If you’re someone who cares about your lawn, then you might be incredibly frustrated when weeds stand in your way of amazing results.
Unfortunately, some weeds are more difficult than others. Of the tough-to-control weeds, nutsedge (also sometimes called “nutgrass”) is high on the list.
In this article we’ll talk about how to get rid of nutsedge so that you can get back to enjoying your lawn to the fullest.
Nutsedge is a perennial sedge weed that tends to grow in moist areas of the lawn. It’s particularly troublesome due to its persistent nature. In warm conditions, such as here in Memphis, TN, it can grow quite rapidly.
Nutsedge spreads via rhizomes and/or “tubers” underground, which are sometimes referred to as “nutlets,” hence its name.
This weed is best identified by its bright green color and the fact that it grows as much as five times faster than the healthy grass in your lawn. If all of your turf is level and you’ve got some bright green grass-like weeds sticking out, there’s a good chance that it’s nutsedge.
We do find that homeowners sometimes misidentify another weedy sedge, kyllinga, as being nutsedge. Kyllinga tends to grow in dense mats and has a finer leaf texture. It’s also shorter growing than other sedges.
Whenever homeowners are plagued with a certain type of weed, it makes sense to consider why they’re struggling with it in the first place. In the case of nutsedge, since it does thrive in areas of the lawn that are wet, identifying locations of excessive moisture is an important first step.
If you have a dripping hose in your lawn or even a leaky irrigation system, you could inadvertently be creating conditions that are prone to nutsedge growth.
Identifying solvable moisture issues is important, particularly for preventing future nutsedge. Of course, you’ll also need to kill nutsedge that you have now and get your lawn back on track. Plus, it’s important to remember that not all nutsedge is preventable. Even if you take steps to discourage nutsedge growth, this pesky weed may still persist.
In terms of how to get rid of nutsedge, you will need to implement specialty post-emergent control products. These products are specifically targeted to nutsedge and won’t damage the rest of your grass.
Due to its hardiness and the fact that it grows rapidly, nutsedge will require repeated controls to knockback. And even when you successfully achieve this in one season, it may return.
This is why it’s important that nutsedge control is part of an ongoing and comprehensive weed control program. You simply can’t let your guard down with a persistent weed like nutsedge.
We understand what a major frustration weeds like nutsedge can be. That’s why it’s so important that you choose a company who can implement effective control solutions not only for nutsedge, but all of the weeds your lawn may be dealing with.
While there are plenty of people who might assume that a singular approach to weed control (that being, using the same product to deal with everything) will do the trick, the fact is, it takes a customized effort to be most effective.
The truth is, there are so many different types of weeds that we deal with in this region. That’s why you need to be working with a lawn service that can address them all. This includes using specialty products when needed.
On top of weed control products, you also want a lawn care program that will promote a thick and healthy lawn. This will make a huge difference in beginning to naturally choke out weeds. Since many weeds thrive in conditions where healthy turf does not (such as nutsedge and moist conditions), getting your lawn in good shape is a vital step.
At the end of the day, your choice in lawn care companies will make a huge difference in your success against weeds. Although we understand that nutsedge might be driving you nuts, you can get it under control and get back to enjoying your lawn to the fullest.
Ready to win the battle against pesky lawn weeds like nutsedge? Talk to a lawn care expert, choose from 3 program options, and become the master of your lawn.
Image Sources: Nutsedge 1, Nutsedge 2, Kyllinga
