What Nutsedge looks like
Thin, upright stems that grow taller and faster than surrounding grass with a distinct yellowish-green color. Comes in yellow and purple varieties — both are treated the same way.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
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Best approach: Herbicide spray
DO NOT pull nutsedge — pulling stimulates underground tubers to produce more plants, making the problem worse. Always use a sedge-specific herbicide like SedgeHammer.
Best products for Nutsedge
Formulated to kill nutsedge without wiping out your grass — see the timing and chemistry below.
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SedgeHammer Plus Turf Herbicide (13.5g)
✓ Kills nutsedgeBeginner friendlyThe go-to nutsedge herbicide - targets sedges specifically without harming your lawn grass, and the pre-mixed surfactant means nothing extra to buy.
Image Kills Nutsedge Concentrate (24 oz)
Beginner friendlyNutsedge and dollarweed on warm-season lawns — attacks tubers underground for lasting control
Blindside Herbicide WDG (8 oz)
Dual broadleaf + sedge control in one product — dollarweed, nutsedge, doveweed, virginia buttonweed
How much do you need?
Herbicide is dosed by lawn size. Pick your yard size for a quick estimate:
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When to treat Nutsedge
Treat in late spring through summer while the sedge is actively growing — dormant plants shrug off herbicide.
Chemical treatment
Apply a sedge-specific herbicide (halosulfuron/SedgeHammer or sulfosulfuron) when plants are actively growing in late spring through summer. Multiple applications over the season are usually needed.
Non-chemical management
Improve drainage and reduce irrigation. Hand-pulling is ineffective due to underground tubers; rely on herbicides.
How to stop Nutsedge coming back
Avoid waterlogged conditions — nutsedge thrives in wet soils. Improve drainage and don't overwater.
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What does Nutsedge look like?
Thin, upright stems that grow taller and faster than surrounding grass with a distinct yellowish-green color. Comes in yellow and purple varieties — both are treated the same way.
What's the best way to kill Nutsedge?
Herbicide spray. DO NOT pull nutsedge — pulling stimulates underground tubers to produce more plants, making the problem worse. Always use a sedge-specific herbicide like SedgeHammer.
Is Nutsedge hard to get rid of?
Nutsedge is rated hard to control. It usually requires multiple applications and a consistent plan.
How do I stop Nutsedge coming back?
Avoid waterlogged conditions — nutsedge thrives in wet soils. Improve drainage and don't overwater.
Other sedge weeds
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