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Dallisgrass Guide

Identify

Inspect

Treat

Prevent

Dallisgrass Identification Guide

What is Dallisgrass?

Dallisgrass is a clumping, perennial grassy weed with broad blades that grows primarily in the Southern United States but can also be found in other regions across the country. It spreads through its thick rhizomes and by seeds carried on multiple seed spikes.

Identifying Dallisgrass correctly is the first step to controlling and eliminating it from your lawn. While often mistaken for crabgrass, this guide will help you distinguish Dallisgrass from other grassy weeds and take the appropriate steps for treatment.

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Appearance

What Does Dallisgrass Look Like?

Dallisgrass can grow quite tall, reaching heights of up to five feet. Its rounded stalks have a prominent, broad collar at the base and a noticeable mid-rib or joint further up the stalk.

The seed heads are a key feature, with 3–5 spikes extending outward from the tip of the stalk. These spikes, measuring 2 to 4 inches long, hold dangling spikelets that are green or purplish in color. Each spikelet produces two rows of flat, oval seeds that can spread easily via wind, animals, soil, or lawn clippings.

Key Characteristics of Dallisgrass

  • Color: Grayish-green
  • Growth Pattern: Grows in clumps or bunches
  • Rhizomes: Produces thick rhizomes that often form concentric circles around the base of the plant
  • Blades: Broader than most turf grasses, measuring 1/4" to 1/2" wide
  • Stalks: Collared stalks with fine hairs near the leaf collar and the base of the blades

Recommended Products

For detailed instructions on how and when to apply products that eliminate dallisgrass, check out our How to Get Rid of Dallisgrass guide.

Dallisgrass Inspection Guide

What is Dallisgrass?

Dallisgrass is a tall, deeply rooted grassy weed that can quickly invade lawns and landscaped areas. Knowing where to search for dallisgrass is essential for effective identification and preparing for treatment in the upcoming seasons.

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Know Where and When to Look for Dallisgrass

Where to Find Dallisgrass
Dallisgrass thrives in damp, marshy areas of land that have been disturbed or developed by humans. You will often find it in moist sections of lawns, pastures, and along golf courses where conditions are ideal. This invasive weed prefers full sunlight and grows best in consistently moist soil.

Dallisgrass is most prevalent in the Southern United States, where the warm, humid climate encourages its growth. It is less common in cooler regions or higher elevations, where it does not establish as easily.

When to Look for Dallisgrass
Dallisgrass spreads primarily through its prolific seed production, making timing crucial for control. Seeds begin to germinate in late spring and summer as soil temperatures rise to around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Look for new clumps of dallisgrass to emerge shortly after this period, as the warmer weather provides optimal growing conditions.

Dallisgrass Control Guide

Effective Methods for Controlling Dallisgrass

Dallisgrass is a common weed found throughout Texas and much of the Southeastern United States. Originally introduced to the U.S. in the late 1800s as a forage crop, it likely first appeared near New Orleans, Louisiana. The weed quickly spread westward into Texas and eastward into neighboring states where the warm, moist conditions favored its growth.

Below, we’ll cover how to tackle this persistent weed using post-emergent herbicides and other effective control methods to reclaim your lawn.

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Step1 Pre-Emergent Weed Prevention

How to Apply Pre-Emergent Herbicides for Dallisgrass Control

Each dallisgrass stalk produces multiple seed spikes that release rows of seeds, which can spread easily through wind, animals, or lawn equipment. To stop these seeds from germinating, applying a pre-emergent herbicide labeled for dallisgrass control is one of the most effective methods available.

When to Apply Pre-Emergents
Pre-emergent herbicides must be applied before dallisgrass seeds germinate. Germination typically begins in late spring through summer when soil temperatures reach 60-65°F. Contact your local extension office for precise application timing specific to your area.

Application Tips

  • Select a product specifically labeled for dallisgrass control.
  • Split applications are often recommended for maximum effectiveness. Apply pre-emergents twice in the spring, spaced 5-10 weeks apart, and consider a follow-up application in the fall to maintain season-long coverage.
  • Many pre-emergent herbicides must be watered into the soil after application to activate them. Always read and follow the product label carefully for instructions on watering and application rates.

Using a pre-emergent strategy consistently can help keep dallisgrass from spreading and taking over your lawn.

Products we recommend for Step 1

Step2 Apply a Post-Emergent Dallisgrass Herbicide

How to Use Post-Emergent Weed Killers for Dallisgrass

If dallisgrass has already taken root in your lawn or property, a post-emergent herbicide labeled specifically for dallisgrass control is required. While dallisgrass can resemble crabgrass, it’s important to confirm that the product you choose is approved for dallisgrass treatment before applying.

Tips for Effective Post-Emergent Application:

  • Treat Early: Apply the herbicide early in the dallisgrass growth cycle. Dallisgrass can grow up to 5 feet tall, but it is much easier to control when the plants are young.
  • Water Before Treatment: Some products may require pre-watering to protect your turfgrass. Always follow the instructions on the product label for proper preparation.
  • Understand Suppression vs. Control: Certain herbicides may only suppress dallisgrass rather than fully eliminate it, requiring multiple applications for effective results.
  • Avoid Mowing: For the best outcome, avoid mowing for at least two days before and after herbicide application, as recommended by most product labels.
  • Read Carefully: Be sure to select a product labeled as safe for your specific turfgrass and follow all usage instructions precisely.

Products we recommend for Step 2

Pro Tip

Some herbicides, like MSMA Target, are restricted to commercial use and are not approved for residential lawn applications. Always verify the product’s intended use and availability before purchase.

Once you’ve eliminated dallisgrass from your lawn, discover how to stop it from coming back with our Dallisgrass Prevention Guide. Click the right arrow below to learn more.

Prevent Dallisgrass with Pre-Emergents and Proper Lawn Care

Preventing dallisgrass from invading your lawn starts with the right pre-emergent treatments and consistent lawn maintenance. By combining these strategies, you can keep dallisgrass from taking root and spreading across your property.

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Step1 Apply a Dallisgrass Preventer

How to Use Pre-Emergent Herbicides for Dallisgrass Control

Pre-emergent herbicides are an effective way to stop dallisgrass before it emerges, preventing the seeds from germinating and growing into mature plants. For the treatment to work, timing is critical—you need to apply the product before germination begins.

  • When to Apply: Pre-emergent herbicides should be applied when soil temperatures reach 55–60 degrees Fahrenheit, typically in the spring. Depending on your location, this window usually falls between February and April. Check with your local extension office for specific timing recommendations in your area.
  • Select the Right Product: Use a pre-emergent herbicide labeled for dallisgrass control.
  • Application Tips: Always read and follow the product label instructions. Many pre-emergent herbicides need to be watered into the soil for best results, and some may have additional recommendations for optimal effectiveness.

By applying your pre-emergent herbicide at the right time, you can suppress dallisgrass before it becomes a problem in your lawn.

Products we recommend for Step 1

Step2 Effective Lawn Maintenance

Maintain a Healthy Lawn to Prevent Dallisgrass

Keeping your lawn dense and well-maintained is key to preventing dallisgrass from establishing itself. Follow these lawn care practices to ensure your grass stays thick, healthy, and free of unwanted weeds:

  • Mowing: Maintain an even height across your lawn, avoiding cuts that are too short. Aim to remove only 1/3 of the grass height at each mowing session to protect the turf’s health. This may require more frequent mowing to maintain the optimal height. For tailored advice, check out our Grass Care Guides for Bermuda Grass, St. Augustine Grass, and Fescue Grass.
  • Irrigation: Water your lawn infrequently but deeply. This allows moisture to penetrate the soil and encourages deeper root growth, making your lawn more resilient and reducing opportunities for weeds to thrive.
  • Fertilization: Apply fertilizer as needed, following the recommended lawn care schedule for your turf type (cool-season or warm-season grass). Avoid over-fertilization, which can stress the grass, or under-fertilization, which creates weak spots where weeds like dallisgrass can grow.
  • Aeration: Aerating your lawn improves soil drainage and reduces excess moisture, making the soil less inviting for dallisgrass. However, avoid heavy aeration in the spring, as the resulting holes can provide ideal spots for dallisgrass seeds to germinate.

By combining these lawn maintenance techniques, you can create an environment that’s less hospitable to dallisgrass while promoting strong, lush turf growth.

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