Yellow Nutsedge: Identification and Treatment
Yellow nutsedge looks like grass but grows faster and resists standard weed killers. Learn how to identify it and why professional treatment is the only reliable solution.
Weed profile
What Is Yellow Nutsedge?
Yellow nutsedge looks like grass but grows faster and lighter green. It spreads through underground tubers (nutlets) that can survive in soil for years, making it one of the hardest weeds to eliminate without professional treatment.
Identification
How to Identify Yellow Nutsedge
Light yellow-green color that grows taller than surrounding grass between mowings
Triangular stems (roll between fingers to feel the three-sided shape)
Leaves are thicker and more waxy than grass blades
Grows in clusters, often in moist or overwatered areas
Yellow-brown seed heads at maturity
Commonly Confused With
Purple Nutsedge
Purple nutsedge has darker green leaves, reddish-purple seed heads, and a more aggressive tuber network that chains together underground.
Learn moreTreatment
How to Get Rid of Yellow Nutsedge
Prevention
Reduce overwatering — nutsedge thrives in consistently wet soil
Improve drainage in low-lying areas
Maintain dense turf to compete with nutsedge emergence
Pre-emergent herbicides have limited effect on nutsedge (tubers bypass the soil barrier)
Professional Treatment
Post-emergent herbicides specifically labeled for nutsedge (like sulfentrazone or halosulfuron) are required. Standard broadleaf weed killers will not work. Multiple applications are usually needed because underground tubers continue to send up new shoots.
DIY vs pro
Why Professional Treatment Works Better
Most over-the-counter weed killers don’t contain the active ingredients needed for nutsedge. Pulling nutsedge by hand makes it worse — broken tubers send up multiple new plants. Professional-grade products and proper timing are essential.
Affected grasses
Grass Types Yellow Nutsedge Invades
Why Attaboy
Professional Yellow Nutsedge Treatment from Attaboy
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Yellow Nutsedge
Why won’t regular weed killer kill nutsedge?
Nutsedge is a sedge, not a broadleaf weed or grass. Standard herbicides don’t target it. Specialized sedge-specific herbicides are required.
Why does nutsedge keep coming back after I pull it?
Nutsedge spreads through underground tubers. When you pull the plant, broken tuber pieces each produce a new plant. Herbicide treatment is the only effective approach.
How many treatments does nutsedge need?
Typically 2-3 treatments per season. Each application weakens the tuber network. Complete elimination may take 1-2 seasons of consistent professional treatment.
Does nutsedge mean my lawn has drainage problems?
Often, yes. Nutsedge thrives in wet soil. If nutsedge is concentrated in one area, it’s likely a sign of poor drainage or overwatering in that spot.
Related weeds
Other Weeds Active in the Same Season
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