Best Weed Killer for Bermuda Grass [5 safe Post-emergent Herbicides]

Both grassy and broadleaf weeds start to grow in Bermuda grass lawns as soon as the spring green-up begins. This is the best time in your yearly maintenance program to apply a post-emergent herbicide. The problem is Bermuda grass is sensitive to certain herbicides, especially during dormancy.

Bermuda grass lawn is characterized by aggressive growth, making it naturally weed resistant. However, still prone to grassy and broadleaf weeds. Identifying weeds is an effective method to get post-emergent herbicides to prevent weed growth and allow thriving bermuda grass lawns.

Best Weed Killers for Bermuda Grass Lawns

Post-emergent weed killers are made of different substances, each accomplishing a different task to eliminate and prevent weeds from sprouting on a lawn. These ingredients prevent weed flowering and seed germination, while others do break weeds down. First, identify the weed before getting the selective herbicides for your lawn.

Here are the best weed killers for your bermuda grass:

Here are the best weed killers for bermuda grass:

1. Southern Ag Amine 2,4-D Weed Killer

• It does not harm Bermuda grass
• Controls over 200 broadleaf weeds
• Fast action – results from 2 days
• Systemic and kills weeds to the root

2,4-D is one of the best broadleaf weed killers for Bermuda grass because it kills many lawn weeds. The great thing about this formulation is that it kills over 200 different types of broadleaf weeds.

So I put it to the test for my review. I applied in two areas of my Bermuda grass lawn where there were weeds (dandelion, thistle, plantains). On the first patch, Southern AG Amine 2,4-D Weed Killer killed the weeds without harming Bermuda grass – which was great.

The post-emergent herbicide removed the broadleaf weeds on the second patch, but the Bermuda grass around the spot discolored a little. However, the grass bounced back within a few days, so it worked just fine. I believe I missed the concentration when mixing, and the grass was still young in the second spot.

Overall, Southern Ag Amine 2,4-D Weed Killer is the best liquid weed killer for Bermuda grass if you’re targeting broadleaf weeds.

The major disadvantage with 2,4-D Weed Killers is that they do not control crabgrass and nutsedge, yet these are some of the toughest weeds to kill in any lawn. For that, you’ll need a good crabgrass killer for Bermuda grass lawns.

2. Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed

• Effective weed killer, safe for bermudagrass lawns.
• Powerful for dandelion + clover control
• It helps Bermuda grass grow fast and thick
• Feeds the lawn to crowd out weeds

The great thing about Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed is that it won’t kill bermuda grass, so you can use it safely to get rid of weeds in your Bermuda grass lawn.

I like it because it is a 2-in-1 formulation with the benefit of controlling weeds and feeding your lawn. Using it means it helps me save on my Bermuda grass fertilizer in my turf maintenance program.

Pro tip: If you have a St. Augustine lawn, do not use Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed to control weeds. It is not safe. The same goes for Bentgrass lawns, which are indicated to kill the lawn grass. For St. Augustine grass, use Scotts Turf Builder Bonus S, Southern Weed, and Feed.

The one downside I have with this Bermuda grass herbicide is pet safety. I have some pets, so I have to keep them off the lawn for a day or two after applying Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed.

3. BASF Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Herbicide

• Safe, selective herbicide for Bermuda grass
• Kills crabgrass really fast – to the root.
• Controls stubborn grassy + broadleaf weeds.
• Safe for pets when used as directed.
• Residual control for 30 – 45 days.

BASF Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Herbicide is one of the best weed killers for crabgrass in a Bermuda grass lawn. It is a liquid herbicide that controls a good number of stubborn grassy and broadleaf weeds, including kikuyugrass, clover, torpedo grass, foxtail, dollarweed, etc.

I would recommend that you apply this herbicide with a surfactant such as methylated seed oil surfactants such as DyneAmic to help the concentrate stick on weeds for improved action and faster weed control.

Overall, BASF Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Herbicide is a much-improved formulation for use in Bermuda grass turfs compared to Drive 75 DF. It is quickly taken up by the target weeds, making it act really fast, killing the weeds.

From my review and tests, a single application will control the target weeds for as long as 45 days, making it a great herbicide for Bermuda grass weeds.

When it comes to mixing, you can combine it with other broadleaf and grassy weed herbicides – both post-emergent and pre-emergent.

4. Image 100099405 Kills Nutsedge Concentrate

• Best weed killer for nutsedge control in bermuda grass.
• Kills other tough weeds: wild onion, dollarweed, and annual bluegrass.
• Won’t harm bermuda grass.

Image is one of the top post-emergent herbicides for bermuda grass – always my go-to concentrate for controlling weeds that are stubborn and difficult for other herbicides to control.

The active ingredient is so potent that it starves the weeds it targets to death. The good thing about it is that it is safe for most southern lawns and is very safe for Bermuda grass turf weed control.

5. Bio-Advanced 704140 All-In-One Lawn Weed and Crabgrass Killer Garden Herbicide

• Safe weed killer for bermuda grass lawns.
• Kills crabgrass in bermudagrass lawns.
• Rainproof within 1 hour
• Controls over 200 broadleaf weeds.
• Eliminates weeds completely to the root.

When I applied BioAdvanced All in One Lawn weed killer herbicide on my bermuda grass lawn, I noticed the turfgrass started to turn yellow. However, the grass recovered quickly and was green again within a few days.

Selective herbicides would be the best because they’re safe for Bermuda grass. MSMA is the safest post-emergent weed killer for Bermuda grass, which effectively controls grassy weeds.

For a much broader spectrum, mix with a 2,4-D herbicide to target many other broadleaf weeds on your turf.

Killing weeds in dormant bermuda

Glyphosate can be applied only during dormancy to kill weeds in dormant bermudagrass turfs. It will kill weeds, including grassy weeds such as fescues growing on this turf when the grass is still in its dormancy stage.

The main challenge of using glyphosate or Roundup on bermudagrass is determining whether the grass is truly dormant or not. Keep in mind that the efficacy of Roundup increases when temperatures go above 60 degrees.

Winter weed killer bermuda grass

Roundup

Common types of weeds in bermudagrass lawn

Bermuda grass has aggressive growth characteristics forming a thick, dense canopy. This habit helps to choke weeds on the bermuda lawn, but some common weeds will still emerge on your lawn. Bermuda lawn is prone to broadleaf weeds (common being; chickweed, doveweed, white clover, dandelion, purslane, or spurge) and grassy weeds (common being; dallisgrass, crabgrass, yellow nutgrass, and annual bluegrass.)

Tip: Weed killers for bermuda lawns

The cultural method is a good step to starting care and maintenance practices to prevent weeds from growing on your lawn.

• Control shaded areas- Shaded areas inhabit bermuda grass growth forming bare patches that are prone to weed growth.
• Mow bermuda to the correct height:- Mow height for Bermuda grass is 0.5 to 2.5 inches; allowing it to grow beyond this makes it prone to weeds. However, do not cut more than 1/3 of the grass blades for a healthy bermuda lawn.
• Fertilizing and irrigating:- Water the lawn with 1 inch of water per week and fertilize with a 16-4-8 NPK fertilizer for faster, thicker, and greener lush.
• Hand Pulling weeds:- once you notice a weed, handpull it. Ensure you pull it from roosts to prevent re-emergence.

References

• Clemson University, Cooperative Extension: BERMUDAGRASS YEARLY MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
• Vanessa Corriher-Olson et al., Texas A&M Agrilife Extension: WEED CONTROL FOR NEWLY SPRIGGED BERMUDAGRASS
• University of Georgia Extension: Weed Control in Home Lawns