Dallisgrass and goosegrass are two common weeds that can invade lawns in Tennessee. They are both tough to control and can quickly take over your lawn if left unchecked. Fortunately, there are ways to distinguish them from regular grass so you can take the necessary steps to eliminate them. Dallisgrass has a tall, coarse appearance and grows in clumps, while goosegrass is low-growing and has a flat, spreading habit. Both weeds can be controlled with post-emergent herbicides. Regular grass, on the other hand, is uniform in appearance and grows evenly across the lawn. Learn more about what these weeds look like and how to distinguish your desired grass from them.

How to Identify Dallisgrass & Control It

Dallisgrass weed on a lawn in Memphis, TN.

Dallisgrass is a warm-season perennial weed that is characterized by its tall, coarse appearance and clumping growth habit. It can grow up to 3 feet tall and has long, narrow leaves with rough edges. Dallisgrass is a tough weed to control because it has a deep and fibrous root system and can quickly spread across your lawn. However, it can be controlled with post-emergent herbicides.

Post-emergent herbicides are designed to kill weeds that have already emerged from the soil. They work by being absorbed by the weed's leaves and then traveling down to the roots, where they kill the plant. It's important to follow the instructions on the herbicide label carefully to ensure that you apply it correctly and at the right time. Dallisgrass is best controlled when it is young and actively growing, so it's important to treat it as soon as you notice it in your lawn.

Working with professionals to control weeds like dallisgrass ensures effective results!

How to Identify Goosegrass & Control It

Goosegrass on the ground in Memphis, TN.

Goosegrass is a sun-loving weed that thrives in compacted soils! It is a low-growing weed that has a flat, spreading habit. Goosegrass is often mistaken for crabgrass because of its similar appearance, but it is tougher to control. Goosegrass can be identified by its flat, white stems and long, narrow leaves that grow in a rosette pattern. Its leaves are smooth and have a dark-green color, while its roots are strongly anchored in tightly packed soil. Like dallisgrass, goosegrass can be controlled with post-emergent herbicides.

Like most weeds, goosegrass is best controlled before it fully matures and while it is actively growing, so it's important to treat it as soon as you notice it in your lawn. Post-emergent herbicides are most effective when applied to young, actively growing weeds. Following proper application rates for weed control is important to ensure it is applied correctly and at the right time. Goosegrass is a persistent weed that can be tough to control, so it may take multiple applications of herbicide to completely eliminate it from your lawn.

How to Identify Regular Grass

Lush, green grass with a large tree in Memphis, TN.

Regular grass is what most people think of when they picture a healthy, green lawn. It is characterized by its uniform appearance and even growth habit. Regular grass is typically soft to the touch and has a smooth, even texture. Unlike dallisgrass and goosegrass, regular grass does not grow in clumps or have a flat, spreading habit. Regular grass also has a darker touch of green compared to weeds like dallisgrass and goosegrass. Additionally, regular grass has narrow and elongated leaves, whereas dallisgrass has wider leaves, while goosegrass has flat and narrow blades.

Call us today to sign up for our weed control service!

Weeds like dallisgrass and goosegrass are difficult to eliminate from your lawn, but we're here to help. Our team at Picture Perfect Landscapes offers a weed control service to tackle pesky weeds and ensure your grass can absorb the nutrients it needs without competition. This service includes regular treatments throughout the year, providing year-round protection against these invasive weeds. We serve residential and commercial properties, as well as HOAs, in Memphis, Midtown Memphis, East Memphis, and nearby areas in Tennessee. Call us today at (901) 246-7656 to sign up for our weed control service!