Nutsedge Control in Lawns: Identifying Types and Effective Herbicides

Q: Our community struggles with nutsedge in lawns. Our landscaper tried Basagran with unimpressive results and won't guarantee control. A nursery suggested Image. What's your take?

Nutsedge (nutgrass) is among the toughest weeds, but persistence pays off. First, identify which type you have:

• Yellow nutsedge: Folded, needle-like leaf tips.
• Purple nutsedge: Wider leaves tapering gradually to a point.

Herbicide options:

• Bentazon (Basagran) controls only yellow nutsedge.
• Imazaquin (click for sources) controls both types in bermudagrass, centipedegrass, St. Augustine, and zoysiagrass—not in fescue. Spot-spray and water in.
• Halosulfuron (click for sources) controls both but is rarely found in retail stores. Irrigate after application.
• Sulfentrazone (click for sources) is newer and controls both. Research shows best results with split applications 30 days apart.