Pests like moles can invade your lawn and wreak havoc on your plants. Aside from pests, Dallisgrass and crabgrass can also be a nuisance in your garden. These clumps of grass are not like common plants, and they grow faster than the rest.
This article outlines the differences between dallisgrass and crabgrass, and how you can manage them if they appear in your yard.
What is Dallisgrass?
Dallisgrass is tall and sturdy, with a gritty texture. They are clumps of grass with a big seed head spotted with tiny black dots. Perennial dallisgrass develops in circular clumps that can cover and smother nearby grass and the plant itself.
- Origin and Distribution – Dallisgrass was from Uruguay and Argentina. In the 1800s, it was also introduced in the US as a fast-growing grass that survives in southern climates.
- Life Cycle – Dallisgrass has a fast-growing phase that can invade your lawn. This weed spreads from a short rhizome and obtains a deep and thick root system. Dallisgrass also thrives in sandy and clay soil, and it prefers a nitrogen fertilizer to grow.
- Habitat – Dallisgrass is a common weed of lawns, gardens, parks, footpaths, roadsides, disturbed sides, and places with a sub-tropical and temperate climate.
- Physiology – Dallisgrass flower from spring until summer, then after, the flowering slows down. It grows fast throughout the reproductive season, and it slows down in the middle of summer and fall. During cool seasons, it goes dormant in subtropical areas and at higher altitudes.
What Is Crabgrass?
Crabgrass is also known as finger grass. It is one of the most noticeable weeds on your lawn. It has a yellowish-green shade with a coarse texture, dark-green cool-season turfgrasses.
- Origin and Distribution – Crabgrass is a widespread plant native to Europe. It was first introduced to the US as a potential fodder crop in 1849 by the United States Patent Office. You can find this grass in agricultural or non-crop environments.
- Life Cycle – Crabgrass is an annual summer grass weed. It lies dormant for a short time after shedding from plants. Crabgrass is a versatile grass of mowing height. It can also produce seeds at mowing heights for at least 1/2 inch. Crabgrass grows until the middle of the summer when the days get shorter. It begins its reproductive stage as its vegetative growth slows.
- Habitat – Crabgrass grows in every type of turf and environment. It grows in lawns, golf courses, sporting fields, gardens, and wastelands. Also, it grows very well in grassy areas.
- Physiology – Dallisgrass flower from spring until summer, then after, the flowering slows down. It grows fast throughout the reproductive season, and it slows down in the middle of summer and fall. It goes dormant in subtropical areas and at higher altitudes during cool seasons.
Dallisgrass Vs Crabgrass: Similarities and Differences
Dallisgrass and Crabgrass Key Similarities
Dallisgrass and crabgrass are both invasive grasses that could be difficult to eradicate. Dallisgrass can evade lawnmowers due to its longer stalks’ smooth and gritty texture. It’s harder to keep these weeds from sprouting than eliminate them after they have grown.
Most homeowners prefer not to use any chemicals in their yard if possible, encouraging the growth of this grass. Most herbicides that target crabgrass and dallisgrass could also harm other plants.
Crabgrass and Dallisgrass Key Differences
Dallisgrass is a perennial grass unaffected by any seasonal changes in weather. It possesses short rhizomes, with a few distances between stems and the nest joints.
If you wish to keep dallisgrass from sprouting, you must completely dig it up. It may re-grow from clumps, seeds, and even sods, which can help it survive. It can also thrive in both cold and wet conditions.
Crabgrass is an annual weed grass that grows and dies in the same year. Crabgrass has giant growing leaf blades that keep it close to the ground.
The grass produces 150,00 viable seeds, increasing its potential for expansion. It grows low to the ground, making mowing difficult. It thrives in hot, dry conditions.
You can use pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides to prevent crabgrass from sprouting.
Eliminating Dallisgrass and Crabgrass
You can control the germination of crabgrass seeds. You can use the pre-emergent herbicide method, which attacks the seeds. If the seeds have already grown, you can use the post-emergent method to attack the growing leaves.
Dallisgrass grows from clumps, sods, and seeds, making their removal much more difficult. When it grows, no measure of mowing will eradicate it.
The most effective weed management method is pulling out the grass and allowing the root to dry out. Doing this method can hinder regrowth.
Crabgrass Varieties |
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| Smooth Crabgrass | Smooth crabgrass is often known as “small crabgrass” since it is smaller than its hairier relative. |
| Hairy Crabgrass | Hairy crabgrass has tiny hairs all over its leaves and stems. Smooth crabgrass hairs are only found on the plant’s auricles, which are small, ear-like extensions on the inside side of the leaves at the root. |
| Asian Crabgrass | Asian crabgrass is perennial grass and is native to the southeastern United States. This warm-season grass germinates in the spring and continues to produce seed throughout the summer. |
Be on the lookout for invasive crabgrass and dallisgrass in your lawn. Eliminate them with the help of the experts from PestGuide. Schedule an appointment today!
Pro Tip
“Look for preemergence herbicide sprays when you want to eliminate crabgrass in your lawn.”
– PestGuide.org
Managing Crabgrass and Dallisgrass Infestation
It’s bothersome to have clumps of crabgrass and dallisgrass growing on your lovely lawn. Learning the differences between the two is essential to eliminate both. Take note of the weeds’ life cycle, traits, and flaws. But, if you don’t want the stress of getting rid of them, you can ask for help from professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Home gardeners can use post-emergent herbicides like Weed-B-Gon Crabgrass Killer to control dallisgrass clumps growing in lawns.
To kill crabgrass and keep your lawn healthy and untouched, you can use selective post-emergent herbicides, such as Image All-In-One Lawn Weed Killer.
Crabgrass invades your lawn as they prefer sandy, compacted soil with weakened, thinned grass. Also, crabgrass thrives in bare, thin lawns where sunlight reaches the ground directly. Crabgrass thrives in lawns with too much water and phosphorus.