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TYPE
Ground ivy is a common broadleaf perennial weed that goes by many names including: Creeping Charlie and Creeping Ivy. This weed can range from 4 inches tall to several inches wide.
HOW TO IDENTIFY
Ground ivy is a low vine-type weed with scalloped leaves that are green but can occasionally appear to have a purple tint to them. This weed forms dense mats of ground coverage that creeps into moist, shady areas of your lawns and gardens. Clusters of purple flowers appear in late spring.
WHERE IT GROWS
This weed grows in mainly moist, shady lawns and gardens but can tolerate sunlit areas.
GROWING SEASON
Ground ivy grows primarily in spring and fall but is not restricted to just those seasons; it can be found growing throughout the summer as well.
HOW TO MANAGE
Use a post-emergence herbicide (Herbicide that can be applied today) and/or, pull, till or hoe them out. Refer to the label for specific information on proper product use before applying a post-emergent herbicide. Decrease shade and soil moisture to encourage dense turf grass and discourage ground ivy. Mulching can also help prevent plantain growth in gardens. Overall, the best prevention method for ground ivy and any invasive weed is to maintain healthy, dense turf with a strong root system by adopting a regular lawn care routine including fertilization, soil amendments, proper mowing
and watering as well as aeration
and thatch management
practices.
FUN FACTS
- At one point, ground ivy was used as a flavoring and clearing agent in brewing beer before the Germans introduced hops in the 8th Century. Ground ivy remained popular until around the 17th century because many people believed hops were dangerous to their health.
- Ground ivy was not native to North America; it was brought over to the New World by the early English settlers as part of their standard household herbs. They used this weed for treating medical conditions such as: lung and kidney diseases, asthma, headaches, jaundice, hypochondria, and “monomania” (a condition of “partial insanity”).
For professional fertilizers, humic and AMP-XC™ enriched products available, please visit TurfCare’s online Product Catalog.
For green industry professionals or others interested in ordering Turfcare products, please contact our Customer Service
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References:
http://www.bhg.com/gardening/pests/insects-diseases-weeds/types-of-weeds/#page=11
http://www.tennesseeturfgrassweeds.org/Lists/Fact%20Sheets/Attachments/24/W266updated2015.pdf
http://journaltimes.com/lifestyles/columnist/patti/the-root-of-it-all-get-that-dreaded-creeping-charlie/article_d55d5c10-67e3-11e1-a3a9-0019bb2963f4.html
http://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_glhe2.pdf
Turf Care Supply - TurfReport Blog
With a focus on providing sustainable manufacturing and reducing carbon emissions, Turf Care Supply has embraced the electric power market with the latest mobile equipment upgrades. Completed in June 2023, TCS received all deliveries of electric forklifts to all three manufacturing facilities, including Hatfield, MA, Martins Ferry, OH and Sebring, FL.
When handling fertilizers and pesticide it is important to follow suggested guidelines and prioritize safety to protect yourself, others, and reduce environmental impact. Here are some general measures to follow: 1.Read and Follow Instructions: Carefully read and understand the product labels, safety data sheets (SDS), and any accompanying instructions provided by the manufacturer. Follow all recommended guidelines, precautions, and application rates.
It’s common knowledge that applying too much fertilizer containing high percentages of readily available nitrogen and water soluble nutrients can result in burn damage to plants, but did you know that damage can still occur even if your application rate is correct? Applying the right product at the right rate, but at the WRONG time can have disastrous consequences.