Nutsedge is a tough perennial summer weed commonly found in landscapes, lawns, and gardens.
Also known as nutgrass, this weed can even thrive in waterlogged soil, poorly drained lawns, or where irrigation is too frequent. Nutsedge is a tough weed to control.
Firstly, they produce the illusion of dying in the winter, but it does not. This is because nutsedge has an aggressive root tubers system that remains beneath the soil surface even if it has no leaf above.
In addition, every spring bears up to 18 tubers that remain viable to sprout the following season.
Secondly, this weed resists most herbicides that control broad-leaf and grassy weeds, making it hard to eradicate. Apart from that, nutsedges usually grow quicker than grass.
Therefore, the best approach to manage this weed is by preventing its establishment in the first place.
But if they have established in your lawn, adequate time herbicide application can diminish their population. So let’s look at some of the best nutsedge killers to help you deal with this invader in your lawn.
Also Read: Lawn Weeds: How to Control Them in Your Garden
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Certainty Turf Herbicide | • Excellent Sedge & Green Kyllinga Control • Many additional broadleaf weeds and annual grasses controlled • It is composed of the active ingredient Sulfosulfuron | |
 | Tenacity Turf Herbicide | • Active Ingredient: Mesotrione 40% • When applied as a pre-emergent, weeds absorb Tenacity during emergence from the soil • Tenacity is a systemic pre-emergence and post-emergence | |
 | Sedgehammer + Herbicide | • The herbicide won’t destroy any turfgrass • It can control tubers and leaves • You can safely use it on ornamental plants, trees, and shrubs | |
 | Sledgehammer + Turf Herbicide 13.5 Grams | • It attacks the specified weed without harming other desirable plants in a lawn • It contains a surfactant • Each gallon can cover about 1,000 square feet | |
 | Green Gobbler 20% Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer | • It is OMRI-certified for organic use • It’s biodegradable and will neutralize after a rainfall • It kills weeds within a few hours | |
 | Bonide 060 Sedge Ender Crabgrass & Nutsedge Killer | • It can be used for pre-and post-emergent control • It works immediately on contact • It turns rainproof once it dries |
Top 6 Best Nutsedge Killers
Note that nutsedge is neither a broad-leaf weed nor a grass. Instead, it comes under the ‘sedge,’ featuring a triangular stem and producing seeds. But they propagate via tubers.
If you want to control nutsedge, choose a specific herbicide labeled to eradicate the weed without damaging the surrounding grass in the lawn. Read the labels carefully before purchasing.
Below are the best herbicides to deal with this tough perennial weed. Keep reading!
1. Certainty Turf Herbicide
The first in our list is a pro-grade selective sedge killer from Certainty, formulated to control tough nutsedges in lawns, parks, and fairways. Certainty Turf Herbicide is suitable to use for both commercial and residential turfs. It is composed of the active ingredient Sulfosulfuron, which gets absorbed via roots and leaves.
After absorption, it spreads throughout the entire plant and begins to hinder cell division. Combined with a non-ionic surfactant, this herbicide effectively controls yellow and purple nutsedges through spot treatments or broadcast applications. Moreover, you will like to see how easy and flexible it is to use.
So the Certainty Turf Herbicide is overall a complete package. It offers you application flexibility, turf safety, and wide weed control.
Pros and Cons of Certainty Turf Herbicide
Pros:
- It is effective for sedges, broad leaves, and kyllinga
- The herbicide can be used for spot treatments and broadcast applications
- It is perfect for commercial and residential turf
- This herbicide is easy and safe to use
- It’s the best option for most warm-season grasses.
Cons:
- It might not work on more common thistle plants and broad-leaf weeds.
2. Tenacity Turf Herbicide
Syngenta brings up this selective herbicide for pre-emergent and post-emergent applications. During pre-emergent application, nutsedges absorb this herbicide while emerging from the soil.
Besides nutgrass, it can be used to control many other broad-leafs and grassy weeds, including Carpetweed, Barnyardgrass, Clover, Chickweed, Crabgrass, Foxtail, Dandelion, Yellow Nutsedge, and others.
However, you should apply this herbicide on wet soil for the most effective result. In case the soil is dry, apply this Tenacity turf herbicide while irrigating the land. On the other hand, if you use the herbicide as a post-emergent, the nutgrass absorbs it through contact.
The best part is that the Syngenta Tenacity Turf herbicide will kill nutsedges selectively without killing the grass. Its pre-emergent application will kill the weed and won’t damage the grass even when applied as post-emergent.
The Tenacity Turf herbicide has 40% Mesotrione. This active ingredient is based on a naturally occurring compound produced by bottlebrush plants.
Moreover, it hinders photosynthesis in particular plant species. You may need to carry out repeated applications for optimal management, which can take up to three weeks for the entire eradication.
Apart from the roots, the plants can absorb herbicide through leaves and shoots.
Well, this Tenacity Turf herbicide has a shelf life of 5 to 8 years from the manufacturing date if properly stored.
Pros and Cons of Tenacity Turf Herbicide
Pros:
- It is a selective pre- and post-emergent nutsedge killer
- This herbicide will not kill grasses
- It can control nearly 46 other grassy and broad-leaf weed
- It will kill the weeds up to the roots.
Cons:
- It might not work well on Bermuda grass.
3. Sedgehammer + Herbicide
Next on our list is the Sledgehammer herbicide, labeled for killing purple and yellow nutgrass. The best thing about this herbicide is that you will already get a non-ionic surfactant in it.
Apart from that, it attacks the specified weed without harming other desirable plants in a lawn. So definitely, it’s a worthy purchase!
It has the active ingredient ‘halosulfuron-methyl’ that works as a post-emergence. Thus, you can use it in commercial, industrial, and residential sites. Besides nutsedges, this herbicide will also effectively kill various other broad-leaf lawn weeds.
However, the nutgrass will start turning yellow, indicating the herbicide is working. But it can take up to two weeks to show outcomes.
Pros and Cons Sedgehammer + Herbicide
Pros:
- The herbicide won’t destroy any turfgrass
- It can control tubers and leaves
- You can safely use it on ornamental plants, trees, and shrubs
- Each gallon of finished solution covers about 1,000 sq. feet.
Cons:
- It might not be suited for the pre-emergent application. You have to use it for a few months after sod installation.
4. Sledgehammer + Turf Herbicide 13.5 Grams
Here is another selective herbicide from Sledgehammer Plus. It also contains the active ingredient ‘halosulfuron-methyl’ and a surfactant. So you don’t have to purchase a surfactant separately.
This Sledgehammer Herbicide is designed to use in landscape areas, ornamental turfgrass, and established lawns. Fascinatingly, besides residential turf, you can apply the herbicide on non-crop sites like golf courses, cemeteries, and airports.
Once applied, the herbicide absorbs in the soil and moves throughout the plant, damaging the germinating points under the soil. You will even appreciate how easy it is to use. Just mix the entire content in one gallon of water and spray on the targeted invaders thoroughly.
This Sledgehammer nutsedge herbicide precisely controls purple and yellow nutgrass and other arrogant broad-leaf weeds.
They can also suppress “kyllinga. And rest assured while using this killer that it won’t hurt turfgrasses, Bermuda grass, Augustine grass, Kentucky bluegrass, or any cool and warm season grasses.
Pros and Cons of Sledgehammer + Turf Herbicide 13.5 Grams
Pros:
- You can use it in various landscapes, including non-crop sites
- It contains a surfactant
- Each gallon can cover about 1,000 square feet
- It won’t destroy turfgrasses, cool and warm season grasses, etc.
Cons:
- It can be used only as a post-emergent killer.
5. Green Gobbler 20% Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer
This OMRI-certified weed killer can eradicate weeds within a few hours, thanks to its powerful formula. It will probably take less than 24 hours for full desiccation.
However, it is entirely organic – contains no harmful chemicals like phosphates, glyphosate, sulfates, bleach, or fluorine.
The Green Gobbler Weed Killer comprises 20% acetic acid and is nearly four times more powerful than conventional table vinegar.
It is made of ethanol distilled from corn grain. Besides nutgrass, you can use this herbicide for dealing with crabgrass, dandelions, clovers, and many more.
And what you will like the most is that you can use this Green Gobbler weed killer right out of the container. No need for additional ingredients to mix or so!
It’s safe to use anywhere, including commercial, residential, agricultural, and industrial areas. If nutsedges are troubling you in farmlands, flower beds, mulch beds, pavers, or barns, apply this killer immediately.
Pros and Cons of Green Gobbler 20% Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer
Pros:
- It is OMRI-certified for organic use
- It’s biodegradable and will neutralize after a rainfall
- The weed killer contains no cancer-causing chemicals
- It kills weeds within a few hours
- It’s effective for dandelions, crabgrass, moss, and clovers too
- You can use it almost everywhere
- It is ready to use right out of the container
- It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Cons:
- It will kill anything in the way. So ensure the spray doesn’t get on your lawn veggies or grasses.
- Avoid applying it straight on the soil where you will grow food crops, as it will kill them.
6. Bonide 060 Sedge Ender Crabgrass & Nutsedge Killer
Here we have another excellent selective nutsedge killer out in the market. Bonide 060 Sedge Killer is designed to be used as both pre-and post-emergent.
This means it can prevent new weed seedlings’ growth and destroy the existing weeds’ shoots and roots. And note that Bonide Sedge Killer will kill the targeted weeds only, not the grass.
Another unique feature is that this herbicide is rainproof. Once you spray, it will start working instantly and become rainproof within a few hours. Just give it enough time to dry completely; rainwater can’t wash it off once it dries.
This Sedge Ender can kill the stubborn yellow/purple nutsedge and other grassy weeds like goosegrass, foxtail, and crabgrass down to the roots.
Moreover, you can use it confidently on cool and warm-season grasses like ryegrass, bluegrass, carpetgrass, and Bermuda grass. The manufacturer claims one pint can cover 2,000 to 8,700 feet of area, based on the mixed rates and intended use.
Pros and Cons of Bonide 060 Sedge Ender Crabgrass & Nutsedge Killer
Pros:
- It can be used for pre-and post-emergent control
- The Sedge Ender kills the weeds, not turfgrasses
- You can safely use it on both warm and cool-season grasses
- It works immediately on contact
- You can spray the herbicide for full coverage
- It turns rainproof once it dries.
Cons:
- It can’t eradicate kyllinga
- If you spray it too much in one area, the build-up can kill turf grass.
Things to Consider When Choosing A Nutsedge Killer
You will find numerous products in the market that can make it challenging to choose the ideal one.
Eventually, you may end up purchasing a product that isn’t suitable for your specific requirements. So when looking to purchase a nutsedge killer, you should first consider a few things –
- Brand
The first thing you may consider is the brand. Many brands have been well-known for producing premium products for years. On the contrary, some brands may have just started but offer attractive deals.
Nevertheless, check whether the brand offers good customer service in case of product issues after purchasing.
- Quality
Another prime consideration is the product’s quality, which affects its durability and performance over time. Low-quality items are more likely to malfunction or break, and eventually, they affect the resale value. After all, you won’t pay much for a low-quality item.
- Cost
Next, consider the cost when selecting a suitable herbicide. The cost can vary from one item to another but note that you get what you pay for. An item with a lower price tag may last you only a short time, and you may also need to replace it, eventually costing you more in the long run.
- Reviews
Customer reviews are the best way to know if the cap fits. You get an idea of the product’s performance and how much it can stand up to its claims. Moreover, you can read articles on the brand or the product you want to purchase.
User ratings on Amazon or other online platforms will also be helpful.
How to Control Nutsedge?
You can change the way of mowing based on the turf type and latitude to control nutgrass. First, mow the lawn at a proper height and let the grass expel the nutsedge along with other weeds. Remember that cutting turf grasses very short stimulates nutsedge growth.
In case of a large infestation, you will have to apply a herbicide during the mid-summer and re-apply in late summer to destroy the roots. However, the best post-emergent killer will contain a surfactant that gets stuck to the weed’s leaves, making it more efficient.
Before choosing the herbicide, ensure it is compatible with your grass type. Otherwise, you can seriously damage your property.
FAQs
Fascinatingly, nutsedge looks like grasses, but it’s not grass. Thus, they are also referred to as grassy weeds. Well, you will find many herbicides labeled to kill nutgrass. But before purchasing any of them, ensure to check whether or not it states to harm turfgrass.
Some herbicides are designed to kill the targeted weed, while others can kill the weed and grass.
Selective herbicides typically contain the active ingredient Sulfentrazone or “Halosulfuron,” which is known to be the most effective on nutsedges.
However, some weed killers and non-selective herbicides are composed of glyphosate that will injure nutgrass and any desirable plant that comes in contact with the herbicide.
The golden hack is that sugar kills nutgrass. However, the best time to execute the process is during the spring when the weedy plant starts germinating. First, sprinkle sugar all over your lawn, then water lightly to absorb it into the soil so that the nutsedge eat it away. But it won’t affect other grasses or plants.
Conclusion
So these are some of the best selective herbicides to control aggressive nutsedges in lawns, gardens, or anywhere. First, however, check every label to see whether or not it will kill your grass.
As gardeners or homeowners, the ultimate aim is to get rid of weeds, not the grass or desirable crops on the property.
However, some are even applicable only to warm-season weeds or only cool-season weeds. So look for these features before purchasing; otherwise, you can damage your property.
