Nutsedge in Grapevine Lawns

Nutsedge in Grapevine lawns is identifiable by its yellow-green grassy leaves. If left unchecked, it will develop a yellow or purple spiky head. Nut sedge is among the toughest weeds to control because grows from small tubers, or nutlets. These nutlets form on roots that are between eight and 14 inches below the soils surface. Accordingly, even if you pull out sedge by the roots, you will leave nutlets behind to begin the growing process all over again.

It’s critical to know that it’s not a grass or broad-leafed weed, it’s a sedge. Sedge weeds come in many varieties, and determining which one is invading your lawn is important in copntrolling the infestation.

Not only does it look like grass, but nut sedge resists traditional broadleaf herbicides. In hot weather, it grows faster than grass. It muscles in on your lawn, taking over and creating chaos.

If you live in north Texas, then your lawn is prone to nutsedge weed.

The most common type in north Texas is Yellow nut sedge. Sometimes called nut grass or nut sedge, this perennial weed loves water, so it seeks out the most poorly drained area of your lawn and takes root. When the weather turns hot, nut sedge grows faster than your grass, eventually can eventually overtake even the healthiest of lawns.

I have Nutsedge – What can I do?

Setting your lawn mower blades to a higher setting—one of the two highest points, can help keep nutsedge from taking root. Taller grass makes for a healthier lawn and allows your grass to crowd out sedge before it gets started. Mowing short encourages nut sedge. Because it’s so attracted to wet ground, over watering also encourages nut sedge growth. You can further encourage grass growth through fertilizing. Often, these cultural changes are enough to bring a sedge weed problem under control.

However, if the weed has taken root and established itself and become too widespread for you to handle with those treatments, you’ll need to call a lawn professional who can apply the appropriate herbicides that are specifically designed for sedge weed control. Keep in mind that not every commercially available weed-control product will be active against sedge weeds. That’s why severe cases require professional help.

If your north Texas lawn is suffering from nut sedge invaders and you keep watching in frustration as your efforts to control it fail, and it gradually overtakes your lawn, call your lawn care professional.