Best nutsedge weed killer
Nutsedge, also called nut grass, is a tough summer weed that’s hard to get rid of. Even though it seems to die in winter, its strong roots stay alive underground. The most common type is yellow nutsedge, but there’s also purple nutsedge.
For every plant you see, there could be up to 18 more hiding underground roots, ready to grow next year. It’s a bright yellow-green color and looks like tall grass, but it grows much faster. After mowing, nutsedge quickly stands out by growing taller than your lawn.
To tackle nut grass, check out the 5 best nutsedge weed killer.

1. Sedgehammer Weed Killer
Sedgehammer Weed Killer offers effective and selective control of nutsedge, but it should be used with caution to avoid harm to non-target plants.
- Sedgehammer Herbicide is primarily designed to target and control sedges, including:
- Yellow Nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus): One of the most common sedges in lawns.
- Purple Nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus): Another sedge species that Sedgehammer can effectively control.
Multiple applications and potential resistance development should also be considered in long-term weed management strategies.

2. Tenacity Herbicide
Tenacity Herbicide is effective against a variety of weeds commonly found in lawns. It can control both broadleaf weeds and grassy weeds, including but not limited to:
- Broadleaf Weeds: Common broadleaf weeds targeted by tenacity include dandelion, clover, chickweed, henbit, ground ivy, and many others.
- Grassy Weeds: Tenacity can control grassy weeds such as crabgrass, annual bluegrass, and more.
- Sedges: It is also effective against some sedges, including yellow nutsedge.
Keep in mind that the effectiveness of tenacity may vary based on factors like weed species, stage of growth, and application timing. Always read and follow the product label for the most accurate instructions and guidelines.

3. Certainty Herbicide
Certainty Herbicide is also most effective against a range of broadleaf weeds commonly found in lawns, including but not limited to:
- Clover (Trifolium spp.): Including white clover and red clover.
- Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea): Also known as creeping Charlie.
- Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale): The familiar yellow-flowered weed.
And Many Others: Certainty provides control for a wide range of other broadleaf weeds that can invade lawns and turfgrass areas including Chickweed, Henbit, Thistle, and Plantain.
While Certainty is an awesome product for broadleaf weed control, it may not be effective against grassy weeds. As always, read and follow the product label for precise instructions on weed control in your specific lawn or turfgrass environment.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Ortho Nutsedge Killer is a fast-acting formula that is also designed to eliminate tough nutsedge weeds in lawns.

4. Nutsedge Killer
Ortho Nutsedge Killer is a ready-to-use solution designed to effectively kill and control sedges in both southern and northern lawns. Besides nutsedge, it also targets weeds like spurge, chickweeds, & clover. This product is suitable for cool-season grasses such as tall and fine fescue, perennial ryegrass & creeping bentgrass, as well as warm-season grasses like Bermuda grass, Kikuyu grass, bahiagrass, centipede grass, carpet grass, and zoysia grass. For the best results, apply it to weeds that are less than 3 Inch tall.
Pros:
- Perfect for treating small areas
- Easily available at local hardware and big box stores
Cons:
- It may take a few weeks to completely eliminate nutsedge

5. Emprero Herbicide
Empero Herbicide is a specialized weed killer designed to tackle stubborn nutsedge and other tough weeds. It’s effective for use in both southern and northern lawns. Empero Herbicide provides excellent control over yellow and purple nutsedge, as well as other broadleaf weeds. It is suitable for various grass types, including cool-season grasses like fescue and ryegrass, and warm-season grasses like Bermuda and zoysia. For optimal results, apply Empero when weeds are actively growing.
Pros:
- Targets and controls tough nutsedge and other broadleaf weeds
- Effective for both cool-season and warm-season grasses
Cons:
- May require multiple applications for complete weed control
Here’s a detailed comparison of SedgeHammer Plus, Tenacity Herbicide, Certainty Herbicide, Ortho Nutsedge Killer, and Empero Herbicide:
SedgeHammer Plus
- Active Ingredient: Halosulfuron-methyl
- Targets: Purple nutsedge, yellow nutsedge, and certain broadleaf weeds.
- Application: Post-emergence control in various turf types like St. Augustinegrass, Bermudagrass, and Kentucky Bluegrass.
- Features: Includes a built-in surfactant for better absorption. Safe around children and pets once dry.
- Pros: Highly selective, does not harm turfgrass or ornamentals.
- Cons: Requires careful application to avoid stress on turf and nutsedges for best results.
Tenacity Herbicide
- Active Ingredient: Mesotrione
- Targets: Broadleaf weeds and grasses, including crabgrass, ground ivy, and yellow nutsedge.
- Application: Both pre-emergence and post-emergence; can be used in cool and warm-season turfgrasses.
- Features: Absorbed by roots and shoots, offers residual control for several weeks.
- Pros: Versatile, controls a wide range of weeds.
- Cons: May cause temporary bleaching of turfgrass.
Certainty Herbicide
- Active Ingredient: Sulfosulfuron
- Targets: Broadleaf weeds, grassy weeds, and sedges, including yellow nutsedge.
- Application: Post-emergence in warm-season turfgrasses like zoysiagrass and Bermudagrass.
- Features: Effective in both commercial and residential areas.
- Pros: Strong control over a variety of weeds, minimal damage to turfgrass.
- Cons: Limited to use in warm-season grasses, not suitable for cool-season grasses.
Ortho Nutsedge Killer
- Active Ingredient: Sulfentrazone
- Targets: Nutsedge, chickweed, spurge, and clover.
- Application: Ready-to-use formula, suitable for both cool and warm-season grasses.
- Features: Effective on weeds less than three inches high.
- Pros: Convenient for small areas, easily found in local stores.
- Cons: Takes several weeks to see full results.
Empero Herbicide
- Active Ingredient: Halosulfuron-methyl
- Targets: Purple and yellow nutsedge, as well as certain broadleaf weeds.
- Application: Post-emergence, suitable for a wide range of turf types.
- Features: Provides targeted control without harming turfgrass.
- Pros: Cost-effective, precise control.
- Cons: Requires mixing and careful application for optimal results.
Key Differences
- SedgeHammer Plus and Empero are very similar in their use of Halosulfuron-methyl and their focus on nutsedge, but SedgeHammer Plus includes a surfactant for easier application.
- Tenacity offers both pre-emergence and post-emergence control, making it versatile for different weed types and growth stages.
- Certainty is specifically effective in warm-season grasses, making it less versatile but highly effective in its niche.
- Ortho Nutsedge Weed Killer is user-friendly and ready-to-use, though slower to show results compared to more concentrated herbicides.
Each product has its unique strengths and best use cases, depending on your specific types of lawn weeds that you want to control.