If you’ve noticed wiry, bright green shoots popping up in your lawn that seem to grow faster than everything else — you might be dealing with nutsedge. Sometimes mistaken for regular grass or weeds, nutsedge is actually a sedge, meaning it’s more closely related to lilies than turfgrass. And while it might look harmless, it can quickly take over your yard if not handled properly.
What Makes Nutsedge Different?
Unlike normal grass, nutsedge has:
- Triangular stems (roll one between your fingers — you’ll feel the edges)
- Glossy, light green leaves that stand upright
- Rapid growth, often towering above your lawn within days
- Underground nutlets — tiny tubers that store energy and allow it to regrow even after being pulled
These underground tubers are the main reason nutsedge is so stubborn. If you pull it, you’re likely leaving most of the root system — and the plant will bounce right back, sometimes stronger than before.
Why Pulling or Using Roundup Won’t Work
Many homeowners try the usual weed-fighting tricks — pulling weeds by hand or using glyphosate (Roundup) — but nutsedge doesn’t play by those rules.
- Pulling leaves the nutlets behind, which quickly sprout new growth.
- Roundup is non-selective and will kill your grass, but still may not fully eradicate nutsedge, especially if it doesn’t reach the tubers.
The result? You lose healthy grass and the nutsedge keeps coming back.
The Right Way to Get Rid of Nutsedge
Nutsedge requires a selective herbicide — one designed to target sedges without harming your turfgrass. These treatments move through the plant and down into the nutlets, breaking the cycle of regrowth. The key is persistence: multiple treatments spaced appropriately through the growing season will ensure the entire plant is taken out.
Preventing Future Outbreaks
To keep nutsedge from making another unwelcome appearance:
- Avoid overwatering — it thrives in moist, poorly drained soil.
- Mow regularly to keep it from seeding.
- Maintain a healthy, dense lawn to crowd out invaders.
Our Approach to Nutsedge Control
We use professional-grade selective herbicides that effectively eliminate nutsedge while protecting your lawn. We also schedule treatments strategically to make sure we stop both the visible plant and the underground nutlets.
Final Tip: Catch It Early
The earlier you identify nutsedge, the easier it is to control. Regular lawn checks can save you time, money, and frustration. If you suspect you’ve got nutsedge in your yard — don’t wait for it to spread.
Contact us today for an expert inspection and a treatment plan that works. Together, we’ll get your lawn back to looking its best — no weird grass allowed.