How to Kill Nut Sedge

Nut sedge, or nut grass, grows from underground tubers that are difficult to control. While most herbicides kill the leaves, not many kill the tubers, so the plant returns. Two types of nut sedge invade lawns: yellow and purple, with purple being harder to control. Total eradication of nut sedge from your lawn is nearly impossible because no chemical is available to control mature plants. A diligent treatment program can greatly reduce the numbers and slow the invasion of this noxious weed.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Sprayer
• Herbicides
• Protective clothing

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Pull up small plants with fewer than six leaves, using your hand. These have not yet formed tubers and can be eradicated by hand-weeding. Use the shovel to dig up mature plants, removing as many tubers as possible.

   • 2

     Apply a pre-emergent herbicide containing dichlobenil in early spring before leaves appear. Spray carefully around other ornamentals, as this chemical may cause damage.

   • 3

     Apply a selective post-emergent herbicide containing halosulfuron after leaves have emerged. This chemical will not harm most turf grasses, but read label directions carefully before applying.