The Nutsedge Removal Hack Our Lawn Care Expert Recommends Avoiding

Nutsedge — also known as nutgrass — is a common and particularly persistent lawn weed due to both its perennial nature and its ability to fly under the radar of most lawn-specific herbicides, which typically target grassy or broadleaf weeds. It's no surprise, then, that nutsedge removal hacks are plentiful. One hack, in particular, was deemed inadvisable by GreenPal CEO Bryan Clayton in an exclusive interview with House Digest. The hack involves applying hydrogen peroxide to your lawn in the hopes of handling a nutsedge infestation in your lawn. Some iterations of the hack also involve mixing hydrogen peroxide with sugar water or horticultural molasses to kill nutsedge. 

According to Clayton, "Using hydrogen peroxide on your lawn carries significant risks, primarily the potential for harming not just the nutsedge but also the surrounding vegetation and beneficial soil organisms." If you've considered trying a hack involving hydrogen peroxide to rid your lawn of nutsedge, take this expert advice before you commit to following through. 

When it comes to hydrogen peroxide, the compound's highly reactive nature might seem like a sure thing for killing difficult weeds like nutsedge. However, this very activity is the reason Bryan Clayton recommends not using it on your lawn. "Its high reactivity can lead to unintended soil chemistry changes, disrupting microbial balance that supports healthy lawn growth," he explained in an exclusive interview with House Digest. 

So, what should you do to fight off nutsedge in your lawn? "The only product I've found truly effective against nutsedge is a commercial herbicide called Image," he said. "It's designed specifically for tough weeds like nutsedge." You can snag a 25-ounce bottle for $30 on Amazon. Clayton advised that some states may require you to have a commercial license to purchase it, so be sure to check your state regulations.

While it's always best to follow the package instructions, Clayton recommended applying the product in the morning to prevent lawn burn under the hot sun. "Remember, timing is crucial with nutsedge; prevention is key," he continued. "Apply a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring (April) and again in early May. If the nutsedge is well established by late summer, the Image herbicide is your best shot until the first frost hits, which naturally helps in killing nutsedge."