How to Kill Dallisgrass Weed
Dallisgrass is a tough weed to control, but it is doable with enough knowledge. Read on to learn how to kill dallisgrass.
Dallisgrass Weed Control
Argentine and Uruguayan dallisgrass (Paspalum dilitatum) A quick growing feed plant that could withstand our southern climate, it was brought to America in the 1800s. Its common name honors A.T. Dallis, an early advocate of its usage and import. Sadly, he misjudged and his name is now associated with a noxious weed.
The dallisgrass weed, together with its cousins, field paspalum and thin paspalum, grew out of control in their new place. Dallisgrass spread over the south. The toxic ergot fungus affects dallisgrass, unlike its relatives.
How to Identify Dallisgrass
Controlling dalisgrass has become an issue for both private and public lawns. Clump-forming perennial with a coarse texture that grows in ever-expanding rings, burying all turf grasses in its path. Its slender rhizomes grow readily in wet soil, making control difficult.
Dallisgrass grows well on sandy or clay soils. It thrives on nitrogen fertilizer and grows twice as quickly as ordinary turf grass, causing problems for golfers, field sports, and homeowners alike.
How to Kill Dallisgrass
Pre-emergent, post-emergent, and lawn health are three ways to kill dallisgrass.
Healthy lawn care
One technique for dallisgrass control is to keep a healthy, thickly planted turf by watering, mowing, and fertilizing regularly. Fill bare patches immediately with seed or sod to prevent dallisgrass weed seeds from sprouting. A thick, well-kept lawn that prevents undesired seeds from germinating is a dallisgrass killer.
Pre-emergents
Pre-emergent control is the second step in dallis grass weed control. Dallisgrass spikes generate an abundance of seeds. Each spikelet contains two rows of seeds running down its length. Wind, animals, and lawn mower blades disperse the seeds. A preemergent pesticide harmful to crabgrass will also kill dallisgrass. Pre-emergents must be watered into the soil to work.
Post-emergent treatment
There are three post-emergent treatments for dallisgrass. Digging up the problematic plants is the most labor-demanding and ecologically favorable way to control dallisgrass. To finish the treatment and prevent regrowth, post-emergent crabgrass herbicides will also work effectively.
Finally, non-selective herbicides can be used to treat small infestations. Warning: non-selective herbicides kill any plant they come in touch with. Weed and turf will be destroyed. Prepare to rapidly fill up any bare places. Re-seeding: read the label.
It is possible to kill dallisgrass and prevent its re-growth with effort and understanding of how to kill dallisgrass and prevent its re-growth.