The Tricky Weed That Multiplies Overnight
Nutsedge! This nasty little weed can sneak up out of nowhere and infest your Midlothian or Prosper lawn or landscape—like it did in this one!
Why Nutsedge is So Problematic
When you try to pull it, it seems to come back and multiply overnight. You may try something like Roundup, which kills the plant, but once again it pops up and multiplies overnight.
What makes nutsedge different from other weeds:
- Grows from underground tubers (nutlets), not just seeds
- Each plant can produce dozens of new tubers
- Spreads rapidly through lawns and flowerbeds
- Grows faster than grass, standing above turf
- Resistant to most common herbicides
The Worst Thing You Can Do: Pull It!
The most tempting thing to do is get out there and pull it—which is NOT recommended. When you pull nutsedge, you're leaving tubers (nutlets) behind that will produce numerous new nutsedge plants to take the place of the one you pulled!
Why manual removal fails:
- Underground tubers remain in soil
- One plant can have 10+ tubers attached
- Breaking the stem triggers tuber growth
- Can result in more plants than you started with
- Makes the problem exponentially worse
What Causes Nutsedge Infestations?
There is no preventing nutsedge with pre-emergent herbicides—you just have to deal with it as it comes up. However, there is a common factor that plays into nutsedge infestations: moisture.
Nutsedge thrives in wet conditions:
- Overwatering or excessive irrigation
- Low spots in the yard that don't drain well
- Irrigation system leaks or broken sprinkler heads
- Compact soil in need of aeration
- Poor drainage in landscape beds
- Areas near downspouts or water features
Addressing drainage and moisture issues in your North Texas lawn can reduce future nutsedge problems significantly.
The Right Way to Control Nutsedge
The best option is to use a selective herbicide to spray nutsedge as it comes up. Not all herbicides are effective against nutsedge—you have to find one that is specifically labeled for use on nutsedge.
Effective nutsedge herbicides:
- Certainty - Our top recommendation
- Sedgehammer - Highly effective option
- Image - Good for lawns and landscapes
- Dismiss - Professional-grade control
Multiple applications are typically needed, as these products kill existing plants but new ones will emerge from remaining tubers. Consistent treatment over several weeks provides the best control.
Tips for Nutsedge Management
- Identify it correctly - Nutsedge has triangular stems (sedges have edges!)
- Spray when actively growing - Spring through fall
- Treat early - Small plants are easier to control
- Be patient - Complete control takes multiple applications
- Fix drainage issues - Reduce conditions that favor nutsedge
- Don't pull - Seriously, don't do it!
Professional Nutsedge Control
At Vista Lawn and Pest, our comprehensive fertilization and weed control programs in Midlothian and Prosper include targeted nutsedge treatments as part of ongoing lawn maintenance. We use professional-grade herbicides and proven application timing to eliminate nutsedge without harming your turf.
Keep an eye out for it, and remember…don't pull it!
Watch the video below to see what nutsedge looks like and learn how to identify this troublesome weed in your North Texas lawn.
For professional nutsedge control and comprehensive weed management in Midlothian and Prosper, contact Vista Lawn and Pest.
