Allium vineale
broadleaf weedUSDA zones 4–9Active: spring, fall, winterPerennial bulb weed that appears in early spring, growing faster and taller than surrounding turf. Produces a distinct garlic/onion smell when mowed.
Round, hollow leaves growing taller than turf; strong garlic/onion odor when cut; small underground bulbs; aerial bulblets on flower stalks.
Dig out bulbs with a trowel. Must remove all bulblets or they regrow. Labor-intensive.
When: Dig in spring when soil is wet; sift for tiny bulblets
Frequent mowing depletes bulb energy over multiple seasons.
When: Mow frequently in spring when wild garlic is tallest
Apply with surfactant to penetrate waxy, round leaves. May need 2-3 annual applications.
When: Apply in November or March when actively growing; add surfactant for waxy leaves
Active ingredient: 2,4-D + Dicamba — e.g. Trimec, Three-Way Selective
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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