Creeping Charlie, also known as ground ivy, does spread when it is mowed. In fact, mowing can actually promote its spread and make it more difficult to control.
When Creeping Charlie is cut with a lawnmower, it releases a pleasant minty smell, which can be quite surprising considering it is an invasive weed. However, this pleasant scent is not a friend to your yard. While the smell may be appealing, the plant itself is not.
Creeping Charlie is an aggressively spreading weed that thrives in areas where turfgrass is at a disadvantage. It can quickly take over large areas of lawns, choking out desirable grasses and plants. Mowing can actually aid in its spread because when the plant is cut, it can produce more stems and nodes, which can then root and spread further.
The ability of Creeping Charlie to spread through mowing is due to its growth habit and reproductive strategy. It has long, creeping stems that root at the nodes, allowing it to spread horizontally across the ground. When the plant is mowed, the stems are cut into smaller pieces, and each piece has the potential to root and grow into a new plant. This can lead to the rapid expansion of Creeping Charlie in a lawn.
To effectively control Creeping Charlie, it is important to take a comprehensive approach. Mowing alone is not enough to eradicate this weed. It is best to combine mowing with other control methods such as herbicide treatment, hand-pulling, and improving the health and density of the turfgrass.
When using herbicides, it is important to choose a product that is labeled for Creeping Charlie control and follow the instructions carefully. Some herbicides may require multiple applications to effectively kill the weed. Additionally, hand-pulling can be effective for small infestations, but it is important to remove as much of the root system as possible to prevent regrowth.
Improving the health and density of your lawn can also help to reduce the spread of Creeping Charlie. A healthy, well-maintained lawn will be more competitive and less susceptible to weed invasion. This can be achieved through proper watering, fertilization, and regular mowing at the correct height.
While mowing may release a pleasant scent from Creeping Charlie, it is not a beneficial practice for controlling this invasive weed. Mowing can actually promote its spread and make it more difficult to eradicate. Taking a comprehensive approach to control, including herbicide treatment, hand-pulling, and improving lawn health, is necessary to effectively manage Creeping Charlie in your yard.