Ground Ivy: Identification & Treatment
Ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea) is the same plant as creeping Charlie. It's a perennial broadleaf weed with square stems, kidney-shaped scalloped leaves, and a minty smell when crushed. It spreads by above-ground runners (stolons) and thrives in shaded, moist areas.
Distinctly square cross-section — feel the stem between your fingers. Unique identifier separating it from other creeping weeds.
Rounded, kidney-shaped leaves with scalloped edges. Leaves grow in pairs opposite each other on the stem.
Crush a leaf — strong mint or musk odour. One of the fastest ways to confirm ground ivy identification.
Small tubular purple-blue flowers in April–June. If you see these, you have ground ivy.
Ground ivy treatment is the same as creeping Charlie. Use a triclopyr-based herbicide. We recommend Ortho Chickweed, Clover & Oxalis Killer or Hi-Yield Triclopyr Ester. Apply two treatments 3 weeks apart, with the best timing in fall (September–October) when ground ivy actively transports nutrients downward into the roots.
Confirm it's ground ivy (not henbit or dead nettle which die naturally as annuals).
Choose a triclopyr herbicide — not just 2,4-D. Products containing only 2,4-D are less effective on ground ivy than three-way formulas or triclopyr.
Apply in fall during active downward nutrient transport. This is when the plant moves resources to its roots — perfect timing for root kill.
Apply a second time 3 weeks after the first application. Ground ivy is persistent. One application rarely achieves full eradication.
Overseed bare patches left after die-off. Use a shade-tolerant grass mix since ground ivy thrives in shade.
Some regions call it ground ivy; others call it creeping Charlie. The treatment is identical — triclopyr-based herbicide, fall timing, two applications.
Lawn Moss: Why It Grows & How to Remove It
Why Moss Grows in Lawns
Moss takes over where grass is thin or stressed. Unlike weeds, moss doesn't invade healthy turf — it fills a vacuum. If you kill moss without fixing the cause, it returns within a season.
Grass needs at least 4–6 hours of sun. Dense shade from trees or structures weakens grass and opens the door for moss.
Compacted soil reduces water and air movement, stressing grass roots while moss thrives on surface moisture.
Waterlogged soil is hostile to grass roots. Moss tolerates poor drainage far better than lawn grass.
Acidic soil (pH below 6.0) weakens grass but doesn't affect moss. A lime application to raise pH helps grass compete.
Underfertilized lawns produce thin, weak turf that moss easily colonizes. Regular fertilizing is a key prevention tool.
Any thin or bare area is vulnerable. After treating moss, overseed immediately to close the gap before moss returns.
How to Kill Lawn Moss
Two main options exist: iron sulfate (fast, kills moss in 1–2 weeks) and moss killer products (ready-to-use, more convenient). Both work, but your choice depends on lawn size and convenience.
| Method | How It Works | Speed | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron Sulfate (ferrous sulfate) | Desiccates moss on contact | 7–14 days | Low | Large areas, economical treatment |
| Ready-to-Spray Moss Killer | Pre-mixed iron or DCM-based | 7–14 days | Moderate | Small lawns, convenient application |
| Dish Soap + Water | Light surfactant effect | Slow, unreliable | Free | Very light moss, temporary |
| Raking Only | Physical removal | Immediate (but regrows) | Free | Temporary only — must fix underlying cause |
Iron sulfate is the most popular choice because it's fast, affordable, and effective. Apply at label rate (typically 3–5 oz per 1,000 sq ft dissolved in water).
Apply iron sulfate at label rate. The moss turns black within days — this is normal and means it's working. You're not seeing death yet; you're seeing desiccation.
Wait 7–14 days then rake out dead moss vigorously. Use a stiff lawn rake or dethatcher to pull up as much dead material as possible. This step is critical — you're removing the moss before it breaks down.
Core aerate the area. Improves drainage and reduces compaction. This is especially important in shaded, moist areas. See our lawn aeration guide for detailed instructions.
Overseed bare areas with a shade-tolerant grass mix. Fine fescues are excellent for shaded areas. Water daily until established.
Address the root cause. Trim overhanging branches for more light, improve drainage if possible, apply lime if soil is acidic, and fertilize regularly. This is what stops moss from returning.
Moss WILL come back within 1–2 seasons if the underlying shade, drainage, or soil problems aren't corrected. Iron sulfate is a tool, not a cure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ground Ivy Gone. Moss Under Control.
Start with a triclopyr-based product for ground ivy, and iron sulfate for moss. But don't forget — fixing the underlying problems (shade, drainage, soil pH, fertility) is what keeps them gone.