Controlling Nutsedge

Nutsedge (also known as nutgrass and sometimes swampgrass) is a perennial grass that drives homeowners, landscapers and turf professionals NUTS - (yea, that just happened)

Nutsedge can be found as either purple or yellow and is defined as a perennial because it repeats its life cycle every year. Reproduction occurs primarily by small underground tubers called nutlets (as seen in the 2nd picture). Nutsedge can also spread by rhizomes.

When identifying this grass in your lawn - you will notice the leaves are light green to yellowish in color and are very slick / waxy to the touch.

Control Options:

Late spring/early summer is the ideal time to control yellow nutsedge. At this time yellow nutsedge is young, actively growing, and most susceptible to herbicide controls.

As summer arrives, the nutsedge becomes more mature and begins to form seedheads. Eradication can still be reached, but is more difficult than during the Spring.

With small populations of nutsedge, manual removal from your lawn can be the best method of control (just be sure to remove the nutlet as well). For large infestations - you can use a herbicide containing the active ingredient Halosulfuron.

We carry Halosulfuron in the trade name Pro Sedge. Use rate is .9 grams (.03 oz) per 1,000 sq ft.