Sedge Weed Identification In South Florida

Sedges are perennial plants that are found in shallow water or moist soil. Depending on the species these weeds can reach up to 4 feet in height. They are grass-like in appearance and often grow in thick clusters. Listed below are descriptions of some of the most common species of sedge found taking over South Florida lawns.

Nutsedge: Yellow and purple nutsedge has a triangular shape to its stem. Yellow nutsedge’s light green or yellow leaves are arranged in groups of three. Their leaves have tapered leaf tips and the leaves have a waxy appearance. As their name describes, yellow nutsedge produce yellow seed heads while purple nutsedge produces purple seed heads.

Globe sedge: Globe Sedge is a grassy weed with densely tufted stems. Its flat blades are very dense and bright green in color. After branching at the top of its stem it produces seeds in loose globe-like clusters.

Annual sedge: Annual sedge has a seed head that tends to be relatively large compared to other sedges. The seed head is flattened with a toothed outline. Annual sedge tends to grow together in clumps.

In South Florida, sedge weeds are a persistent problem and are difficult to control. They often form dense colonies, and can easily take over lawns and crops fields. In our landscape, they compete with our wanted grasses and plants, taking over the water, sun, and nutrients they need to grow. Like other species of weeds, sedge weeds are unwelcome and cause our lawns to become damaged and unhealthy.

Since sedge weeds grow faster than warm-season turfgrasses including St. Augustine grass, Zoysiagrass, and Bermuda grass, these weeds are very noticeable in well-manicured lawns. They quickly rise up higher than the desired grasses, and can easily be seen when they are present in your lawn.

The biggest reason you have a problem with sedge weeds is that the warm, humid, wet climate in South Florida promotes their growth. Sedge weeds naturally want to establish themselves in marshy areas or water run-offs. Lawns with irrigation problems or that are over-watered are most at risk for experiencing problems with sedge weeds.

Most species of sedge weeds are perennial, which means they return yearly for many years. Sedge weeds thrive in waterlogged soil or very moist. Though once established, they will thrive in a variety of soil types.

At Native Pest Management, we understand that having a lawn full of weeds is not ideal. Controlling and managing sedge weeds is difficult, time-consuming, and frustrating. The best way to eliminate sedge weeds and control them long-term is to partner with a professional. To help you maintain your lawn and sanity, we offer monthly or bi-monthly lawn treatments that will eliminate sedge weeds and give you peace of mind knowing that your lawn will become and stay healthy throughout the year.

Native Pest Management can accurately identify the intruder and then provide the routine lawn care services needed to get rid of the weeds and stop them from returning. If sedge weeds have taken over your South Florida yard, contact Native Pest Management, we can help!

Preventing an invasion of sedge weeds can be difficult. The best solution to your sedge weed problem is to partner with the professionals at Native Pest Management. We know West Palm Beach lawns and how to keep them free of invasive weeds.

In addition to giving us a call, doing the following can help to deter sedge weeds.

• Fix low-lying areas in your lawn that allow water to collect and pool. Usually, sedge weeds are present in the swale along the street due to water accumulating in this area.
• Raise your mower height to at least 3.5 inches for St. Augustine grasses. Taller turf blades shade the soil, preventing sunlight from hitting the sedge weed seeds in the soil which prevents these weeds from germinating.
• Trim trees and other plants that are making your lawn shady during the day. For optimal health and to dry out enough, warm-season turfgrasses need at least eight hours of sunlight daily. 
• Do not over-water your lawn. Deep, infrequent watering is the goal. We recommended watering your lawn a maximum of three days a week. If your lawn continues to appear dry, increase the minutes to run each irrigation zone. If your lawn is still dry at this point, there is likely a coverage problem where the water isn't hitting all areas of your lawn when the sprinklers turn on. At this point, you should get a "wet check" performed by a licensed irrigation company.
• Make sure your irrigation only runs during early morning hours. If your sprinklers turn on in the afternoon or evening hours, water will likely sit on the grass overnight, increasing the likelihood of sedge weeds spreading. 
• Ensure that irrigation systems are not distributing too much water. Over time, there can be pressure imbalances that may need to be fixed by a licensed irrigation company. 
• Make sure to aerate your soil so that it doesn’t become too compacted. Compacted soil prevents water from draining through the soil. Good soil aeration should remove plugs of soil at least 1 inch deep.
• Keep your lawn well-fertilized. A thick turf canopy will help prevent sunlight from hitting areas of exposed soil in your lawn, which would give sedge weed seeds an opportunity to germinate and spread.

If you are experiencing problems with sedge weeds, contact Native Pest Management. We would be happy to help you rid your lawns of sedge weeds. Call today to learn more about our effective lawn care services!