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Weed Prevention Between Fox Sedges #935834

Asked June 17, 2026, 11:19 AM EDT

I planted Fox Sedges (appx 100) along city drainage pond shoreline plus iris to reduce erosion, shelter critters and provide zen. However, thistles and aggressive grasses still grow between sedges, requiring maintenance a few hours every week. I have tried mulch but there must be a better solution. Is there a perennial ground cover I could plant? I am try to groom nature!

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thank you for writing.
It sounds like you the sedges are too far apart to create a barrier. 
Mass plantings begin with planting 18 inches apart and over time, the sedges send roots and become close together.  You can accelerate this by planting 12 inches apart.
chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://arboretum.wisc.edu/content/uploads/2015/03/PI_Fox-Sedge.pdf

chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://plants.sc.egov.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_cavu2.pdf
Did you put anything between the sedges?
I need a picture. Tell me the time of day and the direction the camera lens is pointing.  Have something in the picture, such as a shovel, for scale.
Steve Miles, Master Gardener, Hennepin County, (I am a volunteer human being: not a bot, not AI). I'm an avid gardener but not a degreed or certified horticulturist or arborist. I will do much better if you also send a photograph. I like follow-up questions.  The University' garden soil tests are excellent.  https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden This is how to find a tree expert.  https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a wonderful place to see and learn about plants that grow in Minnesota. https://mngardens.horticulture.umn.edu/minnesota-landscape-arboretum Replied June 17, 2026, 12:27 PM EDT

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