By 
Nutgrass (also called nutsedge) is one of the most frustrating weeds Australian homeowners face. Despite its name, nutgrass is not a true grass but a sedge — a different type of plant altogether.
It grows faster than your lawn, has thicker leaves, and spreads aggressively through underground tubers (nuts). Once it takes hold, nutgrass can quickly overrun even the healthiest lawns if left unmanaged.
Getting rid of nutgrass requires a careful approach. Many homeowners accidentally make it worse by following the wrong methods, while others struggle with wasted effort and products that don’t work. This article will walk you through the do’s and don’ts of nutgrass control, ensuring you protect your lawn while tackling this persistent invader.
Understanding Nutgrass: Why It’s Hard to Kill
Before jumping into what you should and shouldn’t do, it’s important to understand why nutgrass is so difficult to eliminate:
- Underground tubers (nuts): Each plant develops small underground tubers that act like a survival system. Even if you pull the visible plant, these tubers can sprout new shoots.
- Fast growth rate: Nutgrass grows quicker than lawn grass, allowing it to dominate in just weeks.
- Thrives in poor conditions: It loves damp, compacted soil and areas where lawns are weak.
Because of this, you need to be strategic. Half measures rarely work. Let’s explore the right and wrong ways to deal with nutgrass.
Do’s of Getting Rid of Nutgrass
1. Identify Nutgrass Correctly
The first step is correct identification. Nutgrass is often mistaken for normal lawn grass or other weeds. Look for these signs:
Leaves are shiny, thick, and triangular when rolled between your fingers.
The plant grows faster and taller than surrounding grass.
Purple or yellow flowers can appear on mature plants.
By knowing what you’re dealing with, you can choose the correct treatment rather than wasting time on ineffective methods.
2. Treat Nutgrass Early
The earlier you act, the better. Nutgrass spreads underground, and each plant can produce dozens of new shoots. If you notice small patches, deal with them immediately before they spread across your entire lawn.
3. Use Selective Herbicides
For serious infestations, hand pulling won’t cut it. The most effective way to tackle nutgrass is using a selective herbicide designed specifically for sedges. These herbicides target nutgrass without killing your lawn.
Some effective active ingredients include:
- Halosulfuron-methyl (e.g., Sempra® in Australia)
- Iodosulfuron (found in some lawn-specific weed killers)
Always follow label instructions, apply during active growth, and repeat treatments if necessary.
4. Hand Pull Carefully (for Small Patches)
If the infestation is small, you can hand pull nutgrass. But be careful — you must remove the entire plant, including the nutlets. Digging with a hand tool is better than simply pulling because the nuts are usually several centimetres below the soil surface. If you leave even one nut behind, the plant will return.
5. Improve Lawn Health
Nutgrass thrives in weak, compacted, or waterlogged soils. Strengthening your lawn makes it harder for nutgrass to gain ground. Some tips:
- Aerate the soil to relieve compaction.
- Top dress with organic matter to improve soil quality.
- Fertilise regularly to encourage strong grass growth.
- Ensure proper drainage to prevent the damp conditions nutgrass loves.
A thick, healthy lawn is your best defence against nutgrass.
6. Mow at the Correct Height
While mowing won’t eliminate nutgrass, maintaining the right mowing height helps your grass compete better. Cutting too low weakens your turf and gives nutgrass more sunlight to thrive. Aim for the recommended height for your lawn variety.
7. Be Persistent
Nutgrass rarely disappears after one treatment. It often requires repeated applications and consistent lawn care. Patience and persistence are key — treat, monitor, and re-treat as needed.
Don’ts of Getting Rid of Nutgrass
1. Don’t Just Pull It Out Carelessly
Pulling nutgrass by hand without getting the underground nutlets is almost useless. In fact, it can make the problem worse by stimulating dormant nuts to sprout. Unless you dig deep and carefully, avoid this method as your only approach.
2. Don’t Overwater Your Lawn
Nutgrass loves moisture. Overwatering creates the perfect environment for it to thrive. Water deeply but less frequently, encouraging strong root growth in your turf while depriving nutgrass of the soggy soil it prefers.
3. Don’t Ignore Small Patches
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is ignoring small patches of nutgrass. Because of its rapid growth and underground spread, a tiny cluster can turn into a lawn-wide problem in just a season. Early action is crucial.
4. Don’t Use Non-Selective Herbicides
Some people reach for strong herbicides like glyphosate. While glyphosate will kill nutgrass, it will also kill your lawn. Non-selective herbicides should only be used in areas you don’t plan to keep grass, like along fence lines or driveways. For lawns, always use selective herbicides.
5. Don’t Expect One-Time Solutions
Many homeowners spray nutgrass once and assume the job is done. Unfortunately, nutgrass can re-emerge from nuts that survive the first treatment. Repeated applications, combined with lawn care, are necessary for long-term control.
6. Don’t Compromise Soil Quality
Aggressive digging or excessive chemical use can harm your soil, weakening your lawn and giving nutgrass more opportunity to return. Always balance weed control with soil and turf health.
7. Don’t Ignore Professional Help
If nutgrass has taken over your lawn and nothing seems to work, don’t struggle endlessly. Lawn professionals have the right products and expertise to manage nutgrass effectively. Sometimes investing in expert help saves you time, money, and frustration.
Integrated Approach: Combining Methods for Success
The most effective way to deal with nutgrass is not relying on a single method, but combining several strategies:
- Identify and monitor nutgrass growth.
- Apply selective herbicides at the right time.
- Dig up small patches carefully.
- Strengthen your lawn with aeration, fertiliser, and proper mowing.
- Prevent recurrence by improving drainage and avoiding overwatering.
This integrated approach not only removes existing nutgrass but also reduces the chance of it returning.
Long-Term Prevention Tips
Even after you’ve tackled nutgrass, prevention is essential. Here’s how to keep it away:
- Regular lawn maintenance: Mow, water, and fertilise consistently.
- Soil testing: Check your soil’s pH and nutrient levels to ensure your lawn has the conditions it needs to outcompete weeds.
- Buy quality turf and soil: Poor-quality turf can sometimes come with nutgrass contamination. Always buy from trusted suppliers.
Why Work with Lawn Experts?
Nutgrass is notoriously persistent, and DIY methods don’t always succeed. This is where professional turf specialists can make a big difference. For example, A View Turf, a trusted Australian turf supplier, not only provides premium quality turf but also offers expert advice on weed control and lawn care. Choosing quality turf from the start significantly reduces the risk of nutgrass infestations and gives your lawn the best chance to thrive.
Final Thoughts
Nutgrass may be one of the toughest lawn weeds to tackle, but it isn’t unbeatable. By following the right do’s — such as treating early, using selective herbicides, and improving lawn health — and avoiding common don’ts like careless pulling or overwatering, you can regain control of your lawn.
Persistence and patience are essential, as nutgrass rarely disappears overnight. With an integrated approach and a commitment to lawn health, you can reduce nutgrass significantly and prevent it from taking over again. And remember, if you need expert advice or high-quality turf to strengthen your lawn, companies like A View Turf.com.au are here to help you achieve a lush, nutgrass-free yard.
