*Update 8/27/23 - Below, I incorrectly identified this listener’s photo as spurweed. Though the information below is correct on how to treat spurweed, the photo is showing the seed heads of yellow nutsedge (thanks Walter Reeves for catching my gaffe).

Properly identifying nutsedge in a lawn, as well as determining the type, yellow vs. purple, will help with selection of the right herbicide. Once the weed has gone to seed, like in this photo, proper identification is much easier. Maintaining a vigorous, healthy turf is the best defense against weeds. However, when postemergence herbicides are necessary, please read and follow label directions. Some are not recommended for use on certain turf types. Plus, the label provides valuable information on applying the chemical in conditions that make it most effective.

------------

Spurweed, also known as stickers or burweed, are very unpleasant in the lawn. The burs are generally a problem in to spring and summer. This winter annual weed grows best in spots where the yard is bare or where grass is patchy. Keeping the lawn healthy and lush will choke out weeds like this one.

The dead of winter is the best time to spray with a broadleaf herbicide. That timing is good for warm season grasses because they are dormant. From UGA, the herbicides Trimec Southern, Triplet and ‘Weed B Gon’ are effective. Atrazine offers better selectivity in controlling lawn burweed in centipede grass and Saint Augustine grasses.

Get ahead of it once and for all by applying a properly timed preemergence herbicide. Since it’s a winter weed, a preventative herbicide timed prior to mid September will knock most of it back.

©2023 Cox Media Group