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Nutsedge Guide

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Nutsedge Identification Guide

Nutsedge Resembles Grass Blades but Grows Differently

Nutsedge, often referred to as nutgrass, is a common summer weed found in lawns. Unlike typical grass, nutsedge grows taller and faster, making it stand out even after mowing. It is a perennial sedge, meaning it is a grass-like plant that lives for multiple years and reappears annually.

Use this guide to identify nutsedge in your yard. For additional help, explore the rest of our 4-part guide to learn where nutsedge grows and how to eliminate it.

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Identifying Characteristics of Nutsedge

Height

Nutsedge is easily distinguished by its height. It grows much taller than grass in your lawn and does so more quickly, even after mowing.

Shape

Nutsedge stems are triangular, which is a defining characteristic of sedges (grass-like plants). When you run your fingers along the stem, you’ll feel three distinct sides, similar to a triangle.

Leaves and Flowers

  • Appearance: Nutsedge leaves resemble long grass blades, but at the end of the stem, you’ll often find three leaves and flowers.
  • Flower Colors:

Roots

The root system of nutsedge is one of its most defining features:

  • Rhizomes: The plant’s roots grow horizontally beneath the soil, spreading and giving rise to new nutsedge plants.
  • Nutlets: These small, starchy tubers attached to the roots confirm the presence of nutsedge. Rhizomes and nutlets can reach 8-14 inches deep, making the plant notoriously difficult to control.

Growth Pattern

Nutsedge is a perennial weed that thrives in spring and summer, returning year after year due to its resilient root system.

Use this information to identify nutsedge and take the necessary steps to remove it from your lawn.

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Nutsedge Control Products
Explore our How to Get Rid of Nutsedge guide for detailed information on the best products and proper application techniques to effectively eliminate nutsedge from your lawn.

Nutsedge Inspection Guide

How to Locate Nutsedge in Your Lawn

Nutsedge, a type of sedge weed, thrives in grassy areas and becomes most noticeable during the summer months. While several varieties exist, yellow nutsedge and purple nutsedge (distinguished by their yellow or purple/dark red flowers) are the most common.

Understanding when and where nutsedge grows can save you time and effort when treating your lawn. Read on to learn more about identifying and locating nutsedge.

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Nutsedge Loves Warm Weather


Nutsedge can often be mistaken for grass during its initial growth stages. However, during summer, when exposed to ample sunlight, nutsedge outpaces grass growth, becoming taller and eventually flowering. This rapid growth makes it easily distinguishable from the slower-growing grass in your lawn.

If left un-mowed, nutsedge can grow over a foot tall!
Nutsedge begins sprouting in spring but grows more slowly in cooler temperatures, making it harder to identify in early spring or late fall.

Nutsedge Thrives in Sunlight


Nutsedge thrives in sunny areas and struggles in the shade. When inspecting your lawn, focus on the sunniest spots, as nutsedge rarely grows in shaded areas like under trees.

Nutsedge Prefers Moist Soil


Nutsedge often appears in damp or moist areas of your lawn, particularly in spots with poor drainage, water runoff, or near leaking sprinklers. Inspect these areas closely to identify any potential nutsedge growth.

Recommended Products

Learn how to effectively eliminate nutsedge in the next section of our 4-part guide. Click the right arrow below to continue.

Nutsedge Control Products
For detailed information on how and when to apply these nutsedge treatments, check out our comprehensive guide on how to get rid of nutsedge in your lawn.

Nutsedge Treatment Guide

How to Eliminate Nutsedge

Nutsedge, also known as nut grass, is a resilient weed that’s challenging to control due to its extensive root system. The weed's tubers, called nutlets, can remain viable in the soil for years if not effectively treated. With the right products and timing, you can successfully manage nutsedge in your lawn. Follow the steps below to tackle nutsedge effectively.

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Step1 Use a Post-Emergent Herbicide with Surfactants

Post-emergent herbicides target weeds that have already emerged, making them a key tool for nutsedge control. Select a product specifically labeled for nutsedge and follow the guidelines below.

Step1.1 Select a Post-Emergent Herbicide

Choose a herbicide labeled for the type of nutsedge you’re dealing with (yellow or purple). Some products are effective against both, while others are specific to one type.

Ensure the product is compatible with your lawn type. Consult the product label to avoid damage to desirable turf.

Opt for products like Dismiss, which target both the visible weed and its underground roots (nutlets and rhizomes).

Products we recommend for Step 1.1

Step1.2 Select a Surfactant

Add a surfactant to your herbicide mixture if required. Surfactants help herbicides adhere to the waxy leaves of nutsedge for better absorption.

Some herbicides come with built-in surfactants, while others may specify not to use one. Always check the product label for instructions.

Step1.3 Treat Your Lawn

Mix the herbicide and surfactant in a hand-pump sprayer according to the product label.

Wear protective gear, including gloves, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes.

Avoid mowing your lawn before application and wait several days post-application to mow. This allows the herbicide to penetrate and reach the weed's roots.

Results may take 1–3 weeks, and re-treatment might be necessary after four weeks if the nutsedge persists.

Products we recommend for Step 1.3

Step2 Re-Treat Throughout the Summer

One treatment may not be enough to eradicate nutsedge entirely, as the weed's tubers can regenerate.

  • Check the herbicide label for reapplication intervals and follow the instructions carefully.
  • Multiple treatments throughout the growing season increase the likelihood of killing the tubers and preventing nutsedge from returning next year.

If your lawn has nutsedge, there are proactive steps you can take to prevent it from returning next year. Check out our guide on how to stop nutsedge growth in your lawn for helpful tips. Click the right arrow below to learn more.

Nutsedge Prevention Guide

How to Stop Nutsedge from Invading Your Lawn

Nutsedge, also known as nut grass, can be challenging to control due to its extensive root system. However, with the right steps, you can keep your lawn nutsedge-free. Read on to learn how.

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Step1 Avoid Infested Soil

Nutsedge can unknowingly be introduced to your lawn through new soil, plants, or flowers.

  • Inspect any new soil, riversand, or plants you purchase for nutsedge tubers (nutlets) and rhizomes (roots).
  • Preventing these from being introduced to your lawn can stop a nutsedge problem before it starts or prevent an existing issue from worsening.

Step2 Maintain Proper Soil Drainage

Nutsedge thrives in damp, moist soil. Making your lawn less appealing to this weed is key.

  • Improve Drainage: Ensure your lawn has proper drainage to avoid standing water or excessive moisture.
  • Core Aerate Your Lawn: Aerating helps break up compacted soil and improves drainage, creating an environment less suitable for nutsedge growth.

Step3 Promote a Healthy Lawn

A strong, healthy lawn is less likely to allow nutsedge to take hold.

  • Test Your Soil: Take a soil sample to your local extension office or use an at-home kit to determine what nutrients your lawn needs.
  • Fertilize Properly: Apply a fertilizer that addresses your soil's specific deficiencies to keep your grass thriving.
  • Mow Regularly: Keep grass blades at a height of about 2 inches to discourage weed growth.
  • Apply Pre-Emergent Herbicides: Use pre-emergents in the fall and spring to prevent nutsedge and other weeds from germinating. Follow the product label for application instructions.

Products we recommend for Step 3

We hope this guide has been helpful. If you're still unsure whether nutsedge is present in your lawn, check out our guide on identifying nutsedge. Our "Where Nutsedge Grows" section will help you inspect your lawn, while "How to Get Rid of Nutsedge" provides a step-by-step treatment process.

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