You know it by its many names – Creeping Charlie, Creeping Jenny, and ground ivy. This fast-growing evergreen perennial can quickly take over your lawn if you’re not careful. While it’s pretty to look at, don’t be fooled. Beneath its delicate, scalloped leaves lies a tenacious weed that’s nearly impossible to kill. Or is it? Does trimec kill creeping charlie?
Herbicides are now welcomed in many yards and gardens as a way to fight these pesky plants. But with so many products on the market, it’s hard to know which one will work best for you. Trimec is one such herbicide that claims to kill Creeping Charlie. But does it?
Does Trimec Kill Creeping Charlie?
Gordons Trimec is a broadleaf herbicide popular for its ability to kill multiple types of weeds in one application. It’s made with these active ingredients: Dicamba, dimethylamine salt 2.76%, 2,4-D, MCPP-P, and 6.93% DMA salt. All of these are post-emergent herbicides, meaning they work best on weeds that have already germinated and are growing.
It works by penetrating the weed’s leaves and then moving down to the root system, where it kills the plant. Depending on the age and size of the plant, it can take anywhere from a few hours to four weeks for the plant to die.
There’s no denying that ground ivies are pretty notorious weeds. But are they no match for Trimec? When used as directed, Trimec herbicide works to kill Creeping Charlie by targeting its leaves and stems.
However, take note that the effect doesn’t show immediately. It can take about 2 weeks before the herbicide takes a dent in your Creeping Charlies.
Other Weeds Trimec Kills
While Trimec is effective in killing Creeping Charlie, it’s also useful in getting rid of other common hard-to-kill lawn weeds. The company takes pride in its product’s ability to kill over 200 different types of weeds, including:
Dandelions
You won’t miss it if you have these on your lawn. Like clockwork, they show their bright yellow heads in early spring and can quickly spread if left unchecked.
Clover
These low-growing plants have three heart-shaped leaves and can be a nuisance on lawns.
Violets
With their purple flowers and scalloped leaves, violets are easily recognizable. They’re also common in shady areas of the lawn.
Henbit
Henbit is an annual weed that’s often mistaken for a wildflower. It has purple flowers and can grow up to 20 inches tall.
Chickweed
This low-growing weed has small, white flowers and is often found in cool, damp areas.
Plantain
Plantains are broadleaf weeds that have long, oval-shaped leaves.
Knotweed
Knotweed is a fast-growing weed that can reach up to four feet in height. They’re easily recognizable by their heart-shaped leaves.
How to Use Trimec to Kill Creeping Charlie
Apply Trimec herbicide to your lawn when the Creeping Charlies are actively growing. This is an important step because Trimec works best when it’s absorbed by the plant.
Remember that this should be done when there’s no rain forecast. Avoid watering your lawn for at least 24 hours after application for the herbicide to properly work.
Depending on how severe the infestation is, you may need to reapply Trimec 5 days after your first application. Additionally, you may need to follow it up with a second application 14 days later.
Does Trimec Kill Creeping Charlie: Final Thoughts
As with any herbicide, it may take some time and effort to see results. But if you’re patient and follow the directions, Trimec can be an effective tool in killing Creeping Charlie. Be sure to read the label carefully and take note of any precautions to avoid harming your lawn.