How To Keep Nutgrass From Driving You Nuts

Quick Facts

• Nutgrass is found in at least 92 countries, including the United States.
• It is present in the Southeast, parts of New England, and the West Coast, as well as Hawaii and Puerto Rico.
• It grows in all soil types and can survive very high temperatures.
• Underground stem growth can reach three feet in one year.
• Nutgrass can be controlled with Bayer Advanced™ All-In-One Weed Killer for Lawns Concentrate (product discontinued) and Bayer Advanced™

Problem/Diagnosis

Nutgrass, although commonly found in the lawn, is not a true grass. It is actually a rigid, perennial herb with a deep and extensive root system of tubers and bulbs. It thrives in moist areas, where drainage is poor, irrigation is too frequent, or sprinklers are leaky. And once they become established, they can tolerate drought, making it particularly tough lately for those lawns in drought-affected areas. Nutgrass or nutsedge is also more prevalent in hot conditions, so summer months are sure to compound the problem.

The real trouble with nutgrass is that hand weeding is a losing battle. While you think your lawn might be under control, it is underground where most of the aggressive growth takes place. Even after the weed has been pulled out of the ground, small tubers or nuts below the surface will multiply and create new sprouts.

This undesired plant is obviously difficult to control once established. So, it is best to have zero tolerance and to control the weed when young.

Nutgrass can remove nutrients and moisture from the soil, leaving it difficult for other plants to survive. The weed can penetrate through sidewalks, asphalt and crops.

Solution

Fixing lawn drainage problems is key. Proper mowing, watering and fertilizing is also important because a healthy lawn helps keep out weeds.

You can kill nutgrass and 200 other types of weeds by using Bayer Advanced™ All-In-One Weed Killer for Lawns Concentrate (product discontinued) or Bayer Advanced™ (with money-saving SmartTrack® that has a red marker to show you where you just sprayed).

Do not use on St. Augustinegrass (including Floratam), Bahiagrass, Bentgrass, Carpetgrass, Centipede or Dichondra.

Always read and follow label instructions.