If you’ve ever spotted tall, yellow-green shoots standing out against your neatly trimmed grass, chances are you’ve encountered nutsedge. Also known as “nutgrass,” nutsedge is a persistent weed that thrives in lawns across Indiana. Despite its grass-like appearance, it is not a true grass but a member of the sedge family. Homeowners often struggle with this weed because of its fast growth, underground tubers (nutlets), and ability to outcompete healthy grass.
Learning how to get rid of nutsedge is essential if you want to maintain a lush, uniform lawn. Left unchecked, nutsedge spreads aggressively and becomes harder to eliminate over time.
What Is Nutsedge and Why It’s Problematic?
Nutsedge is a warm-season perennial weed that thrives in moist, compacted soils. It grows faster than most turfgrasses, making it stand out in lawns within just a few days after mowing. Its most problematic feature is the nutlet, a small underground tuber that stores energy and helps the plant regenerate even after being cut or pulled.
In Indiana, the hot summers and occasional heavy rains create the perfect environment for nutsedge. Once it establishes, it can quickly spread through underground rhizomes and tubers, taking over large patches of grass.
Identifying Nutsedge vs. Regular Grass
Before you can control nutsedge, you need to be sure you’ve identified it correctly. Many homeowners mistake it for regular grass. Here’s how to tell the difference:
- Leaf Texture: Nutsedge leaves are thicker and shinier than turfgrass.
- Growth Habit: It grows upright and faster than lawn grasses, making it taller within days of mowing.
- Stems: Unlike round grass stems, nutsedge has triangular stems. Roll one between your fingers you’ll feel the three edges.
- Seedheads: Yellow nutsedge produces yellowish seedheads, while purple nutsedge develops darker seed clusters.
Spotting these signs early helps you take the right steps toward control.
Steps to Remove Nutsedge
- Pulling by Hand
For small infestations, hand-pulling is effective but timing is everything. Pull nutsedge when the soil is moist, making sure to remove the entire plant along with its tubers. If you only break the stem, the nutlet underground will simply regrow. Consistent hand removal over time can help reduce small patches.
- Spot Treatments and Chemical Control
When nutsedge spreads beyond a few plants, chemical treatments may be necessary. Selective herbicides designed for nutsedge (containing halosulfuron or sulfentrazone) target the weed without harming most lawn grasses. For best results:
- Apply during active growth (usually late spring through summer in Indiana).
- Treat on a calm day to prevent drift.
- Reapply as directed, since nutsedge often requires multiple treatments.
Avoid using non-selective herbicides like glyphosate on your lawn, as these kill desirable grass along with the nutsedge.
Preventing Future Growth
The best defense against nutsedge is a healthy, well-maintained lawn. Here are strategies to stop it from coming back:
Lawn Care Practices That Deter Nutsedge
- Proper Mowing: Keep your grass at the recommended height for its type. Taller, dense turf shades the soil and makes it harder for nutsedge to thrive.
- Adequate Watering: Nutsedge loves wet soil. Avoid overwatering and fix drainage issues to discourage growth.
- Fertilization: A well-fed lawn grows thicker and naturally competes against weeds.
Mulching and Soil Correction
In garden beds, applying mulch reduces sunlight exposure and suppresses nutsedge seedlings. For lawns, correcting soil compaction through aeration and improving drainage helps reduce the moist conditions nutsedge prefers. If your soil consistently favors nutsedge, testing and amending it may provide long-term relief.
When to Call for Help
Sometimes nutsedge becomes too aggressive for homeowners to handle alone. If your lawn is heavily infested, DIY methods may not be enough.
Large-Scale Infestations
When nutsedge has overtaken large areas, manual pulling and spot-treating can feel endless. Professional weed control specialists use advanced products and equipment to target the weed more effectively.
Long-Term Control Plans
A lawn care service can not only eliminate existing nutsedge but also implement preventative strategies to stop it from returning. From customized fertilization schedules to soil corrections, professional help ensures lasting results.
Tired of nutsedge invading your yard? C&L Lawn Care offers effective weed control services in Indiana to restore and protect your lawn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is nutsedge a perennial weed?
Yes. Nutsedge is a perennial weed, meaning it comes back year after year. Its underground nutlets can survive through the winter and sprout again in spring, making it especially difficult to eradicate.
Will mowing more often help control it?
Unfortunately, no. Mowing more frequently does not control nutsedge. In fact, since it grows faster than regular grass, it often becomes even more noticeable after mowing. The only way to control nutsedge is by removing it completely or using selective herbicides.
Take Back Your Lawn from Nutsedge
Learning how to get rid of nutsedge in Indiana takes patience and the right strategy. From hand-pulling small patches to using selective herbicides and improving lawn care practices, every step matters in the fight against this stubborn weed. Preventative maintenance, proper watering, and soil correction can make your lawn less inviting to nutsedge in the long run.
If the problem feels overwhelming, calling in professionals like C & L Lawn Care can save you time, money, and frustration. With expert help, you can reclaim your yard and enjoy the healthy, green lawn you’ve always wanted.
