Knowledgebase

Managing creeping Charlie in a horse pasture #780711

Asked January 24, 2022, 10:12 AM EST

Hi. I’m not sure who to contact about this issue. I tried Sussex County’s extension with no response. We recently moved to a small farm in Georgetown, and I would like to create a 1 acre pasture for my mare and a companion. However, I can see that it is overrun with creeping charlie. We cannot use glyphosate or other weed killers because of a medically sensitive child. I would love to talk to someone who can give me resources on how to deal with this issue safely. Is there a pasture specialist? Thank you very much.

Sussex County Delaware

Expert Response

Suzanne,  if herbicides are not an option then the best strategy is to increase the competitiveness of the forage stand.  There are herbicide options other than glyphosate (ie 2,4-D or dicamba).  These other options will not kill the grass forages and would not require reseeding.

Is this an existing pasture?  Is it a productive pasture, does it need management to increase its productivity?  Does it need fertility or lime? Is the stand adequate or will it need some reseeding?  Managing creeping charlie (common mallow or malva neglecta) by improving the stand will take some time and areas of the stand that are thin or less productive will give a chance for the weed to continue to grow.

feel free to email me directly if you have more questions <personal data hidden>

An Ask Extension Expert Replied January 24, 2022, 11:24 AM EST

Suzanne, I am glad Mark VanGessel reached out. Our other ag agent also posted these links you might find useful: 

“First make sure it [creeping charlie] is correctly identified as what they say it is. If any chemicals are used, which they say they can not use, make sure the label is followed. Here some extension websites:” 
https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/weed/broadleaf/creeping/creepingcharlie.htmlhttps://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/creeping-charlie/ 


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