How to Get Rid of Bermuda Grass in Your Lawn

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Bermuda grass may be popular in warm climates for its toughness and drought resistance, but when it shows up uninvited in your lawn, it becomes a real headache. 

Known for its aggressive growth and resilience, Bermuda grass can quickly take over fescue, bluegrass, or other cool-season lawns if left unchecked.

If you’re dealing with an invasion of Bermuda grass, don’t worry. There are several effective methods to remove it and ensure it doesn’t return. 

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you regain control of your lawn.

Why Is Bermuda Grass So Hard to Eliminate?

Bermuda grass spreads through seeds, stolons (above-ground runners), and rhizomes (underground stems), making it incredibly persistent. Even if you kill what’s on the surface, underground runners can begin new growth. 

Also, since the weed has invaded your lawn, herbicides like Roundup may not be the best option as they may kill the turf.  

Therefore, keep in mind that effective removal requires patience and persistence.

Ways to Get Rid of Bermuda Grass in Your Lawn

Let’s explore the expert-recommended ways to kill the pesky Bermuda grass completely.

1. Manual Removal 

If the infestation is small or isolated, digging up the grass can provide effective control. Some experts recommend mowing the grass first to better identify all the affected areas.

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Once you’re done, follow these steps:

  • Water the area a day before digging to loosen the soil and make root removal easier.
  • Use a shovel to dig at least 6 inches deep to remove all rhizomes and roots.
  • Place the grass in a bag immediately and dispose of it carefully.
  • Since you can’t reach the buried seeds, check for regrowth weekly and remove any new shoots.

Remove all fragments and dispose of them correctly because the grass can resprout even from one rhizome. 

2. Apply A Selective Herbicide

Apply a selective herbicide like triclopyr to get rid of Bermuda grass weeds
Apply a selective herbicide like triclopyr to get rid of Bermuda grass weeds. Image: canva/banksphotos

Selective herbicides like fenoxaprop and triclopyr will suppress the Bermuda grass if applied repeatedly. The repeat herbicide treatments allow the desired grass to grow vigorously and outcompete the weeds.

However, herbicides have no effect on the underground seeds or rhizome network. 

Here are the steps:

  • Mow the lawn to 1-2 inches.
  • Apply the herbicide on the affected areas.
  • Wait for 7 days before mowing.
  • Repeat the process until the grass is eradicated.

For areas where you suspect the bermuda grass seeds may be present, use solarization to eliminate them. 

Follow this procedure:

  • Lay down a UV-stabilized clear plastic over the area.
  • Seal edges of plastic with soil or weights to trap heat.
  • Leave in place for 4–6 weeks during peak summer.
  • Remove the plastic, allow soil to air out for a few days.
  • Reseed or replant with your desirable grass, using mulch or pre-emergent herbicide to prevent re-infestation.
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For total eradication, repeat this cycle at least for two seasons (spring and summer) if the Bermuda grass has a strong root system or keeps returning.

3. Maintain Tall Fescue Grass

Controlling Bermuda grass through cultural control is almost possible. However, If you’re growing fescue as your preferred turf, raising it to a mowing height of 4 inches can effectively kill the unwanted grass weeds. 

Bermuda grass does not tolerate low light and will be crowded out by the quick-growing tall fescue. This method can also work for other cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass.

4. Lawn Renovation

Sometimes, the Bermuda grass infestation could be severe and the turf is not salvagable. In this case, you may have to consider removing the entire grass on your lawn and renovating it.  

Here are the steps to follow:

  • Apply a non-selective herbicide like Roundup to kill all vegetation.
  • Irrigate the area to encourage new growth.
  • Wait 1–3 weeks and reapply the treatment.
  • Remove all dead plant matter and till the soil.
  • Apply a pre-emergent herbicide if not reseeding right away.
  • Reseed or lay new sod with your desired grass type.
  • Follow up with frequent monitoring.

This will get rid of the Bermuda grass and give you a new healthy lawn.

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Conclusion 

Getting rid of Bermuda grass isn’t a one-time job, it’s a process that requires consistent effort. However, with the right combination of removal techniques, you can restore your lawn and keep it looking its best.

Whether you’re digging it out regularly or treating it with a herbicide, the key is persistence. Stay vigilant, and you’ll win the battle against Bermuda grass.