Weeds! Weeds! Weeds!

Photo from: http://www.ppdl.purdue.edu/PPDL/

Nutsedge is growing like crazy!

Yellow nutsedge is often mistaken for grass plants when it is young, but can be identified by it's triangular stems. If you roll the stem of the plant in your fingers, you should be able to feel the triangular shape. The leaves are light green to yellowish in color, and the plants outgrow turf, making them especially noticeable in summer.

A healthy, dense, stand of turf that can compete with yellow nutsedge and other weeds is the best control method. Encourage a dense stand of turf by following proper turf maintenance practices.

Herbicides may be required when large patches of nutsedge are present in the turf area. For homeowners, a herbicide containing methanearsonate is recommended for controlling yellow nutsedge.

Purdue University offers these tips on treating nutsedge with a herbicide:

1. Be sure to read and follow all directions on the herbicide label.

2. One day before making the herbicide application, irrigate the turf area to moisten the soil profile to a depth of 6 inches.

3. Treat the area with the proper rate of herbicide based on the recommendations found on the label. Do not apply the herbicide if the air temperature is above 85^oF.

4. Two days after the herbicide application, irrigate the treated area with enough water to moisten the soil profile to a 6-inch depth.

5. Seven days after the first application, repeat steps 2 through 4. A third and possibly a fourth application may be necessary for complete control.