How to Get Rid of Dallisgrass

Dallisgrass is a weed that can be difficult to get rid of. It spreads quickly and can be hard to control. 

This blog post will discuss some of the best ways to get rid of dallisgrass. We will also provide information on preventing dallisgrass from growing in your yard. 

Let’s get started!

What is dallisgrass?

Dallisgrass (Paspalum dilatatum) is a perennial grass native to South America, but it has been introduced to other parts of the world, such as the United States, where it is often considered a weed. Dallisgrass grows in clumps and can reach up to five feet tall.

The leaves are long and narrow, and the stems are thick and rigid. The flowers of dallisgrass are small and inconspicuous, but they produce large seed heads that can be up to six inches long.

Dallisgrass is often found in poor-quality soil, such as that found along roadsides or in vacant lots. It is very difficult to control once it becomes established, so it is best to prevent it from taking root in the first place. Read our Weed Identification Guide to learn how to identify dallisgrass and other common weeds found in Texas.

If you think your lawn may be in the need of soil rejuvenation, call Ryno Lawn Care today.

Ways to Get Rid of Dallisgrass

There are several ways that you can get rid of dallisgrass. You can hand-pull the weeds, use a hoe to dig them up or apply an herbicide. Let’s take a look at each of these methods in more detail.

Hand-Dig with Tool

If you have a small area that is infested with dallisgrass, you may be able to hand-dig the weeds. This is a time-consuming process, but it is the most effective way to remove the entire plant, root system, and all.

Use a hoe or other gardening tool to loosen the soil around the dallisgrass plants. Then, use your hands to pull the weeds out of the ground. Make sure to dispose of the plants in a trash bag so that they cannot spread.

Spot Treat with Glyphosate

If you have a large area that is infested with dallisgrass, you may want to use an herbicide to kill the plants. Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide that will kill any plant that it comes in contact with.

To use this method, mix glyphosate with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Then, use a pump sprayer to apply the mixture to the leaves of the dallisgrass plants. The plants will die within a few days.

A trick of trade from Neil Sperry, is to cut the bottom off of a milk jug.  Place the milk jug over the dallisgrass.  Remove the cap and then put the sprayer nozzle inside and spray.  This will make sure that the glyphosate is applied only to the weed and not to your lawn.

Do pre-emergents work on dallisgrass?

Pre-emergents work by creating a barrier on the soil’s surface that prevents new seeds from germinating. As a result, they can be an effective tool for preventing dallisgrass from taking over your lawn or garden.

However, it is important to apply pre-emergents before dallisgrass begins to grow. Once the grass has already emerged, pre-emergents will not be effective. With that in mind, be sure to plan ahead and apply pre-emergents early in the season for the best results.

Do post-emergents work on dallisgrass?

Post-emergent herbicides are particularly effective at controlling dallisgrass, as they target the weed while it is actively growing. These herbicides work by disrupting the plant’s metabolism, causing it to die quickly.

However, post-emergent herbicides must be applied carefully, as they can also damage desirable plants. For best results, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and apply the herbicide to a small test area first. 

Dallisgrass Prevention Tips

The best way to get rid of dallisgrass is to prevent it from growing in the first place. Here are some tips that you can use to prevent dallisgrass from taking over your yard:

• Mow your lawn regularly to prevent the dallisgrass seeds from germinating.  Let Ryno Lawn Care do the mowing for you!
• Remove any dallisgrass plants that you see growing in your yard.
• Apply a pre-emergent herbicide to your yard in the spring to prevent dallisgrass seeds from germinating.
• Make sure that you have a thick, healthy lawn. Dallisgrass is more likely to take over thin or bare areas of your yard.
• Fill in any bare or thin spots on your lawn with grass seed or sod.
• Keep you lawn well fertilized year-round.  Lawn fertilization is a service we offer at Ryno Lawn Care.

Conclusion

Often, the best way to get rid of dallisgrass is to take preventive measures to stop it from growing in the first place. 

However, if you already have a dallisgrass problem, there are several ways that you can control it. Hand-digging, hoeing, and spot-treating with an herbicide are all effective methods. 

Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when using any herbicides, and take care to avoid damaging desirable plants. With a little effort, you can get rid of dallisgrass and take back your yard!