Now that it’s growing season for your grass and plants, you may also notice more lawn weeds appear, like nutsedge. Learn how to identify and control nutsedge before it takes over your lawn, garden, or agricultural field.

What is Nutsedge?

It’s a common, invasive weed that’s also referred to a nutgrass because of its tall, blade-like appearance. Nutsedge thrives in moist, warm conditions where it grows rapidly and stands up to harsh conditions, making it harder to control. Here’s how you can tell if it’s in your lawn:

• Long, triangular stem and leaves that resemble grass blades.
• Leaves are arranged in sets of three at the base of the plant.
• Produces small, brown seed heads that resemble nuts, hence the name.

If you notice nutsedge in your lawn, it’s time to take action. It’s best to deal with the problem at the first signs instead of waiting till it takes over.

How to Control Nutsedge

One of the best ways to prevent any weed is to maintain a healthy lawn. Since weeds are more prone to spread in harsh environments where they don’t have to compete with grass, you can work to provide a lush green lawn and control weeds at the same time. When it comes to moisture-loving nutsedge, this means improving soil drainage and carefully irrigating so you don’t overwater.

There are many methods to help deal with this invasive lawn weed. Some are easier than others, and some are more natural options. The key is to start early.

1. Pulling. If there’s a small area of nutsedge, simply pull it out by hand. Make sure to remove the entire plant, including the underground tubers, to prevent regrowth.
2. Mulching. Apply a thick layer of organic mulch in your garden to help smother nutsedge and reduce growth.
3. Herbicides. Make sure the product is specifically designed to control nutsedge and follow the label instructions carefully. These herbicides are typically applied to the foliage and are most effective when the nutsedge is actively growing.
4. Professionals. In severe cases, where other methods are not effective, consider calling a professional lawn care service for advice and treatment options.

It’s important to be persistent in controlling nutsedge, as it can be challenging to eradicate completely. If you’ve tried prevention measures and combined several combative methods, contact Shades of Green Lawn & Landscape to help keep nutsedge under control and prevent it from spreading.