A nutsedge infestation may be one of the most frustrating for property owners. It can quickly grow in lawns, flowerbeds, gardens, and almost anywhere else. Once present, this long grass-like weed is hard to eradicate. If not removed in a timely manner, it can become invasive, taking nutrients from the soil that should support your lawn’s health. Here’s what you need to know about nutsedge.
Identifying and Understanding Nutsedge
Noted for its V-shaped cross-section, nutsedge is easy to mistake for longer grass and is even referred to as nutgrass. The leaves are thicker and stiffer than most types of lawn grass. Also notable is that the leaves seem as though they have a crease down the middle.
Most varieties are perennials that become smaller and die down during the fall months. The tubers and rhizomes (underground stems) will survive in the soil. The next spring, they are sure to shoot right back up. Typically, the tubers and rhizomes can grow up to 14 inches deep into the soil.
Nutsedge does well in almost any soil. As the plants grow, they spread through small tubers, seeds, or creeping rhizomes. If left untouched, the plants will grow to up to 10 feet or more in diameter, creating more of a bush-like look.
How to Get Rid of Nutsedge
If you believe you have nutsedge present in your yard, it’s important to manage it as soon as possible since preventing the spread once it goes to seed is even more challenging. A number of steps may be necessary to eliminate this invasive weed.
- Make the environment less beneficial. To thrive, nutsedge needs a moist area where drainage isn’t ideal, or there is too much watering. Eliminate these areas to slow its growth. It can also come into your yard if it is present in the topsoil or nursery stock brought in. It can remain present for years. Learn to identify it if you are introducing new sod or soil to your yard. Also, look after your turfgrass as that will push out the nutsedge.
- Dig it out. If you have a small patch of nutsedge, you can start by digging out the plant and all its components. Dig at least 10 inches into the ground and an 8- to 10-inch diameter around the plant. The best time to do this is in early spring prior to tuber production.
- Herbicide use can help. Herbicides may help but select the right one based on the species you have. Use it while the plant is actively growing in warm conditions. Water the area the day prior to encourage the nutsedge to be actively growing. Avoid chemical applications when the weed isn’t growing, or conditions are very hot and dry. The most effective herbicides typically are bentazon, sulfentrazone, imazaquin, and halosulfuron.
Let Us Take Care of the Weeds for You
If you’ve noted nutsedge or other weeds growing in your lawn, flower beds, or gardens, allow our team to get rid of them for you. With a wide range of chemical and non-chemical solutions, we’ll identify the best strategy for improving your situation. GREENSKEEPER provides solutions that work for your environment. Our service programs are exactly what you need for comprehensive weed control on residential and commercial properties.
Learn more about our weed control solutions. Call GREENSKEEPER at (215) 938-8440. You can also contact us using our online form for a free quote.
