
2-4-D is a popular herbicide used to kill creeping Charlie weeds, but does it effectively do so? According to our research, 2-4-D is a systemic herbicide that works by being absorbed by the plant and then moving through its tissues to reach the roots.
It can take up to 2 weeks for 2-4-D to fully kill a creeping Charlie plant, which is a relatively long time compared to other herbicides.
Using 2-4-D to kill creeping Charlie can be effective, but it may require multiple applications and careful timing to ensure the best results.
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Does 2-4-D Kill Creeping Charlie?
2-4-D is a strong and powerful weed killer that can be used to control broadleaf weeds like Creeping Charlie.
It's easy to mix, requiring just 2-3 tablespoons in 3-5 gallons of water, which will cover 1,000 square feet.
This weed killer is effective at killing most broadleaf plants, including Creeping Charlie, without hurting lawn grasses like St. Augustine grass.
It may take two to three weeks to see definitive results, so be patient and give it time to work.
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Using 2-4-D to Kill Creeping Charlie
The active ingredient 2,4-D is a strong and powerful herbicide that can be used to kill creeping charlie weeds. It's concentrated, so just one to four pints can be mixed with water to control broadleaf weeds on an entire acre of lawns.
Mixing 2-3 tablespoons of Southern Ag Amine 2,4-D Weed Killer with 3-5 gallons of water is enough to cover 1,000 square feet. This makes it easy to apply and control the amount used.
It may take two to three weeks to see definitive results, but it's worth the wait. 2-4-D won't hurt most turfgrass, making it a safe choice for lawns with St. Augustine grass.
How Does 2-4-D Work?
2-4-D is a type of herbicide that's commonly used to kill weeds like creeping charlie.
It contains the active ingredient 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, which is a synthetic auxin.
This chemical works by mimicking the plant's natural growth hormone, causing the weed to grow more cells and eventually leading to its death.
The herbicide will work very well for killing creeping charlie weeds and stop them from spreading.
Hi Yield 2, 4 - D Selective Killer
Hi Yield 2, 4 - D Selective Killer is a great option for killing creeping charlie weeds. It's a powerful and concentrated formula that can be mixed with water to control broadleaf weeds on a large area.
The active ingredient, 2,4-D, is a key component of Hi Yield 2, 4 - D Selective Killer. This ingredient is strong and concentrated, making it effective for large areas.
According to the manufacturer's instructions, just 2-3 tablespoons of Hi Yield 2, 4 - D Selective Killer can be mixed with 3-5 gallons of water to cover 1,000 square feet. This makes it a convenient and easy-to-use option for homeowners.
Here are some key benefits of using Hi Yield 2, 4 - D Selective Killer:
- Kills many different broadleaf weeds, including creeping charlie
- Won’t hurt most turfgrass, such as St. Augustine grass
Keep in mind that it may take two to three weeks to see definitive results, so be patient and give it time to work.
Alternatives to 2-4-D
If you're looking for alternatives to 2-4-D, you might want to consider 20-Mule Team Borax, a laundry product that's been around since the frontier days. Researchers at Iowa State University found that mixing 20 or 30 ounces of Borax in 1 gallon of water can be effective in controlling ground ivy.
However, it's essential to note that this treatment may not work in all soil conditions, as Dr. Rossi's trial in Wisconsin showed. The boron in Borax might tie up in the soil, rendering it ineffective.
Products containing triclopyr, such as Confront, Chaser, Battleship, Momentum, and Weed-B-Gon purple label, have proven to be highly effective in spring and fall and more effective than 2-4-D-based products during the difficult summer period.
Best Products for Creeping Charlie
If you're looking for alternatives to 2-4-D for killing creeping charlie, you'll want to consider weed killers that contain active ingredients like Triclopyr, Dicamba, and Mecoprop.
These ingredients, also known as 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinyloxyacetic acid, and dimethylamine salt, are effective against creeping charlie weeds.
The good news is that there are some great products on the market that contain these ingredients. Here are three top picks:
These products are designed to effectively kill creeping charlie weeds and prevent them from spreading, making them great alternatives to 2-4-D.
Manual Removal

Hand-pulling creeping charlie can be time-consuming and surprisingly ineffective.
It can spread nodes to create new plants in place of the ones you’re pulling up.
You’re basically reseeding new plants while pulling up the old ones.
The creeping stems aren’t easy to completely pull up.
Leaving any part of the roots in the ground will re-sprout in no time.
It thrives in moist shady areas, making it a challenge to completely remove.
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Alternative Herbicides
If you're looking for alternative herbicides to 2,4-D, there are a few options worth considering.
Researchers at Iowa State University found that 20-Mule Team Borax can be effective in controlling ground ivy, but its effectiveness may vary depending on soil conditions.
Dr. Rossi's trial in Wisconsin did not show promising results with Borax, suggesting that soil conditions may tie up the boron before it has any effect on the weed.
Products containing triclopyr, such as Confront, Chaser, Battleship, Momentum, and Weed-B-Gon purple label, have proven to be highly effective in spring and fall, and more effective than 2,4-D-based products during the difficult summer period.
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Triclopyr has activity on weeds that are traditionally labeled hard-to-control, making it a good alternative to try when a 2,4-D mixture has failed to provide acceptable control.
Combining triclopyr with 2,4-D can be very effective due to their complementary activity.
Here are some products that contain triclopyr and 2,4-D:
- Confront
- Chaser
- Battleship
- Momentum
- Weed-B-Gon purple label
If you're looking for a combination herbicide, consider products that contain 2,4-D, mecoprop or MCPP, and dicamba, such as Surge, Trimec Classic, and Speed Zone.
Safety Precautions
When using 2-4-D to control creeping charlie, it's essential to take some safety precautions to avoid any potential risks.
Wear protective clothing, including long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes, when handling 2-4-D to prevent skin contact.
Always mix 2-4-D in a well-ventilated area, away from children and pets, to minimize inhalation risks.
Keep 2-4-D away from water sources and avoid applying it during heavy rain or irrigation to prevent contamination.
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How to Use 2-4-D Safely
To use 2-4-D safely, start by mixing it with water according to the recommended rate of 2-3 tablespoons in 3-5 gallons of water.
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This will allow the solution to cover 1,000 square feet, making it effective for controlling broadleaf weeds on lawns, golf courses, and other areas.
Make sure to give the solution time to work, as it may take two to three weeks to see definitive results.
It's also worth noting that 2-4-D is strong and concentrated, so just one to four pints can be mixed with water to control weeds on an entire acre.
Pet Safety
As you consider the safety of your home, don't forget about the furry members of your family - your pets. In fact, according to the "Home Maintenance" section, a pet's favorite spot can also be a fire hazard, so be sure to keep an eye on those cozy little beds.
Keep your pets safe from electrical shock by securing cords and wires, just like you would in the "Home Electrical Safety" section. This includes those pesky holiday lights that can be tempting for curious pets to chew on.

A pet's favorite toy can also be a choking hazard, especially if it's small enough to be swallowed. Remember, the "Home Safety" section warns against small objects being a choking hazard for children, and the same goes for pets.
If you have a pool, make sure your pet knows how to swim safely. According to the "Pool Safety" section, a fence around the pool can be a lifesaver for pets, just like it is for children.
Always supervise your pets when they're in the yard, as they can easily get caught in a fence or get lost. The "Fence Safety" section notes that a fence can be a safety barrier, but it's not foolproof, so stay vigilant.
Child Safety
Child Safety is a top priority when it comes to using weed killers. Keep children and pets out of the application area during treatment to prevent any potential harm.
It's also a good idea to remove all toys and chewables from the application area during treatment to avoid any accidental ingestion or exposure.

Staying away from the application area until the herbicide has dried is crucial to ensure your safety.
Here are some specific steps to follow to keep your children safe:
- Keep children and pets out of the application area during treatment.
- Remove all toys and chewables from the application area during treatment.
- Stay away from the application area until the herbicide has dried.
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