It's time for our annual discussion on how to tell the difference between dallisgrass and crabgrass.
Why annual? Because these two weeds are probably the most misidentified of all lawn weeds, and typically one is mistaken for the other. Homeowners across Midlothian, Prosper, and throughout North Texas make this mistake constantly—and it costs them time, money, and frustration.
Why Identification Matters
Knowing the difference between dallisgrass and crabgrass isn't just academic. It's critical because you deal with each of them in completely different ways.
Crabgrass is an annual plant that sprouts from seeds each year. That means you can prevent it with a pre-emergent application. Get your pre-emergent down at the right time, and crabgrass never becomes a problem.
Dallisgrass, on the other hand, cannot be prevented with pre-emergent. It's a perennial that comes back from established root systems year after year. You have to deal with individual dallisgrass plants as they appear in your lawn, typically with spot treatments.
If you misidentify your weed, you'll apply the wrong solution. Treating dallisgrass like crabgrass means relying on pre-emergent that won't help. Treating crabgrass like dallisgrass means spot-treating plants that could have been prevented entirely. Either way, you're wasting effort and not solving the problem.
Physical Differences
Both weeds are full-grown and thriving this time of year in the DFW area. If they were growing side by side, you could tell them apart fairly easily.
Dallisgrass is a taller, more upright weed. It grows in clumps and stands above the surrounding turf.
Crabgrass has a broader leaf and grows lower to the ground. It often spreads outward in a star pattern and can look similar to St. Augustine grass, which causes additional confusion for homeowners in Waxahachie, Midlothian, and Prosper who have St. Augustine lawns.
The Seed Head Trick
The best and most reliable way to identify the difference between dallisgrass and crabgrass is by looking at the seed heads. This is the trick that makes identification easy, even from a distance.
Crabgrass seed heads are very small and fine, growing straight out of the top of the stem like fingers reaching upward.
Dallisgrass seed heads are much larger and grow off the side of the stem rather than the top. The telltale sign? Look for small black spots on the dallisgrass seed head. Those black spots are a dead giveaway.
Once you know this difference, you'll be able to identify these weeds quickly and confidently.
Know the Difference
Taking the time to properly identify your weeds could save you a lot of headaches and get you better results in the long run. Don't assume—look at those seed heads and know for certain what you're dealing with before you treat.
Watch the video below to see dallisgrass and crabgrass side by side and learn exactly how to tell them apart.
For professional weed control in Midlothian and Prosper, contact Vista Lawn and Pest.
