DALLISGRASS CONTROL

Dallisgrass (Paspalum dilatatum), a perennial grassy weed prevalent in the Southeast and southern United States, can pose challenges in home lawns due to its unattractive clumping pattern. Despite its notorious difficulty to control, several methods can be employed to address this issue in your landscape.

Dallisgrass primarily spreads through its seeds, produced during the spring and summer seasons. Germination occurs when the soil temperature ranges between 60–65 degrees, with mature plants thriving at temperatures between 80–90 degrees. Notably frost-tolerant, Dallisgrass often goes dormant later than southern turfgrass species.

Dallisgrass is often confused with crabgrass due to their similar clumping growth habits. However, distinct characteristics set them apart. Crabgrass has broader leaves close to the ground, while Dallisgrass grows taller with larger seed heads often bearing black spots on the side of the stem. See the picture below for the difference.

Addressing a Dallisgrass problem without resorting to chemicals involves hand pulling or digging, particularly effective when the weed is young and isolated. Maintaining a dense lawn without bare spots impedes new Dallisgrass seed germination. Proper irrigation, mowing, and fertilization plans contribute to overall lawn health, deterring problematic weeds.

Selecting fertilizers with controlled nitrogen content helps control Dallisgrass growth, and rinsing your mower blades after mowing an affected area prevents seed spread. For persistent Dallisgrass issues, chemical options may be necessary. Pre-emergent herbicides like Dimension (Dithiopyr) or Mesotrione applied in spring prevent weed germination, while post-emergent herbicides like Mesotrione (found in Tenacity) can be effective against established Dallisgrass.

Dallisgrass is notoriously challenging to control once it takes root, and its rapid spread poses a significant challenge. Effectively treating Dallisgrass requires precise mixing and application of chemical products. In this regard, enlisting the services of professionals like Lawn Buddies becomes highly beneficial. Our expertise ensures the correct handling of chemical treatments, optimizing effectiveness and minimizing the risk of damage to your lawn. When faced with the tenacity of Dallisgrass, turning to Lawn Buddies for precise and expert assistance becomes a valuable solution for reclaiming the health and aesthetics of your lawn.