The RHS believes that avoiding pests, diseases and weeds by good practice in cultivation methods, cultivar selection, garden hygiene and encouraging or introducing natural enemies, should be the first line of control. If chemical controls are used, they should be used only in a minimal and highly targeted manner. 

Cultural control

On a small scale plants can be dug out by hand. In larger areas improving drainage by installing land drains will discourage the sedge, as will liming to reduce acidity. Cut plants regularly to prevent seeding of Carex pendula and C. binervis (C. hirta grows from a rhizome and seeds much less).

In lawns and meadows: Apply a high nitrogen fertilizer to encourage strong growth of the other grasses. Selective mowing of the sedge will help limit its spread. If in a meadow situation, goats give good control of rushes (Juncus) and sedges (Carex).

Weedkiller control

The RHS does not support the use of weedkillers and recommends that alternative control methods are used. However, we do note that when gardeners struggle to control plants with cultural methods, regulated weedkillers/pesticides for home gardeners are available for use legally. Garden centres and large retailers selling weedkillers have trained staff who can advise on suitable products for your needs. It is worth noting that Carex are resistant to selective lawn herbicides.

Weeds: non-chemical control