If you take pride in maintaining a lush, green lawn, then you know how frustrating it can be when weeds like nutsedge start to invade your turf. Nutsedge is a tough weed that can quickly take over your lawn if left unchecked. It thrives in wet and poorly drained soils, and its deep roots make it difficult to eradicate completely. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at what nutsedge is, how to identify it, and the most effective ways to control it. Whether you're a seasoned lawn care pro or a new homeowner looking to learn more about lawn weeds, this post has got you covered. So, let's dive in!
What is Nutsedge
Nutsedge is a resilient plant that thrives in wet and poorly drained soils. The ideal growing conditions for nutsedge include a temperature range of 70-90°F and a pH range of 5.0-7.5. The plant prefers a sunny location but can also grow in partial shade. Nutsedge tolerates drought conditions and can survive in areas with low rainfall. However, it requires consistent moisture to grow optimally. Nutsedge can grow in various soil types, from sandy to clay soils, but it prefers soils that are fertile and rich in organic matter.
Identification of Nutsedge
A nutsedge is a weed that looks like long blades of grass. It typically has three leaves and some flowers at the top of its stem, which can be of different colors. Yellow nutsedge grows in the middle of summer, while purple nutsedge with deep red or purple flowers grows later in the season.
Here are some identifying features of nutsedge:
- Stem: Nutsedge has a triangular stem that can be felt when rolled between your fingers.
- Height: It grows aggressively and can jump a few inches in just a few days after mowing.
- Leaves: Nutsedge has three leaves and flowers, which is uncommon in many other lawn plants, despite its grassy appearance.
- Roots: Nutsedge has deep roots called rhizomes, which sprout new plants and connect multiple sedges. The roots can reach 8-14 inches and also feature small starchy tubers called nutlets. If you see nutlets, it's definitely nutsedge.
Nutsedge Reproduction
Nutsedge is a fast-reproducing type of weed that propagates mainly through nutlets found on its rhizomes. These starchy tubers are resistant to many pre-emergent herbicides, which makes them difficult to control using common weed and feed products or economical weed control programs.
DIY Controls
Unfortunately, there are few non-chemical methods to control this weed. Suppression can be achieved by controlling the growing conditions, however.
A healthy, thriving turfgrass can outperform nutgrass with proper feeding and ecological balance.
Adopting a deep and infrequent irrigation plan can best balance soil moisture to still benefit your turfgrass without creating ideal conditions for sedge growth.
Raise turfgrass mowing heights in stress periods, especially for cool-season grasses in summer when nutsedge is most competitive.
It's important to note that trying to pull nutsedge by hand should be avoided as it causes nutlets to be released from the roots, which only acts to spread this weed in your lawn and flowerbeds. Each plant removed by hand pulling could potentially be replaced by 3-5 new plants due to nutlet germination.
Post emergent chemical control remains the most reliable solution available.
Chemical Control
Post-emergent herbicides are necessary for acceptable nutsedge control since they are perennial weeds despite the availability of pre-emergent herbicide options. Herbicide application timing is critical for effective nutsedge control. It is important to apply herbicides soon after nutsedge emergence in the spring. This application timing limits the number of rhizomes and tubers the plant can produce to further spread. Waiting until mid-summer to treat for nutsedge gives the plants time to grow more rhizomes and tubers to re-grow and survive herbicide applications. Typically, multiple herbicide applications are required for season-long nutsedge control.
When selecting a herbicide for nutsedge control, consider the following active ingredients:
pyrimisulfan (Vexis)
flazasulfuron (Katana)
halosulfuron (Sedgehammer)
sulfosulfuron (Certainty)
sulfentrazone (Dismiss, Dismiss NXT)
trifloxysulfuron (Recognition, Envoke)
These products have proven to be highly effective in controlling nutsedge growth. When used correctly, they are efficient and relatively safe. However, it is important to note that these products come with certain risks to your turf. Failure to understand and comply with label directions can result in undesirable outcomes for your lawn.
In conclusion, nutsedge is a stubborn weed that can be a headache for homeowners and gardeners. However, with the right knowledge and tools, you can control its growth and prevent it from taking over your lawn or garden. Remember to be cautious when using herbicides and always follow the label directions. If you're unsure about how to tackle nutsedge or any other weed, it's always a good idea to consult a professional lawn and garden service. With proper care and attention, you can keep your lawn and garden looking lush and beautiful all year round.
Other Names:
Nutgrass, Sedges, Globe Sedge, Yellow Nutsedge, Purple Nutsedge, Kylinga
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