Fireweed, also known as American Burn Weed, is a weed that pops up in lawns every spring (April – June) and seems to be increasing over the last few years in our area. This weed is short-lived and is not controlled by a pre-emergent. It is very shallow rooted and grows in the thatch layer of the lawn, making it easy to pull up by hand. Fireweed grows best in thin turf, compacted soils and in lawns that are not mowed regularly. This weed is easily controlled by a post emergent weed control. However, proper lawn maintenance is the best method of control for this problem weed.