We all know how stubborn and annoying dallisgrass can be, ruining your perfectly kept lawn and coming back time and time again. Dallisgrass has roots growing extremely deep and is perennial which is even worst news, so not only is it a struggle to destroy but it just seems to regrow. How to kill dallisgrass could be difficult and getting rid of this weed for good might be a real challenge.
Controlling dallisgrass presents a formidable challenge as it is regarded as one of the most invasive and troublesome weeds. Many of us have encountered its relentless nature, making the task of killing dallisgrass not only challenging but also tricky as you do not want it re-growing again, spoiling your beautiful garden. We have discussed the fight against crabgrass and the best ways to get rid of it with either herbicides or natural methods. It might be worth reading up on it as it can be useful in the case of a dallisgrass infection too.
Luckily as hard as it may seem we have found a few ways how to kill dallisgrass and a few interesting tricks to get rid of dallisgrass for good!
But before we can get into that let us first try to understand what exactly is dallisgrass, to get a better grip on dealing with this nuisance.
What is Dallisgrass?
Dallisgrass, also known as Dallas grass or sticky heads, is a grassy weed that can grow in both private and public gardens. Native to South America, dallisgrass is an introduced species across the world and at many places now considered an invasive pet, due to its rapid growth and spread rate (source).
It looks like a circular clump of grass in which the inner leaves may die and the outer leaves continue to grow. Dallisgrass has an extensive root system that can take over your entire lawn if not dealt with, this weed grass also smothers your grass and other plants in your garden.
Dallisgrass grows twice as fast as any other grass and will grow in almost any soil, it is truly a tough and pestilent weed that can be infuriating to deal with.
Dallisgrass vs Crabgrass
Dallisgrass and crabgrass are both common grassy weeds, but they differ in several ways. Dallisgrass, classified as a perennial weed, is known for its distinctive seed heads that appear in late spring or early summer. These dallisgrass seed heads can spread and produce new plants.
On the other hand, crabgrass is an annual weed that reproduces by dropping seeds. While both are undesirable in lawns, understanding the characteristics and growth patterns of dallisgrass and crabgrass is crucial for effective weed management strategies.
For those dealing with crabgrass issues, here are some effective methods to eliminate this troublesome weed.
How to Kill Dallisgrass?
What we would like to help you achieve with this article is to get rid of these weeds, stay rid of them, and maintain a gorgeous and healthy lawn that is dallisgrass weed free!
So to answer this question, of how to kill dallisgrass, here are the methods;
Manual removal
For manual removal you will need a spade or shovel, preferably a sharpshooter spade, you will then need to dig up the entire dallisgrass clump making sure to remove ALL the roots. Taproots left over will most certainly cause the dallisgrass to grow back very fast.
After you have done this make sure to sow thick layers of grass seeds or sod of your preferred grass type, in order to prevent dallisgrass seeds from coming up again, creating a thick lawn with no bald spots will make it harder for dallisgrass seeds to germinate.
Keep your lawn well fertilized and cut it regularly to maintain a healthy and weed-free lawn. In the case of flowers and other garden beds, using a thick layer of mulch after removing the weed should keep it from growing back again.
The ideal time to engage in this activity is early spring, as it coincides with the emergence of the first seedlings.
To prevent the further spread of dallisgrass seeds in your lawn, it is advisable to refrain from picking matured dallisgrass. Picking them can inadvertently disperse approximately 5,000 seeds from a single plant, resulting in potential divots in your lawn.
Instead, consider using a grass spray to eliminate the dallisgrass plants effectively. Following this, you can apply a pre-emergent herbicide to the affected area to prevent the growth of any remaining seeds.
Best Dallisgrass Killer – Using Post-Emergent Herbicides
Using a weed killer that is non-selective such as a glyphosate-only herbicide is a great dallisgrass killer, although it may take some time and may have to be done at weekly intervals.
What Kills Dallisgrass?
In order to do this, you will need to purchase a herbicide or weed killer that only contains Glyphosate or that is specifically meant as a dallisgrass killer.
You will need a pump sprayer to mix the germicide in, make sure to use gloves and follow the instructions meticulously as you are working with a hazardous substance.
The mixture must then be sprayed on the spot where the dallisgrass is growing only, take caution for it not to come in contact with other crops and plants. You may have to do spot spraying a few consecutive times before the dallisgrass dies.
After killing or removing the dallisgrass we encourage you to take preventative measures to keep it at bay, and keep your lawn healthy to prevent further occurrences.
Preventing Daligrass Growth with Pre-Emergent Herbicides
After removing and killing dallisgrass you are still not out of the woods yet, dallisgrass produces millions of tiny seeds that get blown or washed over your lawn.
The best way for dallisgrass control is to purchase a herbicide that can be either specified for dallisgrass or for crabgrass, both should work equally well. Spray your lawn at prescribed regular intervals to keep dallisgrass from regrowing.
Dallisgrass Weed Control Methods
Implementing effective dallisgrass control, maintaining a thick and luxuriant lawn, and ensuring proper fertilization are key steps toward thwarting the regrowth of dallisgrass seeds. Using the pre-emergent herbicide along with feeding and watering your lawn should ultimately do the trick.
Keep your lawn short and thick by cutting it regularly, increase ventilation, and make sure to fill up any bald spots with seeds or sod, do not give a dallisgrass seed the chance to germinate.
As for gardens and bedding, the same principles can be followed and mulch can be used regularly to prevent dallisgrass from growing.
FAQ
Can You Kill Dallis Grass with Boiling Water?
Yes, you can effectively kill dallisgrass by pouring boiling water on it. The high temperature of the water helps to destroy the grass, leading to its demise. Repeat this process 3 to 4 times per day until the grass has perished.
Will Vinegar Kill Dallisgrass?
With household vinegar, quickly eliminate dallisgrass by boiling it to concentrate the liquid. Apply the vinegar carefully to the grass leaves. Take caution when using this solution as it can harm other grass in your lawn.
Will Roundup Kill Dallisgrass?
Roundup® Ready-To-Use Weed & Grass Killer III with Sure Shot® Wand is effective for targeted treatment. However, exercise caution while applying it to your lawn, as it can eliminate any plants it touches, including desired grass.
Conclusion
By following the steps we have discussed how to kill dallisgrass and keep it from returning in the future.
Dallisgrass is a stubborn and reoccurring weed that is a nuisance to many, herbicides are good dallisgrass killers just as the manual shovel or spade.
Keeping your lawn or bedding healthy and lush will also aid in keeping dallisgrass from regrowing.
As a preventative measure, a pre-emergent herbicide should do the trick.
We hope you enjoy a healthy and luxurious, weed-free lawn without any more hassles from dallisgrass invasions!
