Nut Sedge Alert in Kansas City Lawns: What to Know and How to Treat It

Kansas City homeowners know that summer lawn care isn't just about mowing and watering—it’s also about staying ahead of weeds like nut sedge and preventing fungus outbreaks, especially during stretches of wet weather followed by heat.

At Turf Geeks, we’re seeing nut sedge popping up all across the KC area right now. Here’s what you need to know to keep your lawn looking its best.

🌱 What Is Nut Sedge?

Nut sedge (sometimes called "nutgrass") is a fast-growing, light green weed that looks like grass but grows faster and taller. It thrives in wet or poorly drained areas and becomes especially aggressive when the weather turns hot after heavy rain—just like we’re seeing in Kansas City this week.

How to Identify Nut Sedge:

• Grows faster than your regular turfgrass

• Bright, lime-green color

• Triangular stem (roll it between your fingers—it feels sharp-edged)

• Appears in clusters, especially in moist or shaded areas

🚫 Why Nut Sedge Is a Problem

Nut sedge is tough to control with regular weed treatments and can quickly choke out healthy grass if left untreated. It spreads via underground tubers ("nuts") and becomes a bigger issue each season if not managed.

✅ How Turf Geeks Controls Nut Sedge

We use selective herbicides specifically designed to control nut sedge without harming your grass. These treatments are included in your Early Summer Application, which we’re applying now through the Fourth of July across the Kansas City metro.

If you’re seeing nut sedge—or aren't sure—text or email a photo, and we’ll identify it for you.

☔ Fungus Watch: Wet Weather Followed by Heat = Risk

With recent rains and temperatures now climbing into the 80s, fungus risk is high. Lawns that stay wet and warm are ideal breeding grounds for turf diseases like:

• Brown Patch

• Dollar Spot

• Leaf Spot

If your lawn starts showing brown or discolored patches, especially in shaded or humid areas, let us know. We can quote you for a preventive or curative fungicide treatment as part of your lawn care program.

💡 Pro Lawn Tips for Right Now in KC:

• Mow high: 3.5 to 4 inches keeps roots cooler and helps shade out weeds.

• Water deeply, not daily: Aim for 1 inch per week, especially with heat returning.

• Inspect your lawn weekly: Early detection of weeds and fungus makes a big difference.

Need Help? Turf Geeks Has You Covered

Nut sedge and fungus are no match for a strong lawn care program. If you're not currently on a Turf Geeks plan—or want to upgrade with insect guard, mosquito control, or fungus protection—we’ve still got spots open for the season.

📞 Call or text us at 816-459-0253📧 Or email jason.clarkson@turfgeekkc.com

Don’t let weeds or fungus win—Kansas City lawns deserve better. Let’s geek out and grow strong this summer.