If you’re trying to have the best-looking property on the block, then you don’t need weeds standing in your way. Unfortunately, some weeds are tougher to control than others, and nutsedge is one of the most stubborn.

Also known as "nutgrass," nutsedge is a fast-spreading, persistent weed that can take over North Texas lawns if left untreated. It grows rapidly, thrives in moist conditions, and is resistant to many standard weed control treatments.

If you feel like you’re fighting a never-ending battle against nutsedge, you’re not alone. Below, we’ll cover how to identify nutsedge, understand why it’s in your yard, and explore the best methods to get rid of it for good.

How to Identify Nutsedge in Your North Texas Lawn

The first step to effective nutsedge control is proper identification. Many homeowners mistake nutsedge for regular grass, but this invasive weed belongs to the sedge family, not the grass family.

Key Traits of Nutsedge:

Bright green color (often lighter than lawn grass)
Grows 5 times faster than surrounding grass, creating tall, uneven patches
Triangular stems (roll it between your fingers to feel the edges)
Grows in clumps, rather than spreading evenly like turfgrass
Prefers moist, poorly drained areas but can grow in dry conditions, too

Nutsedge vs. Other Lookalike Weeds

Many homeowners confuse nutsedge with Green Kyllinga, another invasive weed. The main difference is that Green Kyllinga has a finer leaf texture and grows shorter than nutsedge. Identifying the right weed is critical because each requires a different control method.

How Does Nutsedge Spread?

One of the biggest challenges with nutsedge is how quickly and aggressively it spreads. This weed reproduces underground via rhizomes and tubers (nutlets), which makes it much harder to eliminate than regular weeds.

How Nutsedge Spreads in Lawns:

Rhizomes (Underground Stems): These allow nutsedge to spread laterally across your lawn.
Tubers (Nutlets): One plant can produce hundreds of tubers, which can stay dormant in soil for years before sprouting.
Seeds: Though less common, nutsedge can also spread through seed production, making it even more persistent.

Because of this complex root system, simply pulling nutsedge out by hand won’t eliminate it, the underground tubers will continue sprouting.

Why Do You Have Nutsedge in Your Lawn?

Whenever we discuss nutsedge control with homeowners, we always start with the root cause: Why is nutsedge growing in your yard in the first place?

Nutsedge thrives in wet, poorly drained areas, so excessive moisture is often the main reason it appears.

Common Causes of Nutsedge Growth:

Overwatering or poor drainage (irrigation putting out too much water, low spots in the yard, or dripping hoses)
Compacted soil that holds moisture
Hot weather, which accelerates growth (nutsedge grows most actively in summer)

How to Prevent Nutsedge Growth:

Improve drainage – Fix irrigation issues, fill low spots, or aerate compacted soil.
Water deeply but infrequently – Watering too often can make your lawn more susceptible to nutsedge.
Maintain thick, healthy grass – A strong lawn crowds out weeds and makes it harder for nutsedge to establish.

While prevention can reduce nutsedge outbreaks, most homeowners will still need targeted treatment to keep it under control.

How to Get Rid of Nutsedge: Best Treatment Methods

Why Regular Weed Killers Don’t Work on Nutsedge

Standard weed control products aren’t effective against nutsedge because this weed isn’t actually a grass, it’s a sedge, which requires specialty herbicides to eliminate.

Applying Nutsedge-Specific Herbicides

At Grassperson, we use specialty herbicides designed to target nutsedge without harming your lawn.

Post-emergent herbicides – Used to kill actively growing nutsedge (applied mid-spring through summer).
Multiple applications are necessary – Nutsedge is tough and requires repeat treatments for long-term control.
Best applied when nutsedge is young – Treating early reduces spread and improves effectiveness.

Since nutsedge continues to return year after year, ongoing professional lawn care treatments are the most effective way to keep it in check.

Setting Realistic Expectations for Nutsedge Control

At Grassperson, we include nutsedge control in all of our lawn care programs. However, since nutsedge is such a persistent weed, it’s important to set realistic expectations about treatment.

What to Expect from a Nutsedge Control Program:

New clients with severe nutsedge infestations may require additional treatments. If a lawn is overrun with nutsedge, a blanket application (rather than spot treatments) may be necessary, which can be an extra cost.
Some homeowners choose to re-sod. In extreme cases, where nutsedge has completely taken over, it may be faster and more effective to replace the turf and start fresh.
We focus on both treatment & prevention. If resodding is necessary, we’ll also implement preventative strategies to reduce future nutsedge problems.

Our goal is to help you take back your lawn, whether through repeated weed control applications or, in extreme cases, re-sodding and starting fresh.

Why Work with a Professional for Nutsedge Control?

Nutsedge is one of the toughest weeds to control, and DIY treatments often don’t work because:

Misidentification is common – Many homeowners mistake nutsedge for regular grass or other weeds, leading to ineffective treatments.
Not all herbicides work on nutsedge – Using the wrong product is a waste of time and money.
Improper application can make the problem worse – If not treated correctly, nutsedge can regrow even stronger.

At Grassperson, our experts properly identify, treat, and prevent nutsedge infestations, so you don’t have to fight this frustrating weed alone.

Get Rid of Nutsedge for Good with Grassperson

Don’t let nutsedge take over your lawn! Grassperson’s expert weed control services help homeowners in North Texas identify, treat, and prevent nutsedge for a healthier, weed-free lawn.

We provide services in Flower Mound, Highland Village, Lewisville, and many other North Texas areas. Get a Free Quote Now!