Dallisgrass (Paspalum dilatatum)

grassy weed · perennial

How to Kill Dallisgrass

Paspalum dilatatum

Approach

Herbicide spray

Difficulty

hard

Treat in

Spring–summer

What Dallisgrass looks like

Coarse, clumpy grass that grows in distinct tufts, 2–4 inches tall, with seed heads that resemble fingers on an open hand (3–6 spikes).

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Best approach: Herbicide spray

Dallisgrass has extremely deep roots — digging rarely gets it all and it regrows. Spot-spray with glyphosate and reseed the area, or use a selective grassy weed herbicide.

When to treat Dallisgrass

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Spot-treat while plants are young and actively growing; mature clumps usually need digging out.

Chemical treatment

Apply a grassy weed herbicide (fluazifop or sethoxydim) when actively growing in spring or early summer, or use glyphosate for spot treatment. Repeat applications often needed.

No catalog product confirmed yet

We do not currently have a product in our catalog confirmed for dallisgrass. Follow the treatment guidance below and check any product label for your turf before applying.

Apply a grassy weed herbicide (fluazifop or sethoxydim) when actively growing in spring or early summer, or use glyphosate for spot treatment. Repeat applications often needed.

Use the removal and non-chemical management steps below for this species. A thick, healthy lawn helps resist new invasions; measure your lawn to build a plan that keeps it dense.

Non-chemical management

Maintain dense turf with proper mowing and fertilization; remove seed heads before they mature.

How to stop Dallisgrass coming back

Maintain dense turf with proper mowing and fertilization; remove seed heads before they mature.

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FAQ

What does Dallisgrass look like?

Coarse, clumpy grass that grows in distinct tufts, 2–4 inches tall, with seed heads that resemble fingers on an open hand (3–6 spikes).

What's the best way to kill Dallisgrass?

Herbicide spray. Dallisgrass has extremely deep roots — digging rarely gets it all and it regrows. Spot-spray with glyphosate and reseed the area, or use a selective grassy weed herbicide.

Is Dallisgrass hard to get rid of?

Dallisgrass is rated hard to control. It usually requires multiple applications and a consistent plan.

How do I stop Dallisgrass coming back?

Maintain dense turf with proper mowing and fertilization; remove seed heads before they mature.

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