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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

Platte River Equity - Press Release: Turf Care Supply, LLC Acquires Agri-Nutrients, Inc.

October 9, 2024
Platte River Equity Portfolio Company Turf Care Supply, LLC Acquires Agri-Nutrients, Inc. Brunswick, OH , October 9, 2024 – Platte River Equity (“Platte River”) portfolio company Turf Care Supply, LLC (“Turf Care”) is pleased to announce its acquisition of Agri-Nutrients, Inc. (“Agri-Nutrients”), a manufacturer and blender of custom granular fertilizers for the turf & ornamental (“T&O”) industry. This strategic acquisition provides Turf Care with an established presence in the south-central United States, an enhanced product portfolio and additional manufacturing capacity. “This acquisition represents much more than a business transaction; it is a strategic step forward in expanding our reach and enhancing our customers’ growth. By bringing Agri-Nutrients into the Turf Care family, we are broadening our product portfolio, expanding our market presence and further positioning ourselves as a leader in providing innovative solutions for our customers,” said Mark Mangan, President of Turf Care. “We are excited about joining the Turf Care team,” said Jim Montgomery, President of Agri-Nutrients. “At Agri-Nutrients, our core values center around customer service and product innovation, and we are confident that this combination will allow us to better serve the needs of our customers.” “Platte River welcomes the Agri-Nutrients team to Turf Care. This transaction underscores our long-term commitment to fostering growth through both organic and inorganic initiatives across the Turf Care platform,” said Tarun Kanthety, Vice President of Platte River. “The partnership with Agri-Nutrients strengthens Turf Care’s value-added offering, creating additional growth opportunities across the combined customer base.” B&A Corporate Advisors served as the exclusive financial advisor to Agri-Nutrients. About Agri-Nutrients Founded in 1992 and based in Catoosa, OK, Agri-Nutrients is a manufacturer and blender of custom granular fertilizers for the T&O industry, predominantly selling into the lawn care, sports turf and golf course end markets. About Turf Care Supply Established in 1974, Turf Care Supply is one of the largest formulators and blenders of urea products to the T&O market. Turf Care has a comprehensive product portfolio of fertilizers, combination products (herbicide/insecticide), soil amendments and enhanced efficiency fertilizer ingredients. Turf Care's products are sold to distributors and blenders serving the commercial, residential and golf end markets. Turf Care operates four manufacturing facilities strategically located throughout the eastern U.S. About Platte River Equity Founded in 2006 and based in Denver, CO, Platte River Equity is a private equity firm focused on investments in established lower middle market operating companies within targeted industrial sectors where it has substantial operating and investing experience. Platte River utilizes prudent capital structures in order to invest in future growth opportunities and withstand changing economic environments. The firm also provides significant ongoing support to its portfolio companies through dedicated resources across functional areas. The firm has raised funds with committed capital in excess of $1.6 billion and is currently investing out of its fifth fund. The Platte River team is the largest collective investor across its funds, deeply aligning the firm with its investors and portfolio company management teams.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Turf Care Supply, LLC Acquires Agri-Nutrients, Inc.

October 4, 2024
Dear Valued Industry Partners and Customers,  We are pleased to announce that Turf Care Supply, LLC has acquired Agri-Nutrients, Inc. (October 1, 2024) a respected manufacturer in the turf and ornamental fertilizer industry. This acquisition marks a significant step forward in our commitment to providing you with an expanded range of innovative products, services, and industry expertise, all designed to support your business’s continued growth and success. As a valued partner or customer, you will benefit from enhanced service capabilities and an extended geographic reach, thanks to Agri-Nutrients, Inc.’s strategic facility located in the Port of Catoosa, Oklahoma. With this established presence in the Southwest and Western markets, Turf Care Supply, LLC’s expanded operational footprint will allow us to serve a broader region with greater efficiency, delivering even stronger support to help drive your business forward. We are dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition while maintaining the high standards of service you expect. If you have any questions or would like to explore how this new location can enhance your operations, please feel free to contact your account manager or our customer service team. Thank you for your continued trust in Turf Care Supply, LLC. We look forward to partnering with you as we grow together and continue supporting your success. Sincerely, Mark Mangan President Turf Care Supply, LLC

Turf Care Supply Goes Electric

September 28, 2023
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.
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