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5 Simple Steps on How to Get Rid of Nutsedge

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If you’re searching for basic ways on how to get rid of nutsedge, look no further! This article focuses on the two nutsedge removal options. And if this is your first time to deal with this kind of weed, these suggestions are basic.

Nutsedge is often mistaken as grass rather than weed that should be removed immediately. Also known as nut grass, this weed is less easy to get rid of but can be prevented. It appears similar to ordinary grass with a blend of bladed yellow and green leaves and a purple or yellow spiky head.

​The Problems of Nutsedge

What makes it more difficult than other weeds is the fact that tubers or nutlets under the soil maintain their life for years. It is not a typical mowing of lawn but root removal is required.

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Another problem of nutsedge is its ability to easily absorb moist. This grass-like weed drains your soil fast, which can affect the growth of your garden or home plants. It gets most of the water and that’s not good.

Furthermore, nutsedge grows faster than most grass, such as turfgrass and other broadleaf weeds. It can spread very quickly outgrowing other plants. That’s why finding out how to get rid of nutsedge is a great initiative.

How to Get Rid of Nutsedge

There are two primary ways on how to get rid of nutsedge. These are the use of chemicals, particularly herbicides, and manual removal. Applying any weed killer is not enough to kill this weed.

It must be a very effective solution. However, it is easier to remove if it hasn’t yet sprouted but that definitely requires thorough inspection.

Step 1: Inspect

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The best season to inspect soil for nutsedge is when the weather is dry and warm. The full appearance of the sun can help spot grass-like weeds as their natural color emerge. And since nutsedge has a little yellow hue, it is a bit easier to notice them.

This kind of weed usually grows in spring. Before the summer starts, it is ideal to begin scouting for sprouts. Plus, this grows more easily in warmer temperature. It would be harder to see them during the beginning of spring or fall.

Step 2: Determine How To Deal With The Problem

So you have two options on how to deal with nutsedge. But your choice isn’t purely based on what is easier or practical for you. You have to solve this problem by determining how big it is.

Is the affected area only a small portion of the lawn that pulling is enough? Or something uncontrollable that needs some chemical interruption?

Step 3: Prepare Tools

If some herbicides are required, choose a good brand. How to get rid of nutsedge works best if both money and time are worth consumed for. For a weed like this, a herbicide with surfactant is the best option.

Make sure that you read the label and only choose an item that is intended for nutsedge, either yellow or purple, or both.

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For manual removal, you need the basic tools. These include garden gloves, shears and wheelbarrow. A match or lighter and gasoline are optional, but drying up can completely kill the weed and decay eventually.

Step 4: Remove Nutsedge

Be sure to read and follow the instructions as suggested on the herbicide product you have before starting the removal process. It is very important to know the amount of chemicals to use, the dos to apply and don’ts to ensure that the only weeds you want to remove are taken care of.

As for the pulling of sprouts, double check your work. As already mentioned, the tubers and roots of the weed must be completely detach from the soil.

You may also need to mow your lawn. If you do this, cut high

Step 5: Apply Preventive Measures

After successfully removing all the nutsedge, don’t just sit back and relax throughout the next weeks. You still have to watch out for a new growth.

But this shouldn’t happen again if you have a good maintenance. Therefore, keep the soil free from infestation, mow regularly, inspect occasionally and remove roots or unwanted sprouts before they grow.


Conclusion

The similar appearance of nutsdge to ordinary grass shouldn’t be an excuse to let them overgrow in your lawn or garden. Like pests and diseases, this must be prevented. Keep in mind the tips on how to get rid of nutsedge discussed here.

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Recommended Products

1. Image Herbicide Consumer Concentrate for Nutsedge (24 fl oz)

2. Bonide Concentrate Sedge Ender Weed Killer (069 – 16 Oz)

3. Gowan Usa SedgeHammer (51516 – 13.5g)