Dallisgrass Control in Bermuda Lawn: Sugar Myth and Real Solutions

In Houston, you have dallisgrass invading Bermuda and want to use sugar (read about it elsewhere) to selectively remove dallisgrass. You have two dogs using the yard.

Sugar Does Not Control Dallisgrass

The sugar theory (feeding soil microbes to tie up nitrogen, favoring low-N grasses) is anecdotal and unreliable. Dallisgrass is a tough perennial with deep rhizomes. Table sugar won't touch it.

Effective Dallisgrass Management in Bermuda

1. Spot-treat with glyphosate: Use a shielded sprayer or wiper. Add dye to see overspray. Cut out any Bermuda hit by overspray.
2. Encourage Bermuda fill-in: Add topsoil to bare spots, water well, mow Bermuda low (0.5–1 inch) to promote lateral spread.
3. Pre-emergent program: Apply prodiamine or pendimethalin in early spring (Feb–Mar in Houston) to block dallisgrass seed. Repeat per label.
4. MSMA (where legal): Post-emergent for dallisgrass in Bermuda. Check TX regulations.

Dog Safety

• Glyphosate: Keep pets off until dry (4–6 hrs).
• Pre-emergents: Water in, then safe once dry.
• Always follow label restrictions.

Long-Term Reality

Dallisgrass is a perennial battle. No silver bullet. Consistent spot-treatment + dense Bermuda + pre-emergent = best management.