Call It Nutsedge or Nutgrass. By Any Name, it’s a Problem

What Is a Sedge?

There are more than 2,000 species of plants categorized in the genus Carex, meeting the qualifications of a “true sedge.” Many of these varieties of sedges (like evergold sedge, Everillo Japanese sedge, leather leaf sedge, blue sedge, and more) are used for ornamental landscaping purposes.

However, in the context of North American lawns, the sedge we’re most concerned with is nutsedge (also called “nut grass”). Some of the same characteristics that make some species of sedge ideal for ornamental planting actually make nutsedge an insidious lawn pest!

What Makes Nutsedge Different from Other Weeds?

Often mistaken for turfgrass or grassy weeds, nutsedge can be distinguished by its growth habit, light green color, and rapid growth rate, resulting in a non-uniform turf. Nutsedge leaves are thicker and stiffer than most grasses and are arranged in sets of three at the base, growing from triangular stems.

There are many different varieties of nutsedge, but yellow nutsedge and purple nutsedge are the most common throughout North American lawns. The main difference between the two is that yellow nutsedge has light brown flowers and seeds, while purple nutsedge has reddish flowers and dark brown or black seeds.

Both yellow and purple nutsedge are perennial plants that usually die back in the fall as the temperatures decrease. The nut-like tubers (from which nutsedge gets its name) and rhizomes of the plant survive in the soil to sprout the next spring. These tubers are usually situated in the top six inches of the soil and can remain dormant for up to three years before germinating.

What are Sedge Control Methods?

Nutsedge’s deep root systems and long germination period make it difficult to control. Proper identification and targeted management are vital for a healthy lawn.

An effective way to control small infestations of Nutsedge is by pulling individual plants by hand and repairing these areas with desirable grass seed varieties or sod. If the infestation is larger, professional nutsedge control may be necessary. Effective nutsedge control requires managing tuber numbers and production, and professional intervention in the case of widespread infestations.

A thick, healthy, well-maintained lawn is always the best line of defense against weeds like sedges and other harmful lawn conditions, like disease and pests. In addition to your weed control program, a healthy lawn can be achieved through beneficial cultural practices, which include:

• Aeration: Aerating your lawn can improve soil drainage.

• Fertilization: Regular applications of Weed Man’s specially formulated, slow-release granular fertilizer will help provide your lawn with adequate nutrients.

• Watering: The presence of nutsedge in your lawn may indicate poor drainage or overwatering..

• Mowing: Maintain a regular mowing schedule with a razor-sharp blade. Never remove more than ⅓ of the grass blade at each mowing.

The first step to taking control is finding the local Weed Man in your area.