Dallisgrass Treatment Guide

Dallisgrass is a common sight across Texas and most of the Southeastern United States. It was originally introduced to the U.S. intentionally as forage in the late 1800s, probably somewhere around New Orleans, Louisiana. The weed quickly spread West through Texas and East through other states with hospitable levels of moisture and warmth for these tall stalks to grow freely.

Use this dallisgrass weed guide to choose the right dallisgrass control methods for your grass type and prevent it from coming back. In this guide, you'll find more details on dallisgrass control, including:

• If dallisgrass is already growing in your lawn, use a selective post-emergent dallisgrass weed killer. Treat dallisgrass when it is actively growing. You may need to apply multiple applications for full control.
• To reduce new dallisgrass plants from growing, apply a pre-emergent labeled for dallisgrass prevention before seed germination. For best control, split pre-emergent applications are recommended.

Continue reading below for more information about what kills dallisgrass, application timing and tips, and more.

Each stalk of dallisgrass in an area produces multiple spikes that produce multiple rows of seeds. These seeds can easily be spread by the wind, by sticking to passing animals, or when making contact with tools. To prevent all those seeds from germinating, a pre-emergent herbicide (also known as a weed preventer) that's labeled for use on dallisgrass is one of the best options available.

To prevent dallisgrass weeds from growing in your lawn:

• You will need to apply pre-emergent products before dallisgrass seed germination occurs. Dallisgrass usually sprouts in the later spring and into the summer when soil temperatures are between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Your local extension office can give you tips on when to apply pre-emergents in your area.
• Choose a product labeled for control of dallisgrass.
• Multiple or split applications of a pre-emergent are often recommended for dallisgrass prevention. Making split applications in the spring (usually 5-10 weeks apart) and another application in the fall can offer the most effective ongoing coverage.
• Pre-emergents applied to stop dallisgrass may need to be watered into the soil completely to be effective against this unwanted weed. Read the entire label and follow directions carefully.

If dallisgrass is already present in your lawn or other property, you'll need to take action with a post-emergent dallisgrass weed killer. While this weed has some similarities to crabgrass, you must confirm that any product is labeled for dallisgrass use before applying.

Dallisgrass is a tough perennial weed and it may take more than one treatment to get full control. Follow these tips for the most successful post-emergent weed-killer application:

• Treat dallisgrass plants early in their growth cycle, when it is actively growing. Dallisgrass can grow quite tall (up to 5') and is much easier to control when the stalks are younger.
• Some dallisgrass killer products are not labeled for control but only suppression of this weed and will require several applications to achieve full control of the weed infestation.
• Read the product label carefully to ensure you have choose a dallisgrass herbicide that is safe for your lawn.

You should avoid mowing two days before and two days after your application to achieve the best results. And depending on the dallisgrass killer product you use, you may need to water in the treatment area before application to prevent damage to your turf. Follow the instructions on the label for best results.

Pro Tip

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Some dallisgrass control products such as MSMA Target are restricted to commercial use and are not suitable for residential lawn treatment.