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Prostrate Knotweed - How to control this invasive turfgrass predator

November 4, 2020

Prostrate Knotweed - How to control this invasive turfgrass predator

November 4, 2020
prostrate knotweed
DESCRIPTION
Prostrate knotweed (Polygonum Aviculare), also known as wiregrass, knotgrass, yard knotweed, and doorweed, is a low-growing summer annual/occasional perennial weed. Prostrate knotweed is a weed that is related to buckwheat and dock. Found in all 50 states, prostrate knotweed is a very widespread and invasive weed that will overtake and destroy your turf and release toxins into your soil if not properly managed. 

Prostrate knotweed has multiple slender and wiry stems that grow slowly and upright before becoming prostrate and forming mats that can reach 4 to 48 inches in diameter. It has stalkless leaves that alternate along the stem, ranging in size from 1/5 to 4/5 of an inch and are generally ovular in shape. Along the stem, there are nodes encircled by paper-thin leaf stipules which are usually swollen and therefore give this weed the common name of knotweed. Coloring of this weed can be green or blue-green with the possibility of a whitish powdery mildew. The root system of the prostrate knotweed is a long, thin taproot, which has been reported to reach up to 30 inches given the proper conditions. The prostrate knotweed produces small flowers that can range from a white to green coloring with a pinkish tinge. Prostrate knotweed can be confused with spotted spurge but can be distinguished by the milky white sap that exudes from the spurge when its stem is broken.
prostrate knotweed leaf stipules

Prostrate knotweed starts to appear long before any other weeds and will start showing up in the spring as soon as the snow melts. Emerging seedlings are often mistaken for grasses in the very early stage of development. Flowering of the prostrate knotweed may occur from March to November but usually averages from June to October. It germinates from early to mid-April and throughout the spring. A single plant can produce 125 to 6,400 seeds, which can remain dormant for years given the proper conditions. These seeds also serve as forage for songbirds and other small animals.


This weed grows well in compacted soils with poor aeration. These soils can be poor or rich in nutrients and of all types of textures. Prostrate knotweed prefers areas of heavy traffic and can often be found in roadsides, fields, agronomic croplands, vineyards, orchards, residential and commercial turf, gardens, landscaped areas, pathways, walkways, and disturbed unmanaged areas. It readily invades areas where other weeds may struggle to grow.


DAMAGE

Prostrate knotweed can be very damaging to turf due to the giant mats that are formed by the plant. This weed can quickly spread and become very dense, preventing other grasses from even having a chance to grow. The knotweed’s roots and leaves also produce toxins that can alter the composition of the soil, therefore making it unsuitable for certain native species. Prostrate knotweed is killed by the first few frosts of the fall, however, the dead branches will remain even after the winter. These dead branches and clusters are not only ugly but can become a fire hazard.


Although prostrate knotweed itself is not hazardous to humans, the plant can host parasitic weed dodder, viruses, nematodes, and fungi such as powdery mildew fungi. Predatory insects may also use the flowers as a food source. 

prostrate knotweed overtaking walkway

MANAGEMENT

Controlling prostrate knotweed in late spring to early summer is encouraged. Turf will have a higher chance of recovering the damaged areas. Prostrate knotweed is considered an indicator plant for compacted soil. Aeration is a common management method which can be done by loosening the soil to provide better drainage and an environment for more desirable species. Overseeding with a locally adapted grass seed is highly suggested. 


Mechanical control methods alone will not properly control the infestation of prostrate knotweed in turfgrass. However, frequent manual removal using common weeding tools, combined with mulching, can effectively manage this weed in home gardens. Prostrate knotweed and its seeds can also survive mowing. It is suggested to avoid mowing areas infested with this weed to stop the seeds from spreading. 


Chemical control is the most effective route to take when managing prostrate knotweed. For best results, a preemergent herbicide should be applied prior to seed germination. There are many herbicides that can control prostrate knotweed. Preemergent active ingredients labeled to control prostrate knotweed include atrazine, dithiopyr, oxadiazon, pendimethalin, prodiamine and trifluralin. Be sure to read label completely for proper application.


For postemergence control, herbicides that contain dicamba, glyphosate, and pelargonic acid have proven to be effective. In early stages of growth, when the weed is less than 3 inches in diameter, 2,4-D can also successfully be applied.


PREVENTION

Keep your turf thick and lush by adopting a seasonal fertilizer program that will ensure your turf can fend off weeds AND disease pressure. Avoid wearing and tearing up turf by avoiding walking the same pathway, which will reduce the likelihood of compaction. Soil aeration and overseeding is also essential to preventing your turf from becoming an environment where prostrate knotweed can grow. With the use of pre- and postemergent herbicides, proper management techniques suggested, prostrate knotweed and additional weeds can be easily prevented resulting in beautiful healthy turf.


For professional fertilizers with herbicides to prevent and control weeds, please visit TurfCare’s online Product Catalog.
 
For green industry professionals or others interested in ordering Turfcare products, please contact our Customer Service to find a distributor near you.


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Turf Care Supply - TurfReport Blog

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April 18, 2025
Turf Care Supply, LLC, a portfolio company of Platte River Equity, has officially acquired Beaty Fertilizer, the industry respected Tennessee-based manufacturer and blender of custom granular and liquid fertilizers, as well as combination products. This strategic move expands Turf Care’s manufacturing footprint, adds new product capabilities, and enhances overall production capacity. “The partnership with Beaty Fertilizer marks a major milestone in our journey and an important step forward in our mission to grow, innovate and lead in our industry,” said Mark Mangan, President of Turf Care. “This acquisition is more than just expansion; it’s a powerful opportunity to strengthen our product offerings, broaden our market reach and provide greater value to our customers. By welcoming Beaty into the Turf Care family, we are reinforcing our commitment to excellence and positioning ourselves for an even brighter future.” “We are excited about this next step in the Beaty Fertilizer story. For almost 50 years, our family and our employees have worked hard to serve customers and communities with pride and heart,” said John Beaty, President of Beaty. “Now, we are embracing an opportunity for growth with Turf Care. With our combined know-how and resources, we’ll keep building on what we’ve worked so hard to create and bring even more value to our customers, employees and partners. We truly believe this partnership will keep the Beaty legacy going strong while opening up new doors for growth and innovation.” Tarun Kanthety, Vice President at Platte River, added, “We believe the acquisition of Beaty Fertilizer represents a strategic step in expanding Turf Care’s footprint and product breadth... as it scales and enhances its value proposition to customers.”

Grub Management: Understanding Life Cycles and Optimal Treatment Timing

April 18, 2025
Root out Grubs, Before they Attack Yours! White grubs, the immature stage of several scarab beetles—including Japanese beetles, masked chafers, May and June beetles, and green June beetles—are a major threat to turfgrass across the Southeast. These beetles follow a complete metamorphosis (egg, grub, pupa, adult), with most species completing their cycle in one year. Eggs are laid in early summer, grubs hatch within two weeks, and begin feeding on turfgrass roots through the late summer and fall. May and June beetles differ slightly, with a two- to three-year life cycle and prolonged feeding as third-instar grubs. Grubs damage turf by severing roots, causing grass to yellow, wilt, or lift easily from the soil. Feeding is typically concentrated in patches and worsens during hot, dry weather. Wildlife digging for grubs can create further turf destruction. Healthy turf may tolerate 5–10 grubs per square foot, but damage becomes evident as populations rise or turf is under stress. Early detection and timing are essential. Scouting begins in late June, shortly after adult beetle activity peaks. Monitoring plants favored by beetles can signal egg-laying is underway. Treatment is most effective when small grubs are active—typically from mid-July through early August. For professional turfgrass managers, insecticides containing imidacloprid (Merit®), chlorantraniliprole (Acelepryn®), or trichlorfon (Dylox®) are the most effective tools. The primary months of preventative application of Acelepryn® is from April to end of May and Merit® from April into July - targeting grubs before they hatch. Curative treatments with Dylox® or similar products are applied July through the fall, when young grubs are feeding and most vulnerable. Always follow label directions for optimal application and safety. Timing may vary slightly by regional seasonal needs. Turf Care Supply has a variety of professional TCS Growstar insecticide fertilizers available to protect your turf and prevent grub damage, before it starts. Click on the button below to view products, contact your sales rep for addition TC Growstar products available.

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