Best Management Practice for Yellow Nutsedge Control

A perennial weed that typically emerges a couple weeks after crabgrass, yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus) spreads through a network of rhizomes and tubers within the soil. Also referred to as nutgrass or watergrass, yellow nutsedge prefers low-lying wet soils with poor drainage and areas that receive frequent irrigation. Each plant can produce several hundred tubers each season, and those tubers can remain dormant in the soil for several years before they emerge as a new plant.

Identifying Yellow Nutsedge

Solutions

A vigorous, dense grass stand is the first step in effective control of most weeds, including yellow nutsedge. Yellow nutsedge thrives in wet, poorly drained soils, so turf areas with perpetually saturated soils should have drainage improved, and steps should be made to avoid over-saturation in regularly irrigated areas.

Pre-emergent herbicides will not control yellow nutsedge, and pulling it by hand is usually ineffective because yellow nutsedge tubers are not removed. Post-emergent herbicide applications should be made in late spring and early summer before the plant matures and produces additional tubers. Repeat applications over multiple growing seasons may be required to achieve effective chemical control.

For Spot Treatment

Vexis^® Herbicide Granular uses the proprietary new active ingredient pyrimisulfan to deliver exceptional control of sedge and kyllinga species, plus listed broadleaf weeds. It can be applied to wet or dry turf, and the granular formulation reduces the potential for drift or off-target application.

For Broadcast Application

Q4^® Plus Turf Herbicide for Grassy & Broadleaf Weeds uses four powerful active ingredients to provide exceptional control of grassy weeds like yellow nutsedge and crabgrass, as well as tough broadleaf weeds like clover and chickweed.