Bermuda grass is as resilient and tough as the Southern states it graces. Unlike the languid South, however, its rapacious growth and speed and can it into trouble.
Many landscapers and gardeners want to get rid of it. So, when searching for weed killers to use on Bermuda grass, you’ll run into products meant to kill the grass as likely as not!
That’s why we’ve done the research to help all you Bermuda grass lovers control the weeds and keep the dense turf grass of your dreams healthy and happy.
Top Weed Killers for Bermuda Grass – Reviews
1. Bioadvanced 100534368 Selective Herbicide, 29 oz
The selective weed killer from Bioadvanced is a winning combination of easy to use, reasonably priced, and effective.
It kills over 200 weeds and prevents some of them for up to 6 months. The mixture is both super effective in the long and short-term, as well as formulated to be gentler on Bermuda grass.
Though the price may become a problem with huge amount of ground to cover, it’s a great weed solution for anywhere from small to large lawns.
Specifications:
- Active ingredients: 2,4-D, isoxaben, dicamba, MCPP
- Rainproof in 1 hour
- Treats 9,000 square feet
Pros:
- Fast and effective
- Weed killer and preventer
- Ready to use
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- 2,4-D mixture
1. Scotts 26003 Turf Builder Triple Action
Scotts always makes it into our list of favorite lawn care products, and with their triple action products like this Turf Builder it’s easy to see why!
The granular formula kills post-emergent weeds like clover, dandelion, chickweed, lots of broadleaf weeds and much more. Additionally, it prevents crab grass and grassy weed for up to 4 months.
And the best part? It’s safer to use on Bermuda grass than most post-emergent herbicides and will support a healthy, lush lawn. Because a thriving lawn is weed control in and of itself.
Specifications:
- Selective post and pre-emergent weed killer and lawn fertilizer
- Active ingredients: pendimethalin, 2,4-D, MCPP
- Treats 4,000 square feet
Pros:
- Kills weeds and improves lawn
- Ready to use
- Mid-range price
Cons:
- Not specifically formulated for Bermuda grass
3. Spectracide HG-95703 Lawn Weed Killer, Ready-to-Use, LAWNGARD
For one of the broadest and most effective weed killers for tricky species (like nutsedge), Spectracide provides an inexpensive solution.
Spectracide’s formula kills a whopping 470 types of weeds including nutsedge, dandelion, crabgrass and many other broadleaf and grassy varieties.
Though it is safe for Bermuda grass, there are two harsher ingredients in this mixture that mean you should follow the directions as closely as possible to avoid significant yellowing or damage to your lawn.
Specifications:
- Selective weed killer
- Active ingredients: 2,4-D, quinclorac, dicamba, sulfentrazone
- Rainproof in 3 hours
- Treats 5,000 square feet
Pros:
- Ready to use
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- 2,4-D and quinclorac mixture
- Does not affect pre-emergent
4. BASF Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Herbicide 64 OZ.
Got a crab grass problem? BASF will help you solve it. This super concentrated formula is one of the most effective grassy weed killers on the market. And a single half gallon can cover a whole acre!
Being mainly composed of quinclorac, however, does mean you’ll have to deal with a certain amount of temporary yellowing. We suggest applying to test areas first and using caution.
Specifications:
- Active ingredient: quinclorac
- Selective, post-emergent for grassy and broadleaf weeds
- Rain proof in 1 hour
- Treats over 40,000 square feet
Pros:
- Huge area, low price
- Super effective on crab grass
Cons:
- Quinclorac based
- Requires mixing
5. Espoma Organic Weed Preventer-25 lb. CGP25, 25 lb
For folks seeking an all-natural, incredibly safe weed preventer for their Bermuda grass look no further than Espoma. The company’s dedication to quality and non-toxic ingredients makes one of our favorites.
Using common sense and not chemicals, this corn meal formula is certified for organic use and completely safe for pets, children, and wildlife – not just the lawn!
It doesn’t do anything for post-emergent weeds but provides protection from germinating weeds and fertilizes your Bermuda grass at the same time.
Specifications:
- 100% corn gluten meal
- Pre-emergent weed killer and long-release lawn food
- Treats 1,250 square feet
Pros:
- Certified for organic use
- Non-toxic, pet and child safe
- Prevents and fertilizes
Cons:
- Fairly expensive
- Does not kill post-emergent
Buyers Guide
What is Bermuda Grass?
Bermuda grass, or cynodon dactylon, is a dense, vigorous, fine bladed turf grass found across the Southern United States.
It is native to most of the Eastern hemisphere and adapted for transitional climates as well. However, it does not fare well in extreme cold and Northern climes.
Bermuda turf starts growing around temperatures of 59 degrees and excels in the range of 75-99 degrees. As Winter sets in your grass will turn brown and dry out until Spring.
This fast spreading, thick grass is both prized and reviled depending on who you talk to. It is a favorite for sports fields and large commercial properties due to its toughness and resiliency.
But it can be a headache for gardeners. The reason for its reputation is that Bermuda grass doesn’t just reproduce by seeds. It spreads with weed-like quickness via a robust, sod-forming root system.
Other names you may hear for Bermuda grass:
- Wiregrass
- Devilgrass
- Scutch grass
Tips on Caring for Bermuda Grass
Watering
The general advice most experts give on watering turf grass is “deeply, but infrequently.”
During the growing season and warm months, Bermuda grass needs about ¾ to 1-inch of water per watering. It is recommended that you wait for minor signs of drought stress before watering again.
Mowing
The ideal height for Bermuda turf is between 1 and 2 inches, depending on the sun exposure and climate. Any lower than 1-inch risks scalping the lawn and unsightly dead patches before it rebounds.
You can dispense with mowing during the dormant season as the grass will not be getting longer and you could harm your lawn.
Aeration and thatch removal
The thick root system of Bermuda grass will necessitate some aeration and de-thatching throughout its life to maintain a healthy lawn.
Season by season Bermuda grass care
For a more detailed look at what your yearly maintenance for Bermuda grass should entail, Clemson’s College of Agriculture has a seasonal breakdown.
Weed Killers for Bermuda Grass
Before you even start looking for products remember to always follow the label! Straying from instructions can lead to harming your lawn, the surrounding plants and animals, or even pets.
Weed killers safe for use on Bermuda grass
Pre-emergent herbicides are a granule or spray that prevent s weed seeds from germinating. Most are safe for use during drought, or on dormant Bermuda grass and contain a fertilizer to support your lawn health as well.
Safe active ingredients in pre-emergent weed killer for Bermuda grass:
- Benefin
- Oryzalin
- Trifluralin
- Dithiopyr
- Prodiamine
For post-emergent, or already spung up weeds, selective weed killers for annual and broadleaf control are usually the best bet for Bermuda grass.
Safe active ingredients in post-emergent weed killer for Bermuda grass:
- Mecoprop (MCPP)
- Carfentrazone
- Triclopyr
- Bentazon
- Halosulfuron
- Imazaquin
- Thiencarbazone
- Iodosulfuron
Chemicals to use with caution or avoid
Remember, some gardeners are specifically trying to kill Bermuda grass, so just because it has the name on the bottle doesn’t mean it will do what you want. Always read the label!
2,4-D is a common active ingredient in selective weed killers. However, Bermuda grass can be sensitive to this chemical – especially during the growing and “greening up” periods and exceptionally hot summers.
Don’t use cheap, single chemical solutions that don’t pair this harsh herbicide with others to keep your lawn safe.
Quinclorac is moderately safe but can temporarily yellow Bermuda grass and is especially damaging to drought stressed turf.
Glyphosate is a non-selective chemical that is highly effective for removing all vegetation it touches. It can even affect a certain area around the application zone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to apply post-emergent weed killer to Bermuda grass?
The perfect time to apply post-emergent weed killer to your Bermuda grass is after the turf fully revives after its Winter dormancy.
Once it has fully greened up, keep an eye out for excessively dry weather. Many herbicides can damage Bermuda grass when applied too early or to drought stressed grass.
When shouldn’t I apply weed killer to Bermuda grass?
Post-emergent weed killers should not be applied when:
- During the early spring and greening up stage
- The grass shows signs of drought stress
- Temperatures are above 90 degrees
How can I identify the types of weeds in my yard?
There are a lot of different types of weeds and a lot of different ways to identify them!
Lawn Care Life’s video shows 21 common weeds up close and personal, as well as gives basic advice.
Or, for a different tack to weed control, check out AdventureLife’s guide to identifying edible weeds.
And Clemson’s College of Agriculture gives a detailed written account of which weeds are most common in which grasses, as well as how to manage them.
Conclusion
Our top choice for weed killer for use on Bermuda grass is the Bioadvanced combination weed killer and preventer. It won’t hurt the grass, works quickly, and stops many weeds from growing for 6 months.
Bermuda grass can be a little tricky due to its hard to control reputation and similarities to some weeds. But with a little help us, we hope you can find the best weed killer for your lawn.
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