Nutgrass, also known as nutsedge, is a common problem in many Australian gardens and lawns. This persistent weed is a member of the sedge family recognised by its triangular-shaped stems, long, narrow leaves, and small, nut-like tubers that keep the plant firmly rooted in the soil. While it may look like grass, nutgrass is a tenacious weed that can be challenging to control.
Use this advice from All Year Round Turf to discover the best methods for controlling and preventing this weed from taking over your garden or lawn.
How to Recognise Nut Grass
The plant typically grows between 20 cm and 50 cm high and spreads through a network of underground tubers that can grow up to 250 cm long. The weed’s upright flowering stems are smooth with a three-angled cross-section. Narrow leaves between 7 cm and 20 cm sprout from a tuft at the base of the plant.
Another easily recognisable feature of nut grass is the seed heads supporting several purplish-brown or reddish-brown flower spikelets. It can be hard to miss nut grass invading your lawn as it will stand quite a bit higher than the rest of your grass and is usually a few shades lighter.
How to Control Nut Grass
Nut grass can lay dormant for long periods, quickly springing into action after cultivating a new garden bed or control other weeds that effectively remove competition.
The creeping nature of nut grass tubers gives it the advantage of being able to stealthily invade your lawn from a neighbour’s yard or the footpath. Hand-pulling nut grass is not recommended unless you spot it very early on. The long tubers keep the plant firmly rooted to the soil and make it tough to pull out.
The fast-growing weed will grow back if you leave any trace of roots or bulbs behind. A spade is a much better option for manual removal, but you need to get in before the weed can spread. Ensure you remove all roots and bulbs, so the plant cannot re-establish itself.
A selective herbicide is your best option for getting rid of a major nut grass outbreak. Use a brand that contains the common active ingredient, halosulfuron-methyl. The prices may seem expensive, but you only need to apply these herbicides in small quantities. Some outbreaks of nut grass may require repeated applications to completely eradicate the weed.
Would you like to know more about keeping your lawn looking great all year? Check out our website for handy lawn care advice and tips or call for professional advice.
