grass? Top 10 Options

1. Ortho Weed B Gon Chickweed Clover And Oxalis Killer – Best Overall Option

Ortho Weed B Gon Chickweed Clover And Oxalis Killer is the best overall option that kills creeping charlie but not grass because it targets tough broadleaf weeds in lawns without harming established turf. It contains a combination of active ingredients that are absorbed through leaves and translocated to the roots. It is highly effective on creeping charlie, clover, and oxalis.

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This selective broadleaf product is labeled for lawns and works best when applied in fall when creeping charlie is actively growing and moving energy to its roots. It is absorbed through leaves and kills the plant from the roots up over two to four weeks. It does not harm most turfgrasses when applied according to the label.

Do not apply during drought stress or when temperatures are above 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Reapply in spring if regrowth appears, but fall is the most effective season for control.

2. Bonide Weed Beater Ultra – Best Ready-To-Use Option

Bonide Weed Beater Ultra is the best ready-to-use option that kills creeping charlie but not grass because it comes pre-mixed in a spray bottle for quick spot treatment. It contains a combination of three active ingredients that work on tough broadleaf weeds in lawns. It is highly effective on creeping charlie, clover, and dandelion.

This selective broadleaf product is labeled for lawns and works best when applied in fall when creeping charlie is actively growing. It is absorbed through leaves and kills the plant from the roots up over two to four weeks. It does not harm most turfgrasses when applied according to the label.

Because it comes ready to use, there is no mixing or measuring required. Spot-treat individual patches or small infestations rather than spraying the entire lawn.

3. Southern Ag Amine 2,4-D Weed Killer – Best Value Option

Southern Ag Amine 2,4-D Weed Killer is the best value option that kills creeping charlie but not grass because it delivers broadleaf control at a low cost per application. It contains 2,4-D amine, a synthetic auxin that causes uncontrolled cell division and twisting. It is highly effective on creeping charlie and other broadleaf weeds.

This 2,4-D amine product is labeled for lawns and works best when applied in fall when creeping charlie is actively growing. It is absorbed through leaves and translocated throughout the plant, killing the roots over two to four weeks. It does not harm most turfgrasses when applied according to the label.

Because it is a concentrate, you mix it with water according to the label rate. It is not safe around desirable broadleaf plants, so drift control is essential in mixed landscapes.

4. Fertilome Weed Free Zone – Best Fast-Acting Option

Fertilome Weed Free Zone is the best fast-acting option that kills creeping charlie but not grass because it works within hours of application and delivers visible results in days. It contains a combination of four active ingredients that target tough broadleaf weeds in lawns. It is highly effective on creeping charlie, clover, and wild violet.

This selective broadleaf product is labeled for lawns and works best when applied in fall when creeping charlie is actively growing. It is absorbed through leaves and kills the plant from the roots up over one to two weeks. It does not harm most turfgrasses when applied according to the label.

Because it contains four active ingredients, it controls a broader weed spectrum than single-ingredient products. Apply in fall for best long-term results and reapply in spring if regrowth appears.

5. BioAdvanced All-In-One Lawn Weed And Crabgrass Killer – Best Combination Option

BioAdvanced All-In-One Lawn Weed And Crabgrass Killer is the best combination option that kills creeping charlie but not grass because it controls both broadleaf weeds and crabgrass in a single application. It contains a combination of active ingredients that target multiple weed types. It is highly effective on creeping charlie, clover, and crabgrass.

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This selective product is labeled for lawns and works best when applied in fall for broadleaf weeds and late spring for crabgrass. It is absorbed through leaves and kills target weeds over two to four weeks. It does not harm most turfgrasses when applied according to the label.

Because it controls both weed types, it saves a separate crabgrass application. Apply according to the label for each weed type and turf species.

6. Hi-Yield 2,4-D Amine Weed Killer – Best Multi-Use Option

Hi-Yield 2,4-D Amine Weed Killer is the best multi-use option that kills creeping charlie but not grass because it works on lawns, fence rows, and non-crop areas. It contains 2,4-D amine, a synthetic auxin that causes uncontrolled cell division and twisting. It is highly effective on creeping charlie and other broadleaf weeds.

This 2,4-D amine product is labeled for lawns, fence rows, and non-crop areas and works best when applied in fall when creeping charlie is actively growing. It is absorbed through leaves and translocated throughout the plant, killing the roots over two to four weeks. It does not harm most turfgrasses when applied according to the label.

Because it is a concentrate, you mix it with water according to the label rate. It is not safe around desirable broadleaf plants, so drift control is essential in mixed landscapes.

7. Southern Ag Trimec Classic Broadleaf Herbicide – Best Three-Way Option

Southern Ag Trimec Classic Broadleaf Herbicide is the best three-way option that kills creeping charlie but not grass because it combines three active ingredients for broad-spectrum broadleaf control. It contains 2,4-D, MCPP, and dicamba, each working on a different site within the plant. It is highly effective on creeping charlie, clover, and dandelion.

This three-way product is labeled for lawns and works best when applied in fall when creeping charlie is actively growing. It is absorbed through leaves and roots and kills the plant over two to four weeks. It does not harm most turfgrasses when applied according to the label.

Because it contains three active ingredients, it controls a broader weed spectrum than single-ingredient products. Apply in fall for best results and reapply in spring if regrowth appears.

8. Monterey Weed Whacker Herbicide – Best Selective Option For Lawns

Monterey Weed Whacker Herbicide is the best selective option for lawns that kills creeping charlie but not grass because it uses a fast-acting formula that targets broadleaf weeds. It contains a combination of active ingredients that are absorbed through leaves and translocated to roots. It is highly effective on creeping charlie, clover, and oxalis.

This selective broadleaf product is labeled for lawns and works best when applied in fall when creeping charlie is actively growing. It is absorbed through leaves and kills the plant over one to two weeks. It does not harm most turfgrasses when applied according to the label.

Because it contains multiple active ingredients, it controls a broader weed spectrum than single-ingredient products. Apply in fall for best results and reapply in spring if regrowth appears.

9. Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer – Best Concentrate Option

Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer is the best concentrate option that kills creeping charlie but not grass because it delivers broad-spectrum broadleaf control in a mixable formula. It contains a combination of active ingredients that target tough broadleaf weeds in lawns. It is highly effective on creeping charlie, clover, and dandelion.

This selective broadleaf product is labeled for lawns and works best when applied in fall when creeping charlie is actively growing. It is absorbed through leaves and kills the plant over two to four weeks. It does not harm most turfgrasses when applied according to the label.

Because it is a concentrate, you mix it with water according to the label rate and apply with a sprayer. It is not safe around desirable broadleaf plants, so drift control is essential in mixed landscapes.

10. Image Lawn Weed And Crabgrass Killer – Best For Southern Lawns

Image Lawn Weed And Crabgrass Killer is the best option for southern lawns that kills creeping charlie but not grass because it is formulated for warm-season turfgrasses. It contains a combination of active ingredients that control broadleaf weeds and crabgrass. It is highly effective on creeping charlie, clover, and crabgrass in St. Augustinegrass and other southern turf species.

This selective broadleaf product is labeled for southern lawns and works best when applied in fall for broadleaf weeds and late spring for crabgrass. It is absorbed through leaves and kills target weeds over two to four weeks. It does not harm most warm-season turfgrasses when applied according to the label.

Because it controls both weed types, it saves a separate crabgrass application. Apply according to the label for each weed type and turf species, since some southern grasses are sensitive to certain active ingredients.

7 Tips For Killing Creeping Charlie Without Harming Grass

• Apply in fall for best results: Fall is the best time to kill creeping charlie because the plant is moving energy to its roots, which improves herbicide absorption and long-term control.
• Use selective broadleaf herbicides: Choose products labeled for use on your turf species. Standard broadleaf herbicides kill creeping charlie without harming most grasses.
• Confirm the turf species first: Some turfgrasses are sensitive to certain active ingredients. Check the label for approved uses on your specific lawn type.
• Treat when weeds are actively growing: Avoid applications during drought stress or temperature extremes. Creeping charlie absorbs herbicides best when it is actively growing.
• Reapply in spring if needed: A single fall application may not kill creeping charlie completely. Follow up in spring if regrowth appears.
• Improve lawn density: Creeping charlie thrives in thin, weak lawns. Fertilize, water, and mow at the correct height to help desirable grasses outcompete it.
• Avoid drift onto desirable plants: Broadleaf herbicides can damage garden plants, shrubs, and trees. Spray in calm conditions and use drift-reducing nozzles.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What kills creeping charlie but not grass?

Selective broadleaf herbicides containing 2,4-D, MCPP, dicamba, or triclopyr kill creeping charlie without harming most turfgrasses. Products like Ortho Weed B Gon, Bonide Weed Beater Ultra, and Southern Ag Trimec Classic are effective options.

2. When is the best time to kill creeping charlie?

Fall is the best time to kill creeping charlie because the plant is moving energy to its roots, which improves herbicide absorption. Spring applications are less effective because the plant is growing rapidly and does not translocate herbicide as efficiently.

3. Will 2,4-D kill creeping charlie?

Yes, 2,4-D kills creeping charlie when applied in fall to actively growing plants. It is absorbed through leaves and translocated to roots, killing the plant over two to four weeks. It does not harm most turfgrasses when applied according to the label.

4. Does vinegar kill creeping charlie?

Vinegar burns creeping charlie foliage but rarely kills the roots. It works best as part of an integrated program combining hand-pulling, improving lawn density, and selective herbicides.

5. How long does it take to kill creeping charlie?

Most selective broadleaf herbicides kill creeping charlie over two to four weeks. Visible wilting appears within days, but full root death takes longer. Reapply in spring if regrowth appears.

6. Will creeping charlie come back after spraying?

Creeping charlie can regrow from root fragments and seeds after a single treatment. Fall applications followed by spring follow-up and improved lawn density reduce regrowth over time.

7. Is creeping charlie toxic to pets?

Creeping charlie is not considered toxic to pets when consumed in small amounts, but it can cause mild digestive upset. Keep pets off treated lawns until the herbicide has dried completely, per label directions.

Conclusion

Ortho Weed B Gon Chickweed Clover And Oxalis Killer is the best overall option that kills creeping charlie but not grass because it targets tough broadleaf weeds without harming established turf. Bonide Weed Beater Ultra and Southern Ag Amine 2,4-D Weed Killer follow closely as ready-to-use and value options.

For fast-acting and multi-ingredient control, Fertilome Weed Free Zone, BioAdvanced All-In-One, Southern Ag Trimec Classic, and Monterey Weed Whacker deliver broader spectrum activity. Image Lawn Weed And Crabgrass Killer is the best choice for southern lawns with warm-season turf.

Effective creeping charlie control requires applying in fall when the plant is moving energy to its roots, using selective broadleaf herbicides labeled for your turf species, and following up in spring if regrowth appears. Rotating active ingredients prevents resistance and keeps products working over time.

Start your creeping charlie control program this fall, choose the right product for your turf type, and plan for follow-up treatments each year. Consistent effort delivers a clean lawn and long-term control.