Its time for our annual discussion on how to tell the difference between dallisgrass and crabgrass.
The reason this is an annual discussion is because these two weeds are probably the most misidentified of all the weeds, and typically one is mistaken for the other.
First, let me tell you why it is very important to know the difference, and be able to identify the difference between dallisgrass and crabgrass.
They are both full grown and thriving this time of year, and the reason you have to know the difference is because you deal with each of them in very different ways. Crabgrass you can prevent with a pre emergent since it’s an annual plant that sprouts from seeds. Dallisgrass on the other hand cannot be prevented, and you have to deal with the individual plants as they come up in your lawn.
If the weeds were side by side you could easily tell them apart. Dallisgrass is a taller, upright weed. Crabgrass has a broader leaf, grows lower to the ground and often looks similar to St. Augustine.
However, the best way to identify the difference between these two weeds is with the seed head. Crabgrass seed heads are very small and fine, growing out of the top of the stem. Dallisgrass seed heads are much larger, have small black spots on them, and grow off the side of the stem.
Know the difference! It could save you a lot of headache and get you better results its the long run!
