If you have been maintaining a garden for a long time, then you might have noticed nutsedge weed popping up here and there.
It is a type of aggressive weed that can take over your garden if you do not control them in time. Plus, new nutsedge plants, called nutgrass, perennial sedge weed, or watergrass, can easily grow in moist areas with poor drainage.
They grow from rhizomes or nutlets, which can be present in the soil for many seasons. Moreover, many people find it difficult to identify and distinguish nutsedge from lawn grasses.
So, you might find it pretty difficult to control nutsedge. And that’s why we are here with a detailed guide about identifying yellow and purple nutsedge and getting rid of them.
Read on to know more!
What Is Nutsedge Grass?
This grass-like weed appears especially in summer lawns, where you may notice the growth of tall lime-colored weed. These stand out because of their color, triangular stems, and pronounced midrib. Moreover, the purple and yellow nutsedge grows rapidly during summer because that’s when the temperature is just right.
Why Does Nutsedge Grow?
Nutsedge generally grows in a lawn with poor drainage or waterlogging. And this is common as torrential rainfall often leads to moist conditions. The lawn sprinkler system might also overwater the garden leading to more moisture.
Moving on, these weeds can be difficult to remove if there is a large-scale infestation so it is best to grow a dense turf. When you have a lawn that is properly covered with grasses, there might be less space, water, and nutrients for the weed to grow. This may help you get rid of nutsedge completely.
Next, you will need to take care of low spots in the lawn where water tends to gather. These can be places in the rhizomes that can lead to the growth of the weed. We will recommend that you clean the ground separately if needed. Plant grasses in the area so that there is no space left for the sedges to grow.
Furthermore, yellow and purple nutsedge can grow in a yard where the drainage system is not well developed. Water could be running off and seeping through the soil leading to the growth of these perennial weeds.
To maintain healthy grass growth, it is best to install better drains. This may ensure that the water keeps moving, leading to no spaces with stagnant water. Also, if it is raining hard, then it is best to change your watering schedule and wait for the soil to dry.
How Safe Are Nutsedge Plants?
Nutsedge by itself is not a poisonous type of weed. Dogs often eat this and other grasses when they have an upset stomach, or they to enjoy the taste. It contains nothing toxic and is absolutely safe.
However, nutsedge control is necessary as they grow fast, which can then quickly infest the lawn. You might see the healthy grass type in the garden being replaced by weeds if you do not take action quickly.
Can Nutsedge Be Pulled Out By Hand?
To kill nutsedge or for weed control, it is best to avoid pulling them by hand as you will only be removing the top part present above the soil. The underground stems still remain, allowing new plants to grow back in the next season. In other words, this will only stop nutsedge growth temporarily.
Avoid pulling and ensure that you get rid of the large colonies within the summer months. Now, no specific preventive measures can be taken to remove the weed completely. Even the traditional methods of weed control may not work as they are generally meant for broadleaf weed or crabgrass.
Hence, for nutsedge control, you will need to purchase special products that are specifically designed for this variety. These options can help you at least control the growth if you apply regularly. In case it still does not help, you may have to call for professional services.
So, if you are planning to use chemicals, please make sure that you read the label instructions very carefully. There will be a lot of details provided that need to be followed to prevent nutsedge from growing back.
After application on the yellow nutsedge and the purple nutsedge, let it remain for a while. Give it some time to work, and we are sure you will see some results.
Tips To Remember
When you use a mowing device, always ensure that you are working with the highest setting. That is because short grass can encourage the growth of nutsedge. Also, if you are planning to use a soil mix, then please check it well for nutsedge tubers. Once you are sure there is nothing, only then use the mix.
Can Non-Selective Herbicide Be Used To Control Nutsedge?
It is best not to use a non-selective herbicide to get rid of nutsedge, as that can have different effects on the grass surrounding the place. When you spray this herbicide, the root system of grass can also absorb it along with the weeds. This can have detrimental effects, and you might end up killing the grass all around the nutsedge.
These areas will then need to be cleaned and seeded so that new grass can grow again, making the process very lengthy. After all, you would only want to kill the weeds and not the other plants on the lawn.
Final words
Nutsedge can grow tall but will not mix with grass because of their color. The triangular stem can also be a good indicator to spot them on the lawn.
Now, as late summer arrives and the temperature falls, nutsedge will die by themselves, but the nutlets will stay. These will survive through fall and lead to the growth of new sedges next season.
So, if you are planning to eradicate most of the weed, then it is best to use chemicals for the job. However, that may not remove all the weeds, but it will help you reduce the number of weed plants significantly.
Need professional help when it comes to lawn care services in Flower Mound TX? Contact us and get a quote now.