This weed is a summer annual that usually shows up in our area April – June during spring transition into the growing season for warm season turf. This weed has the ability to germinate and grow in the thatch layer therefore pre-emergent will not prevent it from occurring in lawns. However, a pre-emergent applied properly will not allow the weed to establish a viable root system that can survive frequent low mowing along with increasing summer temperatures. Post-emergent herbicides work well as long as the timing is right but these products can delay warm season turf green up by a couple of weeks. Fireweed/American burnweed will grow 3’- 9’ tall, this is where proper turf maintenance will be important to help control it. Most lawns in our area are not fully green until June 15^th or later so they may not receive frequent mowing yet. Be sure to mow every 5 to 7 days and mow low (1 – 1½ in.) even if you feel nothing is being removed. Improper mowing is usually the cause of a lawn being taken over by this prolific weed. Hand pulling is also an option and if you had a pre-emergent applied you should notice how easily the weed will pull up.

Aabby Group Lawn care can help minimize fireweed/ American burnweed in your lawn along with proper maintenance practices. Our 7 application program offers 3 free service calls to address concerns such as this between regular scheduled applications. Call our office at 770-632-7288 or email aabylawncare@bellsouth.net.