Controlling Nutsedge-A persistent weed in lawns and gardens

Nutsedge is a very aggressive and persistent weed in; lawns, landscapes and gardens. It is often called (nutgrass), because it has a little tuber/bulb, “nutlet” and the leaves resemble a grass.

Nutsedge can spread by; seed, tubers, and creeping rhizomes. They prefer moist soils but can tolerate dry soils.

Two types of nutsedge are common, yellow nutsedge and purple nutsedge.  Yellow has more cold tolerance so is more predominant in the north; in warmer areas, both may be found growing together.

Yellow nutsedge is the most common and can be identified by: The leaf is long and slender with a tapered tip. Has a yellow seed head.
Tubers are single at the tips of the rhizomes. It emerges early in the season. Leaves are light green. Grows from 12 to 16 inches tall.

Purple nutsedge can be identified by: The leaf is shorter and the tip is abruptly blunt.  The seed head is purple. Tubers are connected in chains on rhizomes.
It emerges late in the season. Leaves are dark green. Only grows to 6 inches when mature.

Controlling Nutsedge

Although it looks like a grass, most grass killers or other herbicides are not effective as a control for nutsedge.
Due to the tubers not sending shoots up every year, successful control requires a dedicated effort for at least 2 or 3 years and monitoring for a few years after that.

First, the non-chemical control is pulling. When they first emerge they don’t start forming rhizomes or nutlets for 2 to 3  weeks.
To be effective, start as soon as you see sprouts and pull them every 2 to 3 weeks until control is achieved.

Ferti-lome Weed-Out Nutsedge Control will control both types of nutsedge and Kyllinga. HY Spreader Sticker can be added to the mix to increase absorption by the plant.
Two or three applications 3 to 4 weeks apart the first year are advised, one or two applications the second year.
After the second year, use the RTU to spot spray as needed, monitor for a couple of years following that.

Contact or stop by to talk to the experts at the Big Tool Box and Highlands Garden Center for more advice about controlling Nutsedge.