2,4-D will not kill nutsedge. It will only kill broadleaf weeds, not grassy weeds. In order to kill nutsedge with herbicide, you must use a product containing sulfentrazone or halosulfuron. Otherwise, you can drive out nutsedge by uprooting it with hand tools.
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Is 2,4-D Effective for Nutsedge Control?
You will not stop nutsedge from growing or spreading when you apply 2,4-D. In fact, 2,4-D has practically zero effect on nutsedge. So, even repeat applications of 2,4-D will not kill, harm, or slow the spread of nutsedge. Only use 2,4-D to control the specific weeds it is labeled for.
What Weeds Does 2,4-D Kill?
2,4-D is a broadleaf weed killer. This means it is specifically designed to attack and kill non-grassy plants. Common broadleaf weeds such as chickweed, clover, spurge, and dandelions will be killed by 2,4-D. However, be careful when spraying 2,4-D. It will also attack and kill fruits, vegetables, flowers, shrubs, and small trees. Essentially, 2,4-D has the potential to kill any plant that is not a grass. Since nutsedge is a grass, it won’t be harmed by 2,4-D.
What Herbicide Kills Nutsedge?
The two best herbicides for killing nutsedge are halosulfuron and sulfentrazone. One of the best nutsedge killers on the market is Sedgehammer. It contains 5% halosulfuron and is specially designed to destroy sedge. In fact, it kills both yellow nutsedge and purple nutsedge. For more great sedge-killing products, check out our detailed article on the best sedge herbicides.
What Will Kill Nutsedge but Not Grass?
Sedge-killing products such as Sedgehammer are designed to kill nutsedge in your lawn without killing grass. So, there is very little to worry about when you choose a specially designed sedge killer. In rare cases, some sedge-killing herbicides can harm turf grass species. Halosulfuron (the active ingredient in Sedgehammer) is considered safe for turf grass. Sulfentrazone—another effective nutsedge killer—is known to be safe for warm-season grasses, such as Bermuda grass, Zoysia, and St. Augustine.
When Should You Spray for Nutsedge?
Attack nutsedge with herbicide spray while it is still young and growing actively. Nutsedge is at its most vulnerable in spring and early summer. So, March through May are the best months to spray a nutsedge herbicide on your lawn. Later in the year, when nutsedge is more established, it may be strong enough to survive a herbicide treatment. Never spray dormant nutsedge—the herbicide will not be absorbed by the plant and will therefore be ineffective.
Should You Pull Nutsedge After Spraying?
After you spray nutsedge with any herbicide, wait at least 14 days before pulling up the sedge. This 14-day timespan allows time for the herbicide to work its way into the sedge plant, travel to the roots, and kill the plant entirely. Pulling up nutsedge too soon can break off the plant before the herbicide has reached the root. If this happens, the living sedge root can sprout a new plant. Then, you’ll have to spray all over again.
What is a Natural Herbicide for Nutgrass?
Unfortunately, there is no natural weed killer that will nutsedge and leave surrounding plants unharmed. Vinegar and citrus-based weed killers are non-selective, so they will harm any desirable plants they are sprayed on. So, using them in your lawn can kill your turf grass along with the nutsedge. You can either isolate the nutsedge and spray it with natural herbicide, or use a weeding tool to uproot the nutsedge. Digging up nutsedge kills the pest grass completely and immediately, even if it takes a little bit of work.
Does 2,4-D Kill Nutgrass?
If you’re considering treating the nutsedge in your lawn with 2,4-D, review these quick facts:
- 2,4-D weed killer is not capable of killing nutsedge.
- Nutsedge is a grass—2,4-D only attacks non-grassy plants and broadleaf weeds.
- There are several products that will kill nutsedge without harming your lawn grass.
- Products containing sulfentrazone or halosulfuron are designed to kill nutsedge.
- Sedgehammer is a lawn-safe nutsedge killer.
- For sedge weed control, spray in your sedge killer in spring or early summer.
- After spraying nutsedge with a herbicide, wait 14 days before uprooting the sedge.
- Natural herbicide sprays may kill nutsedge, but they will also attack lawn grass and other plants they are sprayed on.
- You can kill nutsedge plants naturally by digging them up from the root.
Although 2,4-D will kill plenty of tough weeds, it won’t kill yellow nutsedges or purple nutsedges. So, search for a special nutsedge killer for complete control over these pest grasses.
