Does your beautiful Bermuda grass lawn look more like a patchy battlefield invaded by unwanted weeds? That lush, green carpet you dream of often fights a constant war against invaders like clover, dollarweed, and crabgrass. It’s frustrating when you spend time and money caring for your lawn, only to see stubborn weeds steal the show.
Choosing the right weed killer for Bermuda grass adds another layer of confusion. You need something strong enough to wipe out the invaders but gentle enough not to harm your valuable turf. Using the wrong product can easily turn those stubborn patches into dead, brown spots, making your problem even worse. Finding that perfect balance between effectiveness and safety is the biggest hurdle.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly which weed killers work best with Bermuda grass, explaining the differences between pre-emergent and post-emergent options. By the end of this article, you will know exactly which product to grab off the shelf to reclaim your perfect lawn. Let’s dive into the secrets of keeping your Bermuda grass pristine!
Top Weed Killer For Bermuda Grass Lawn Recommendations
- WEED KILLER PLUS LAWN FOOD: Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed3 weed killer plus fertilizer for grass kills existing listed weeds and feeds to thicken your lawn and crowd out future weeds
- WEED CONTROL FOR LAWNS: These weed killer plus lawn fertilizer granules control over 50 listed lawn weeds, including clover, dandelion, plantain, morningglory, chicory, eveningprimrose, and purslane
- WEED AND FEED FOR LAWNS: Apply this combination weed control and lawn food to your wet lawn when weeds are actively growing and daytime temperatures are consistently between 60°F and 90°F; don't apply more than 2X per year
- USE ON LISTED GRASS TYPES: Apply this lawn care product to Bahiagrass, Bermudagrass, Bluegrass, Centipedegrass, Fescue, Ryegrass, and Zoysiagrass (temporary discoloration may occur on some grasses)
- DO NOT USE ON: Do not use this weed killer for lawns on St. Augustinegrass (including Floratam), Dichondra, Lippia, Carpetgrass, and Bentgrass lawns
- Use Ortho WeedClear Weed Killer for Lawns Ready-To-Spray to kill weeds down to the root, without harming your lawn (when used as directed); you'll see visible results in hours
- KILLS WEEDS: This lawn weed killer kills over 250 common weeds, including dandelions, clover, poison ivy, chickweed, and dollarweed (see product label for complete weed list)
- LAWN FRIENDLY: It contains three proven ingredients that target common lawn weeds, so it won’t harm your grass (when used as directed)
- RESULTS YOU CAN SEE: Visible results in hours; rainproof in 1 hour upon drying; people and pets may enter the treated area after the spray has dried
- EASY TO USE: To apply, connect your garden hose to the sprayer and set the nozzle to your desired setting
- Weed killer for lawns: Kill weeds in your lawn, including dandelion, chickweed, clover, crabgrass and foxtail with the Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-to-Spray
- Fast-acting weed control: This weed control product kills listed weeds like crabgrass, dandelion, clover, chickweed and creeping charlie down to the root and gets results with 1 application
- Broadcast treatment for weeds: Won't harm lawn grasses when used as directed - use on lawn grasses including Bermudagrass, Buffalograss, Fescues, Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass and Zoysiagrass
- Spray weed killer: Apply to weeds that are young and actively growing by connecting your garden hose to the sprayer, sliding the switch to "ON" and spraying evenly until the lawn is wet
- Ready to spray: This 32 oz. container of Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-to-Spray treats up to 5,000 sq. ft.
- Scotts Liquid Turf Builder with Plus 2 Weed Control kills weeds and gives your lawn a quick boost of nitrogen to promote greening
- Liquid weed killer plus fertilizer controls dandelion, clover, ground ivy, henbit, chickweed, plantain, poison ivy, and other broadleaf weeds as listed
- Apply this ready-to-spray weed and feed when weeds are actively growing
- This lawn care product is for use on Bluegrass, Fescue, Ryegrass, Bahiagrass, Common Bermudagrass, Centipedegrass, and Zoysiagrass
- One 32 fl. oz. container of Scotts Liquid Turf Builder with Plus 2 Weed Control provides coverage of 6,000 sq. ft. for warm season lawns and 4,000 sq. ft. for cool season lawns
- Low, economical use rate of 1 to 4 pints per acre
- Controls many broadleaf weeds & woody plants
- Use in turf, pastures, rangeland, ditch banks, fences…
- ✔️EASY MIX PACKET NO measuring required!
- ✔️PROFESSIONAL GOLF COURSE QUALITY
- ✔️FAST ACTING
- ✔️KILLS DANDELIONS 120 MORE
- ✔️SAFE ON ST. AUGUSTINE+ ALOT MORE
- SOUTHERN LAWNS: Specially formulated for Southern lawns like Bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass (including Floratam), and more, this grass fertilizer for lawn provides care and acts as a weed killer for lawns
- 6-MONTH PROTECTION: Delivers up to 6 months of weed prevention, stopping listed broadleaf and grassy weeds, including crabgrass
- WEED KILLER: Kills listed weeds like dandelion, dollarweed, and clover, serving as a reliable weed and feed for lawns to keep your lawn healthy and maintain its beauty
- LAWN FERTILIZER: This lawn fertilizer and weed control product feeds, greens, and strengthens your lawn, helping it remain lush throughout the season
- EASY APPLICATION: Use with a broadcast or drop spreader to apply this weed and feed lawn fertilizer, managing your lawn care routine with ease and maximum results
- Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action1 is a three-in-one formula that kills weeds, prevents crabgrass, and feeds grass to build thick, green lawns
- Controls existing listed lawn weeds, including dandelion, clover, dollarweed, ground ivy, chickweed, plantain, henbit, and english daisy
- Prevents crabgrass for 4 months (will not kill existing crabgrass); prevents other listed grassy weeds from invading your lawn
- For use on Bahiagrass, Centipedegrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, Bermudagrass, Tall Fescue, Fine Fescue, and Zosyiagrass
- Apply to a wet lawn with a Scotts spreader, and then water in after 24 hours; apply in early spring when dandelions are actively growing; an 11.31 lb. bag treats 4,000 sq. ft.
Choosing the Right Weed Killer for Your Bermuda Grass Lawn
Bermuda grass is a popular choice for warm-season lawns. It grows thick and handles foot traffic well. However, weeds love to invade your beautiful green carpet. Using the wrong weed killer can harm your Bermuda grass. This guide helps you pick the best product to keep your lawn healthy and weed-free.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a weed killer, look closely at what the label says. You need a product that targets weeds but spares your Bermuda grass.
- Bermuda Grass Safety: This is the most important feature. Look for products labeled as “safe for established Bermuda grass” or “selective herbicide for warm-season turf.”
- Targeted Weeds: Check the label to see which weeds the product kills. Some kill broadleaf weeds (like dandelions). Others target grassy weeds (like crabgrass). Make sure it lists the weeds you see most often.
- Type of Control: Do you want a product that kills weeds right away (a ‘contact’ killer)? Or one that stops new weeds from sprouting (a ‘pre-emergent’)? Many homeowners need both types.
- Speed of Action: Some weed killers work in hours. Others take a week or more. Faster action often means you see results sooner.
Important Materials in Weed Killers
Weed killers use active ingredients to do their job. These ingredients are what truly matter for effectiveness and safety.
For killing existing weeds (post-emergent killers), common ingredients include 2,4-D, MCPP, and Dicamba. These work well on broadleaf weeds. For grassy weeds, look for ingredients like Quinclorac. Always check the mixing ratios listed on the container. These ratios tell you how much product to mix with water.
For stopping weeds before they start (pre-emergent killers), ingredients like Prodiamine or Dithiopyr are common. These form a barrier in the soil. You must apply these at the right time of year, usually before soil temperatures rise in the spring.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your weed control depends on several factors related to the product and your application.
Factors that Improve Quality:
- Concentration: Higher concentrations of the active ingredient often mean you need less product to get the job done, provided you mix it correctly.
- Surfactants (Stickers): Some sprays include a surfactant. This helps the liquid stick to the weed’s leaves instead of rolling off. This improves killing power.
- Temperature: Most broadleaf killers work best when temperatures are mild (between 60°F and 85°F). Applying when it is too hot can cause the product to burn your Bermuda grass.
Factors that Reduce Quality:
- Improper Mixing: Using too little product will not kill the weeds. Using too much risks damaging your lawn. Always measure carefully.
- Rain Shortly After Application: If heavy rain falls too soon after spraying, it washes the chemical off the weeds, making it useless. Check the label for “rainfast” time.
- Applying During Stress: Do not spray weeds when your Bermuda grass is already stressed from drought or extreme heat. Stressed grass absorbs chemicals more easily, leading to burn.
User Experience and Use Cases
People use weed killers for different situations. Your experience will change based on your needs.
If you have a few scattered dandelions, a small ready-to-use spray bottle containing a selective broadleaf killer works well. You spot-treat the weeds directly. This offers a simple user experience.
If you battle crabgrass every summer, you need a granular pre-emergent. You spread this across the entire lawn using a spreader early in the spring. This requires more setup but offers long-term prevention.
Remember safety! Always wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, and gloves when mixing or applying any herbicide. Read the entire label before you start. Proper application leads to a healthier, greener Bermuda lawn.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Bermuda Grass Weed Killers
Q: Can I use a general weed killer on my Bermuda grass?
A: No. Many general weed killers harm or kill Bermuda grass. Always choose a product specifically labeled as safe for Bermuda or warm-season turf.
Q: When is the best time of year to apply pre-emergent?
A: Apply pre-emergent when soil temperatures consistently reach 55°F. This is usually early spring, before crabgrass seeds germinate.
Q: How soon after applying can I water my lawn?
A: Check the product label. Most post-emergent sprays need at least 24 hours without rain or irrigation to work effectively.
Q: Will this kill clover in my Bermuda lawn?
A: Most selective broadleaf killers will kill clover. Make sure the label lists clover (or trifolium) as a target weed.
Q: Can I use a weed killer when my grass is dormant (brown)?
A: Yes, some products are safe to use on dormant Bermuda grass, especially pre-emergents. However, post-emergents work best when the weeds are actively growing.
Q: What should I do if I accidentally spray too much product?
A: Immediately flush the area with large amounts of plain water. This dilutes the chemical and reduces the risk of burning the grass. Monitor the area closely.
Q: Are granular or liquid weed killers better for Bermuda grass?
A: Liquids often provide faster, more targeted results. Granules are easier for large areas but require watering in after application to activate the chemicals.
Q: How long should I wait before mowing after spraying?
A: Wait at least three days after applying a post-emergent spray before mowing. This gives the chemical time to travel fully into the weed.
Q: Do I need different products for broadleaf weeds and grassy weeds?
A: Usually, yes. Broadleaf killers target things like plantain. Grassy weed killers target things like dallisgrass. Many homeowners use a combination product or apply two different treatments.
Q: Is it safe to let my dog walk on the lawn after treatment?
A: Wait until the treated area is completely dry. Once dry, most modern herbicides are safe. Always check the specific label instructions regarding pet reentry.