You probably dread the sight of nutsedge on your lawn. This pesky weed can be difficult to get rid of, but with this guide, you’ll be able to eradicate it for good! Nutsedge is a tough weed to deal with because it can survive in both dry and wet conditions. It also reproduces very quickly, so if one plant pops up, you can expect many more to follow. In this guide, we will go over common methods for getting rid of nutsedge as well as some tips on how to prevent it from coming back. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
What is Nutsedge?
Nutsedge is a weed that looks similar to grass, but with longer and thinner leaves. It grows in bunches and can be found on most lawns and gardens. Nutsedge is difficult to control because it produces a lot of seeds that spread easily. The best way to get rid of nutsedge is to prevent it from growing in the first place. Here are some tips on how to do that:
- Mow your lawn regularly to keep the nutsedge from getting too tall.
- Pull up any weeds that you see before they have a chance to spread their seeds.
- Apply an herbicide specifically designed for nutsedge. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully.
What does Nutsedge look like?
Nutsedge is a perennial weed that can grow up to three feet tall. It has long, slender leaves with a nut-like seed at the base of the plant. Nutsedge reproduces through its seeds, which are spread by wind, water, animals, and humans.
Nutsedge is commonly found in lawns, gardens, and landscapes in the United States. It is native to Africa and Asia but was introduced to North America in the early 1900s. Nutsedge is a problem in turfgrass because it grows faster than grass and crowds it out. Nutsedge also has a deep root system that makes it difficult to control.
There are two common types of nutsedge: yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus) and purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus). Yellow nutsedge is the more frequent of the two and can be found in all 50 states. Purple nutsedge is less common and is mostly found in the southern United States.
Nutsedges are often mistaken for grasses because of their similar appearance. However, there are a few key differences that can help you distinguish between nutsedge and grass. Nutsedge has triangular-shaped leaves while grass has flat, linear leaves. Nutsedge also reproduces through seeds, whereas grass reproduces through underground rhizomes (horizontal stems). [1]
How to Spot and Identify Nutsedge in Your Lawn
If you have noticed patches of what looks like grass in your lawn that is growing much faster than the rest of the grass, has a yellow-green color, and forms clumps, then you may have a problem with nutsedge. Nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus) is a fast-growing perennial weed that can be very difficult to control. It is often mistaken for crabgrass or goosegrass. Nutsedge gets its name from the small nut-like seed heads that form at the end of the long, triangular leaves. These seeds can easily spread and germinate, leading to more nutsedge plants on your lawn.
Nutsedge thrives in warm, sunny areas with moist soil. It is a very tough weed that can tolerate drought and poor soil conditions. Nutsedge is difficult to control because it reproduces by seed, rhizomes (underground stems), and tubers (nut-like structures). One plant can produce over 200 tubers in one season! The best way to prevent nutsedge from spreading is to remove it before it goes to seed.
Hand-pulling is the most effective method of controlling small patches of nutsedge. However, this method will not work if the infestation is large or if the tuberous roots are left in the ground. For larger infestations, you may need to use a herbicide containing glyphosate or imazaquin. Be sure to follow the directions on the label carefully.
Ways to Prevent Nutsedge from Sprouting
There are a few things you can do to prevent nutsedge from sprouting in the first place.
Watch for Tubers
Tubers are the small, black, shiny “nuts” that nutsedge produces. They’re about the same size as a poppy seed and are what allow nutsedge to thrive despite being dug up., even if you kill the above-ground part of the plant.
You can also try polarization: covering the area with clear plastic for several weeks during hot weather. This will raise the soil temperature and hopefully kill any tubers that are present.
But the most important thing you can do is to be vigilant and remove any tubers you see as soon as possible.
Test Your Soil
The first step is to test your soil. You can do this by taking a sample of your soil to a local nursery or gardening center. They will be able to tell you what kind of nutrients are lacking in your soil and how to correct the problem.
If you have too much clay in your soil, you will need to add organic matter such as compost or peat moss. This will help loosen up the clay and improve drainage. If your soil is too sandy, you will need to add amendments such as manure or compost to help hold moisture and nutrients in the soil.
Once you know what kind of amendments you need, you can start working on getting rid of nutsedge.
Use (the right) Herbicides
The best way to get rid of nutsedge is by using herbicides. But you can’t just go out and buy any old herbicide, it has to be the right one. Glyphosate is the most common type of herbicide used to kill nutsedge. It’s a non-selective herbicide, which means that it will kill anything that it comes in contact with – including your lawn grass. So be careful when applying it and make sure to keep it away from any areas that you don’t want to damage.
Another option is to use a selective herbicide like imazaquin or sulfentrazone. These are both effective at killing nutsedge without harming your lawn grass. Just be sure to read the labels carefully and follow the instructions to avoid damaging your lawn.
If you have nutsedge growing in your garden, you can also use an herbicide like fluazifop-p-butyl. This is a selective herbicide that will kill nutsedge without harming your other plants. Just follow the instructions.
Once you’ve chosen the right herbicide, make sure to apply it according to the label instructions. This will help ensure that it’s effective at killing nutsedge while minimizing any damage to your lawn or garden.
Improve Drainage
The first step is to improve drainage in your lawn. Nutsedge loves wet conditions, so by improving drainage you can make your lawn less inviting to this weed. One way to improve drainage is to aerate your lawn. This involves making small holes in the soil so that water can drain more easily. You can do this yourself with a hand-held aerator or hire a professional to do it for you.
Spot Them Early On
Nutsedge is a fast-growing weed, so it’s important to catch it early on. The best way to do this is to familiarize yourself with the plant’s appearance. Nutsedge has long, narrow leaves and grows in clumps. The leaves are usually darker green than the grass around it.
If you see nutsedge starting to grow on your lawn, take action immediately.
How to Get Rid of Nutsedge
There are a few ways to get rid of nutsedge.
Natural Ways to Get Rid of Nutsedge
Cutting it Out
One way is by cutting the plant out at the root. You can do this with a shovel or trowel. Be sure to get as much of the root as possible so it doesn’t grow back.
Animals
There are a few animals that will eat nutsedge. These include:
- Goats
- Sheep
- Chickens
If you have any of these animals, you can put them in an area where there is a lot of nutsedge. The animals will eat the plant and help get rid of it.
You can also try to smother the nutsedge. This can be done by putting something heavy on top of the plant. This will kill the plant by cutting off its access to sunlight. You can use a tarp, cardboard, or anything else that is heavy and will stay in place. Leave it for a few weeks and then check to see if the nutsedge is dead. If it is, you can remove the tarp and dispose of the nutsedge.
Regrading
Regrading is the process of excavating the area around your home’s foundation and sloping it away from the house.
If you have a lot of nutsedge in your yard, you may need to hire a professional to regrade the area for you. However, if you only have a few patches of nutsedge, you may be able to do it yourself. Either way, once the area has been graded, make sure to install a drainage system (such as French drains) to keep water away from your foundation.
How to Get Rid of Nutsedge with Chemicals
Herbicides That Work on Nutsedge
There are several herbicides that will work to kill nutsedge. Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide that will kill most plants, including nutsedge. However, glyphosate is non-selective, so it will also kill other plants in the area. Glyphosate should be applied when nutsedge is actively growing for best results. Another option is imazaquin, which is a selective herbicide that only kills certain types of plants, including nutsedge.
Use a Post-Emergent Herbicide with Surfactants
Select a Post-Emergent Herbicide
Another thing to keep in mind when selecting a post-emergent herbicide is whether or not the product contains surfactants. Surfactants help the herbicide stick to the leaves of the nutsedge plant so that it can be absorbed more easily. Without surfactants, the herbicide may just run off the leaves and onto the ground without doing much good.
Select a Surfactant
The first step in getting rid of nutsedge is to select a surfactant. A surfactant is a material that lowers the surface tension of water, which allows it to spread more easily and penetrate surfaces better. There are many different types of surfactants available on the market, but not all of them are effective at killing nutsedge. You’ll need to do some research to find a surfactant that will work for your particular situation.
One type of surfactant that has been shown to be effective at killing nutsedge is glyphosate. Glyphosate is the active ingredient in Roundup, so if you have access to this product, it may be worth trying.
Once you’ve selected a surfactant, mix it according to the instructions on the label. Be sure to wear gloves and protective clothing when handling these products, as they can be harmful if they come into contact with your skin.
Treat Your Lawn
The next step is to treat your lawn with the surfactant. You can do this by spraying it on the affected area, or by applying it with a sponge if you’re working in a small area. Be sure to saturate the nutsedge plants thoroughly, as this will increase the chances of killing them.
After you’ve treated the area, wait for a few days to see if the nutsedge begins to die off. If it doesn’t, you may need to reapply the surfactant or try a different product.
Re-Treat Throughout the Summer
Nutsedge is a perennial weed, which means it can come back year after year. This means that you’ll need to re-treat your lawn throughout the summer to keep it under control. Luckily, once you’ve figured out how to get rid of nutsedge, this process will be much easier the second time around. [2]
FAQ
Is there a natural way to get rid of nutsedge?
The short answer is yes. You can use vinegar to kill nutsedge. [3]
You could try solarizing your soil, but that takes a few weeks of hot, sunny weather – something we can’t always count on.
How long does it take vinegar to kill nutsedge?
It takes vinegar about two weeks to kill nutsedge. You can either apply it directly to the plant or add it to a spray bottle and treat the area around the plant. Be sure to reapply after rain or watering. [4]
Does vinegar kill Nutgrass?
The short answer is yes – vinegar can kill Nutgrass. However, it’s important to remember that not all types of vinegar are created equal. A mixture of vinegar and soap can be particularly effective in killing Nutgrass. [5]
What herbicide will kill nutsedge?
Glyphosate is the most effective herbicide for killing nutsedge. Glyphosate will kill both the leaves and the roots of the plant, so it is important to apply it thoroughly. [6]
Other herbicides, such as imazaquin or sulfentrazone, may also be effective.
Useful Video: How To Get Rid of Nutsedge In Your Lawn
Conclusion
So, that’s everything you need to know about getting rid of nutsedge! With this information, you should be able to get started on your battle against this pesky weed. Remember to stay patient and consistent with your approach, and you’ll eventually see results. Thanks for reading, and good luck!
References:
- https://www.fairwaygreeninc.com/how-to-get-rid-of-nutsedge/
- https://www.domyown.com/how-to-get-rid-of-nutsedge-a-564.html
- https://www.tipsbulletin.com/how-to-kill-nutsedge/
- https://www.tipsbulletin.com/homemade-nutgrass-killer-remedies/
- https://hipages.com.au/article/how_to_get_rid_of_nut_grass
- http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7432.html