Polygonum aviculare
broadleaf weedUSDA zones 2–10Active: spring, summerOne of the earliest germinating summer annuals. Thrives in compacted, high-traffic areas. Often the first weed to appear along driveways and paths.
Wiry, branching stems lying flat; small blue-green lance-shaped leaves; papery sheaths (ocrea) at leaf nodes; tiny white-pink flowers.
Knotweed is a compaction indicator. Core aerate high-traffic paths and edges.
When: Aerate in fall; address traffic patterns
Pull young plants including taproot. Remove before seed set.
When: Pull in spring when plants are young
Spring pre-emergent that targets knotweed germination.
When: Apply in very early spring — knotweed germinates before most summer annuals
Effective on young knotweed plants. Less effective on mature, wiry stems.
When: Apply in spring when plants are young and actively growing
Active ingredient: 2,4-D — e.g. Ortho Weed B Gon
Grass safety: always match herbicides to your grass species — products safe on Kentucky bluegrass can kill St. Augustine or centipede. Lawn Guardian checks this automatically against your lawn profile.
Lawn Guardian turns this guidance into a schedule timed to your USDA zone and this week's actual weather — and adapts every time you log what you've done.
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