How To Get Rid Of Dallisgrass

Dallisgrass

How to Get Rid Dallisgrass

Dallisgrassis a grassy perennial weed that is commonly confused with crabgrass. Even though they may look similar, the treatment for them is much different. Dallisgrass can be very hard to control and get rid of and the first and most important part is correct identification.

Characteristics

yellow green color with a white vein that runs down the middle of the leaf
stiff leaves (compared to softer crabgrass leaves) and a hairy base
tend to grow in circles from the center in loose bunches
flower head has 3-6 spikes
seeds are black compared to the whiter crabgrass seeds

Treatment

Selective Herbicides

MSMA is one of the most effective chemicals for treating dallisgrass but it is restricted for commercial use only.
There are several other selective herbicide chemicals that work but it depends on your grass and timing of application.
For warm season grasses such as bermudagrass and zoysiagrass, you want to use products such as:

Revolver, Monument 75 WG, Certainty, and Tribute Total

Tall fescue is a cool season grass that can be treated with:

Fusilade II, Ornamec 170, and Ornamec Herbicide + Aqua-Zorb Wetting Agent

Carefully read any label to make sure you can properly treat this grassy weed.
Make sure to properly identify your grass to make sure that the herbicide is safe for your lawn. Choose your grass below to filter for products that are safe for your lawn:

Bahia
Bent
Bermuda
Buffalo
Centipede
Fescue
Kentucky Bluegrass
Rye
Seashore Paspalum
St. Augustine
Zoysia

Non-Selective Selective

With many grassy weeds, spot treatment with non-selective herbicides is as simple yet very effective method.
Only apply to trouble areas because these chemicals will kill any vegetation with which it contacts.
Glyphosate is a very effective chemical and is found in several products.
Apply when there is a low chance of rain to avoid runoff of chemical to other vegetation.
Recommended Products: Gly Pho-Sel Pro Dry 75 SG, Eraser Max, and Roundup Quikpro

Prevention

Because it is a perennial grassy weed, it will be a little bit harder to treat with pre-emergent chemicals
Apply aggressively in spring or early summer before the seeds germinate
The seeds usually germinate when the soil temperature is in the 60-65 degree range
Recommended Products: Dithiopyr 40 WSB, Dimension 2EW and Surflan Pro