Often during a warm, damp summer season, we'll begin to receive calls about a patch of grass or a weed that is off-color and growing faster than the rest of the lawn. Upon examination, in most cases this weird grass turns out to be Nutsedge. Contrary to its appearance, Nutsedge is not a weed and can quickly spread throughout your lawn without treatment. That's why it's important to keep these tips in mind when ridding your lawn of this lawncare nightmare.

What is Nutsedge?

Often confused with grass, or a broadleaf weed, Nutsedge is a perennial plant that is classified as a sedge. A sedge is a "grass like" plant that features similar characteristics as turf. Nutsedge features a triangle-shaped stem, with "grass-like" leaves, and spikelets of seed when it reaches adult status.

Nutsedge thrives in a variety of conditions, but loves humid and damp weather. During these conditions (and without proper precautions), turf is often stressed, allowing nutsedge to flourish. It multiplies quickly through the production of rhizomes (underground stems from which plants can sprout) and tubers (which store food and produce new plants). These reproductive "nutlets" are what give the plant its name. 

Common Mistakes When Dealing With Nutsedge

The common mistake made with nutsedge is treating it like any other weed. Because nutsedge has a complex series of underground stems and tubers, pulling the plant often causes the steam to break-away from the nutlets, which leads to reproduction of the plant. You should only pull nutsedge when it first appears, when the plant is young. Additionally, Nutsedge cannot be controlled with most common weed control products, proving it to be a nightmare to get rid of.

The Only Way To Get Rid Of Nutsedge

So if you can't pull it, and it doesn't respond to weed killer; what do you do? The answer is a specialty product called "Manage" or "Dismiss." This specialty product safely removes nutsedge from your lawn, without harming the turf. Unfortunately, these products are hard to come by for most homeowners, and hiring a certified lawn care professional may be your best option.
 

Nutsedge Not Your Only Problem? Learn About More Common Lawn Issues With Our Free Guide!

Nutsedge may not be your only problem in your lawn as we move through these summer months. Keeping the individual problems at bay can be a full time job! Learn how to spot dangerous lawn care diseases that are common in Cleveland and Columbus, and learn how to get rid of them before your entire lawn suffers! Download our FREE COMMON OHIO LAWN DISEASE GUIDE absolutely free by clicking on the the link below! 

Shaun Kanary has been a part of the Green Industry for the past 15 years. As the Director of Marketing for Weed Pro Lawn Care, a Cleveland and Columbus Lawn Care Service Provider, Shaun is a regular contributor to the Weed Pro Blog, and other industry magazine and blogs.  Shaun on Google+     Shaun on LinkedIn     Shaun on Twitter