There is nothing more satisfying than a lawn of healthy, thriving Bermuda grass. The turf is famous for its aggressive growth, which guarantees a thick, lush canopy when adequately cared for.
But even with the best of care, weeds can still invade your Bermuda grass lawn, spoiling its beauty.
If you are looking for a way to kill weeds in Bermuda grass, there are several solutions. One of the most effective techniques is to use herbicides.
There are several pre-emergent or post-emergent herbicides that you can spray on your lawn to eradicate the weeds.
Another option is to use natural (organic) techniques to control weeds growing on your grass.
Below, we have compiled detailed information on weed control on Bermuda grass. From common types of weed to various solutions.
Type of weeds in Bermuda grass
Several types of weeds can invade where Bermuda grass is growing. Some weeds come from seeds already present in the soil before planting the grass.
Other weeds are carried into the turf by wind, people, or even animals.
There are two common types of weeds that you can find in Bermuda grass:
- Grassy weeds – these weeds look like grass and can be hard to identify as they can camouflage in the Bermuda grass. Common examples include Crabgrass, witchgrass, foxtail grass, nutsedge grass, etc.
- Broadleaf weeds – these are the most common weeds on Bermuda grass. They are also easy to identify as they have conspicuous leaves. Chickweed, dandelion, spurge, and white clover are some of the most common broadleaf weeds on Bermuda grass.
How to eradicate weeds in Bermuda grass
There are several ways to kill weeds in Bermuda grass. Below is a look at them:
Herbicides weed control
Chemical control is one of the most efficient ways of killing weeds in Bermuda grass. It is practical and will eradicate most weeds when using the right products. It is also less tedious than some natural weeding techniques.
When it comes to chemical weed control, there are two main herbicides options to choose from:
- Pre-emergent herbicides – these herbicides target weed seeds, killing weeds before they sprout. They also work on young weeds that are just sprouting.
- Post-emergent herbicides – these herbicides target weeds that are already on your lawn. They are effective weed killers and will kill every weed they come into contact with.
Unfortunately, there is a high risk of killing your grass alongside the weeds when using chemical herbicides. Therefore, you should only use selective weed killers that are safe for Bermuda grass.
What herbicide is safe for Bermuda grass? Below is a look at some of the best Bermuda grass-friendly herbicides that you can use on your lawn:
1. Prodiamine 65WDG
Prodiamine 65WDG is a pre-emergent herbicide suited for Bermuda grass and other lawn grasses.
It is a broadleaf weed killer that prevents the sprouting of several broadleaf weeds. It is also very effective at preventing the germination of Crabgrass on your lawn.
2. Scotts Liquid Turf Builder
Scotts Liquid Turf Builder is a post-emergent weed killer that you can use on your Bermuda grass lawn. It is a selective broadleaf weed killer, which kills weeds but not grass.
It is very effective against the dandelion, chickweed, poison ivy, ragweed, spurge, clover, and other major lawn weeds.
Scotts Liquid Turf builder also comes with a fertilizer, which promotes the healthy growth of your lawn. This helps your Bermuda grass to thrive, choking out any remaining weeds.
However, one drawback of the herbicide is that it is not effective against grassy weeds like Crabgrass.
3. BioAdvanced 704140 All-in-One Lawn Weed Killer
BioAdvanced All-in-One Lawn Weed Killer is a herbicide that kills everything but Bermuda grass.
It is effective against various broadleaf weeds such as dandelion, clover, etc. It also eradicates grassy weeds like Crabgrass, foxtail grass, panicum, barnyard grass, and others.
Is Roundup safe for Bermuda grass?
Roundup is a herbicide containing Glysophate that is effective against all weeds – broadleaf and grassy. Spraying it on your lawn is likely to kill Bermuda grass and weeds that are growing alongside it.
However, you can use Roundup to kill weeds in dormant Bermuda grass during winter. In this case, the herbicide will only target the weeds, leaving your grass unharmed.
Unfortunately, even then, it is not without side effects as it can stunt your grass, delaying the spring green-up.
Natural weed control
Natural weed control is alternative that you can use to kill weeds in Bermuda grass. However, the only viable technique is pulling the weeds out by hand or gardening tools.
Other natural solutions such as vinegar, salt, dishwasher soap, boiling water, etc., are not practical as they are non-selective.
As a result, using them on your lawn will kill the weeds alongside your grass.
Weeds growing out of your Bermuda grass can result in an unsightly lawn appearance. They can also damage your grass, making it susceptible to more weeds outbreak.
However, with the above solutions, you can enjoy a healthy year-round Bermuda turf and prevent or eradicate even the toughest weeds.
IW’s Chief Editor and a lover of green spaces.