How to Control Nutsedge in a Lawn

Nutsedge is a perennial weed from the sedge family and is also referred to as nutgrass. The plant is native to Africa and often turns into a problem in landscapes given its aggressive growth rate and ability to spread rapidly from tubers. A single nutgrass tuber easily produces about 1,900 new plants and nearly 7,000 new tubers in a single growth year, according to the Texas Cooperative Extension. The weed thrives in wet, waterlogged ground. Established plants grow well in dry soil and are tolerant of drought. You can control nutsedge with cultural management and use of recommended herbicides.

Glyphosate
Hand hoe
Ammonium sulfate
Liquid dish soap

Instructions

- 1
  Use a hand hoe to dig 8 to 14 inches deep around small plants and remove entirely with roots. Remove newly emerging weeds as frequently as every two to three weeks during summer. Improve drainage in wet sites.
- 2
  Dry the weeds out by not watering the infested landscape areas. This strategy works on weeds growing in full sun areas and where the other plants will not be damaged by the lack of water.
- 3
  Use products containing glyphosate for chemical control of nutsedge, recommends the University of California Extension. The herbicide works best on young and actively growing weeds.
- 4
  Allow weeds to develop three to five leaves from the middle of spring to early fall. Mix glyphosate at the full rate indicated on the label.
- 5
  Add 1 tsp. of liquid dish soap to every gallon of spray. This acts as a surfactant which helps the herbicide adhere to the glossy foliage of the weed.
- 6
  Mix in 1/2 cup of ammonium sulfate to the gallon of spray. Ammonium sulfate greatly increases the efficacy of glyphosate application on nutsedges, says the Texas Cooperative Extension.
- 7
  Spray weed well and make sure you cover all foliage. Do not use herbicide if rain is expected within 24 hours of application. Glyphosate is most effective on warm and sunny days.
- 8
  Reapply herbicide as new plants emerge until all weeds are dead.

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