Hi Sarah Ruth, 

Thank you for your question. From the photos you shared it looks like Yellow Nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus). This is an invasive perennial that is hard to control. It reproduces primarily by small underground tubers, called nutlets that form at the end of underground stems, called rhizomes. It grows vigorously in hot summer weather, goes dormant after a frost and will reemerge in the spring, if not removed. Yellow nutsedge is most problematic in turf that is cut too short, and it thrives in areas where soils remain moist from poor drainage or over watering. It is adaptable and can also be a problem in well-drained areas, especially if the turf is thin.

If you have only a smattering of Nutsedge plants you can dig them up making sure you remove the entire plant including the rhizomes. Check the area regularly and dig up any new growth. Do not compost what you have pulled. Dispose of the plants in garbage bags and send them to the landfill.

If all else fails in removing the Nutsedge herbicides may be required, especially when large areas of Nutsedge are present. For effective sedge control, University of Maryland Extension recommends a post-emergent herbicide. Read all precautions and instructions before using, understand your local herbicide legislation or hire a certified professional.

Once removed you could apply a 3 inch bed of mulch that would starve any remaining plants of sunlight. There are no native turfs in Maryland but there are native alternative grasses and sedges that move away from traditional turf.

I hope that you find this information helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions.

Christine