6 Best Herbicides For Creeping Charlie of 2024

By Harry RamosLast update: 2024-03-27

No gardeners or lawn owners love the pesky invader creeping Charlie. This stubborn weed quickly spreads and chokes out other plants, making it a nightmare to control. Fortunately, you can eliminate this nuisance once and for all if using the best herbicide for creeping Charlie.

Here are the best herbicides for creeping charlie you can buy in 2024:

  • Best For Fast Result: Gordon’s 652400
  • Best For Centipede Grass: Compare-N-Save 75311
  • Best For Tougher Creeping Charlie: Ortho 0396410
  • Best For St Augustine Grass: Hi-Yield 21416
  • Best For Flower Beds: Natural Elements Weed Killer
  • Best For Long-Lasting Protective Barrier: Southern Ag CROSSBOW32
6 Best Herbicides For Creeping Charlie
Best For Fast Result
Gordon’s 652400
    Best For Centipede Grass
    Compare-N-Save 75311
      Best For Tougher Creeping Charlie
      Ortho 0396410
        Best For St Augustine Grass
        Hi-Yield 21416
          Best For Flower Beds
          Natural Elements Weed Killer
            Best For Long-Lasting Protective Barrier
            Southern Ag CROSSBOW32

              Best For Fast Result: Gordon’s 652400

              Gordon’s 652400
              Gordon’s 652400
              Pros
              • Deliver fast results, within 24 hours - concentrated formula of 2,4-D, 2-ethylhexyl ester, Carfentrazone-ethyl, and more
              • Easy to hold – ergonomically designed bottle
              Cons
              • It has strong odors

              The Gordon’s 652400 contains a four-way herbicide blend that targets 75+ lawn weeds, including creeping charlie.

              Its concentrated formula works fast, with visible results in 24 hours, making it ideal for residential use and lawn care.

              Additionally, the product comes in an easy-to-use 20-ounce container and is safe to apply indoors and outdoors.

              Gordon’s 652400 Specifications

              Weight

              1 Pound

              Volume

              20 fluid ounces

              Ingredients

              2,4-D, 2-ethylhexyl ester 28.57% Carfentrazone-ethyl 0.62% Dicamba 1.71% Mecoprop-P 5.88%

              Highlight Features

              concentrated formula of 2,4-D, 2-ethylhexyl ester, Carfentrazone-ethyl, and more

              ergonomically designed bottle

              Verdict

              The Gordon’s 652400 is the best choice for controlling creeping Charlie due to its efficient and fast-acting formula, wide range of targets, and easy application.

              Best For Centipede Grass: Compare-N-Save 75311

              Compare-N-Save 75311
              Compare-N-Save 75311
              Pros
              • Safe for use on centipede grass
              • Offering long-term control of creeping Charlie - salt of dicamba (3, 6-dichloro-anisic acid) and triclopyr
              • Easy to use
              Cons
              • The lid is prone to leak

              The Compare-N-Save 75311 contains both salt of dicamba (3, 6-dichloro-anisic acid) and triclopyr, two ingredients that are known to be highly effective in controlling creeping charlie.

              But what's worth mentioning is this herbicide is labeled as safe for use on most established grasses, including centipede grass, so it can be used without harming the health of your lawn.

              It's also easy to use and provides long-term control of broadleaf weeds.

              Compare-N-Save 75311 Specifications

              Weight

              2.25 Pounds

              Volume

              32 Fluid Ounces

              Ingredients

              2,4-D Amine

              Highlight Features

              Safe for use on centipede grass

              salt of dicamba (3, 6-dichloro-anisic acid) and triclopyr

              Easy to use

              Verdict

              We picked the Compare-N-Save 75311 for those who want to control creeping Charlie without harming their centipede grass.

              Best For Tougher Creeping Charlie: Ortho 0396410

              Ortho 0396410
              Ortho 0396410
              Pros
              • Effective to kill tougher creeping Charlie – Triclopyr & Triethylamine salt
              • Economical – the coverage of up to 3,200 sq. ft.
              Cons
              • It works slowly

              If you've applied many herbicides on your lawns but only seen little results, we recommend trying the Ortho 0396410 because this weed killer contains a stronger formula than the ready-to-spray version.

              Its formula is specially designed to kill tough weeds down to the root without harming your lawn.

              Aside from creeping charlie, the product is effective against many other types of weeds, such as dandelion, chickweed, knotweed, and plantain. Moreover, it offers extended residual control of weeds, meaning that it will keep working over time to ensure that these tougher weeds don’t return.

              That means, if using it, you can rest assured that your lawn will stay weed-free and healthy.

              Another thing we really like about this herbicide is its cost-efficiency. Every 16-fluid-ounce bottle of this is enough to cover up to 3,200 sq. ft., making it ideal for larger lawns.

              Ortho 0396410 Specifications

              Weight

              1 Pound

              Volume

              16 Fluid Ounces

              Ingredients

              Triclopyr, Triethylamine salt

              Highlight Features

              Triclopyr & Triethylamine salt

              the coverage of up to 3,200 sq. ft.

              Verdict

              Unlike the ready-to-spray herbicide, the Ortho 0396410 contains a stronger formula, allowing it to kill tougher creeping Charlie effectively.

              Best For St Augustine Grass: Hi-Yield 21416

              Hi-Yield 21416
              Hi-Yield 21416
              Pros
              • Safe for St Augustine Grass
              • Ability to control many types of broadleaf weeds - 2,4-D
              • Can be used as a post-emergent herbicide
              Cons
              • The mixing is complicated
              • Not so cost-efficient – you have to reapply many times for the desired results

              Looking for an herbicide that effectively controls creeping charlie in St Augustine grass? Check out the Hi-Yield 21416.

              This product contains 2,4-D which is a selective herbicide that is effective in controlling many types of broadleaf weeds, including creeping charlie, within two months.

              It can be used as a post-emergent herbicide, which means it is applied after the weeds have already emerged.

              The most important thing is it kills and controls creeping charlie without harming the desired foliage on your lawn. It's labeled to be safe on St Augustine grass and other turfgrass, so there is not much risk of causing damage to your lawn.

              Hi-Yield 21416 Specifications

              Weight

              4 Pound

              Volume

              1 Gallon

              Ingredients

              2, 4-D acid

              Highlight Features

              Safe for St Augustine Grass

              Can be used as a post-emergent herbicide

              2,4-D

              Verdict

              If you are looking for an effective and safe herbicide to control creeping charlie in St Augustine grass, the Hi-Yield 21416 is your best choice.

              Best For Flower Beds: Natural Elements Weed Killer

              Natural Elements Weed Killer
              Natural Elements Weed Killer
              Pros
              • Safe for use on flower beds - super-strong 30% vinegar
              • Ideal for organic landscaping - biodegradable and non-toxic formula
              • Work fast, within 24-72 hours – fast-acting concentrated formula
              Cons
              • Wish it came with a sprayer
              • The protection is not long-lasting

              The Natural Elements Weed Killer is a rare herbicide on the market that's safe for pets, kids, wildlife, and the environment. The reason is it's formulated with super-strong 30% vinegar.

              The product is biodegradable and non-toxic, so you can use it around lawns, gardens, and flowerbeds, as well as in organic gardening.

              Don't worry. This herbicide is tested to kill and control creeping charlie effectively. The concentrated formula is fast-acting and will eliminate most weeds within 24 hours and all weeds within 72 hours.

              Natural Elements Weed Killer Specifications

              Weight

              8.5 Pounds

              Volume

              1 Gallon

              Ingredients

              Sodium Chloride

              Vinegar

              Soap

              Highlight Features

              super-strong 30% vinegar

              biodegradable and non-toxic formula

              fast-acting concentrated formula

              Verdict

              The Natural Elements Weed Killer is an affordable option for pet-safe and child-safe weed control in flower beds.

              Best For Long-Lasting Protective Barrier: Southern Ag CROSSBOW32

              Southern Ag CROSSBOW32
              Southern Ag CROSSBOW32
              Pros
              • Offer long-lasting protective barrier – triclopyr
              • Easy to carry – the bottle designed with a top handle
              Cons
              • It has a strong smell

              The active ingredient of this herbicide is triclopyr, a popular selective herbicide that specifically targets certain weeds (including creeping charlie) while leaving other vegetation unharmed.

              This means that once applied, the barrier created by the CROSSBOW32 will remain intact for longer periods of time, as other foliage around the area will not be killed off by the application.

              As a result, the protective barrier provided by this herbicide will last much longer than with glyphosate products, which tend to require more applications and may kill off all foliage in the area.

              Southern Ag CROSSBOW32 Specifications

              Weight

              0.01 Ounces

              Volume

              948 Milliliters

              Ingredients

              2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, butoxyethyl ester, Triclopyr

              Highlight Features

              triclopyr

              the bottle designed with a top handle

              Verdict

              Our review selection includes many similar herbicides, but none of them deliver as long-lasting protection barrier as the Southern Ag CROSSBOW32.

              How To Choose The Best Herbicide For Creeping Charlie?

              When choosing the best herbicide for controlling creeping Charlie, some factors to consider are the active ingredients, the type of application, the effectiveness of the product, and any potential risks or hazards associated with its use.

              Active Ingredients

              The active ingredients of an herbicide are the essential components that determine its effectiveness and safety.

              The active ingredients to look for when attempting to control creeping Charlie are salt of dicamba (3, 6-dichloro-o-anisic acid) or triclopyr.

              Type of Application

              It is important to read the label of your chosen herbicide and make sure you are using it correctly for the type of application required.

              For example, if you are applying an herbicide directly to a weed, make sure you choose one that is designed specifically for that purpose.

              Effectiveness

              Different herbicides will have different levels of effectiveness depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of weed, the soil type, the stage of growth of the weed, etc.

              Therefore, it is important to read the label of the product and understand its effectiveness level before making a purchase.

              Potential Risks or Hazards

              Many pesticides have certain potential risks or hazards associated with their use. This includes any potential environmental risks, such as contamination of groundwater, air pollution, etc., as well as any potential risks to humans or animals.

              That's why you should check with your local extension office for any additional information about the herbicide and its safety for your particular area.

              Which Brands Make The Best Herbicide For Creeping Charlie?

              Gordon’s

              Gordon's is a respected and trusted brand for herbicides due to their wide range of products that offer effective control of weeds and grasses without damaging desired vegetation.

              Their all-purpose killers are effective at killing more than 125 species of tough-listed weeds.

              Meanwhile, their selective killers are tailored to specific vegetation and weed control needs, meaning that users can find a product that is effective for their particular situation.

              Compare-N-Save

              Compare-N-Save is an excellent brand for cost-efficient and effective herbicides.

              Using concentrated formulation, their herbicide products can be easily mixed with water to provide extra-wide coverage for large areas.

              In addition, their herbicide weed killer contains a surfactant that helps the product penetrate into the foliage of weeds and grasses, ensuring that it reaches the root of the plant and kills it more effectively.

              Last but not least, they all are safe to use around people and pets, so you don't have to worry about any adverse health effects.

              Scotts

              Not only offers a wide variety of options to meet the needs of any lawn, but Scotts also puts a lot of effort into making sure its products are safe and effective.

              They submit efficacy data, formula information, and proposed master product labels for government review to ensure that their products are safe for use.

              FAQs

              Is creeping Charlie hard to kill?

              Yes, creeping Charlie is hard to kill. Hand-pulling may not always be successful, as the extensive stem system can be difficult to completely remove.

              But a postemergence broadleaf herbicide containing triclopyr, generally in combination with 2, 4-D, and Dicamba is the most effective way to control it.

              Does herbicide kill creeping Charlie but not grass?

              Yes, herbicides containing triclopyr, 2,4-D and dicamba are effective at killing creeping Charlie while not harming turfgrass. If the entire area needs to be treated, a non-selective herbicide such as glyphosate can be used.

              Can herbicide permanently get rid of creeping Charlie?

              Yes, using an herbicide that contains triclopyr, 2,4-D, and Dicamba can permanently get rid of creeping Charlie.

              What is the best time to kill creeping Charlie?

              The best time to kill creeping Charlie is mid to late autumn, after the first frost has occurred.

              Are herbicides for creeping Charlie safe around dogs and kids?

              Chemical herbicides for creeping Charlie are not safe to use around dogs and kids. But those products made of natural ingredients, such as the Natural Elements Weed Killer in our list, are.

              Conclusion

              Creeping Charlie can be a pesky problem for homeowners, but understanding what herbicides are most effective in controlling it can help.

              We've walked you through everything needed to choose the best herbicide for creeping Charlie control and get your lawn back on the right track.

              Always remember to read labels carefully and follow instructions for proper application before using any chemical treatment for weeds or unwanted plants.

              I’m Harry Ramos, who's crazy about all things green. I’m here to share some experience in my gardening adventure and how to choose the best products for your garden. Let's dig in, get our hands dirty, and celebrate the simple, earthy pleasures of the garden together!


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