How to Kill Dallisgrass in Zoysiagrass Without Hurting Your Lawn
Direct Agronomic Answer
Selective control of Dallisgrass in Zoysiagrass requires extreme caution; avoid broadcast spraying non-compatible herbicides and use targeted spot applications.
Dallisgrass is a deep-rooted perennial bunchgrass that resists most selective herbicides. Multiple post-emergent applications are necessary to starve the deep rhizome system.
1. Labeled Safe Herbicides That Kill Dallisgrass in Zoysiagrass
No broadcast selective herbicide is rated unconditionally safe for this combination. Check the conditional options below or spot-treat individual weed crowns with a foam brush.
2. What NOT to Spray on Zoysiagrass When Treating Dallisgrass
Warning: Common Dallisgrass Killers That Damage Zoysiagrass
Many retail herbicides advertised for Dallisgrass are formulated for different turf zones and will severely injure Zoysiagrass:
- AVOID Pylex Herbicide (Topramezone 29.7%): Rated 'damage_risk' on Zoysiagrass — high risk of turf phytotoxicity or stunting.
3. Optimal Seasonal Timing & Temperature Thresholds
Treat in late summer to early fall when plants are translocating carbohydrates to rhizomes.
A spot treatment in late spring followed by an autumn application yields the highest mortality.
4. Diagnostic Checklist: Confirm It Is Dallisgrass Before Spraying
- Large, coarse, circular bunches with a dead, hollowed-out center as clumps age
- Wide, coarse leaf blades with a prominent midrib and hair on lower leaf sheaths
- Seedhead consists of 3 to 5 alternating drooping branches with black, caterpillar-like hairs on seeds
Not 100% sure? Use our AI Photo Weed Scanner or review the full Dallisgrass Botanical Profile.