A lush Bermuda lawn is naturally weed resistant, but it takes planning and regular maintenance to keep it healthy enough to choke out weeds. An effective weed control strategy prevents most weed growth while allowing your Bermuda Grass to thrive.
Not all weed killers are alike. I’ve been caring for Bermuda Grass lawns for most of my adult life, and I’m here to bring you everything you need to know to keep your lawn healthy and weed-free.
Top Weed Killers for Bermuda Lawns
If you’re in a rush and just want to know which weed killer to use on Bermuda, here are my top 2 recommendations:
Best Weed and Feed
Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed
Boost growth and eradicate post-emergent weeds from your Bermuda grass in one go with this highly effective weed and feed.
Professional Post Emergent
Drive XLR8 Herbicide for Bermuda Lawns
Powerful post-emergent, suitable for eliminating broadleaf weeds such as crabgrass and clover within 24 hours of use. Ideal for spot treatments as well as large-scale coverage.
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Can You Use Weed Killer Without Killing Bermuda Grass?
An effective weed control strategy kills unwanted and uninvited weeds while preserving your lush Bermuda Grass lawn. But killing weeds won’t do much good if it leaves an ugly brown wound in your beautiful yard. It’s crucial to use selective herbicides wherever possible to prevent this.
Selective Herbicides
Herbicides can be classified as either selective or non-selective. These terms describe whether an herbicide is toxic to all plants and weeds (non-selective) or only to a select species or categories of weeds (selective).
Non-selective herbicides are sometimes referred to as broad-spectrum herbicides. As the name suggests, non-selective herbicides, such as paraquat and glyphosate, are indiscriminate, killing everything they come into contact with. Applying non-selective herbicides to Bermuda Grass will kill any weeds as well as your lawn.
Selective herbicides are grouped according to the classes of weeds they kill — i.e., broadleaf weeds or grassy weeds — while leaving other plant species alive. To kill weeds without killing your grass, you’ll want to use a selective herbicide such as 2,4-D or dicamba, which target broadleaf weeds specifically.
A selective herbicide is the best weed killer for Bermuda if you want to preserve your lawn while eradicating only the targeted weeds.
Choosing the Best Weed Killer for Bermuda Grass
Keeping a Bermuda lawn weed-free requires both planned prevention and targeted spot control. Pre-emergent treatments will keep most broadleaf weeds from breaking through, and post-emergent spot treatment will eliminate any weeds that do pop up.
If your lawn needs fertilizer, you can also apply a weed and feed product that does both jobs at once.
Here’s everything you need to know about each type of herbicide:
Post-Emergent Herbicides
‘Post-emergent’ refers to the growth stage of the weeds you’re trying to kill. Post-emergent herbicides kill weeds that have emerged from the ground and are visible.
Some post-emergent herbicides, including natural plant oils like clove, lemongrass, and cinnamon, work best on young, freshly sprouted weeds. In contrast, others, such as dicamba (selective) and glyphosate (nonselective), can kill more mature, stubborn weeds.
They may kill on contact within several hours or by systemic absorption through the roots over several days.
Pre-Emergent Herbicides
Pre-emergent herbicides such as Benefit and Dithiopyr kill germinating weed seeds before they have emerged from the soil. They can’t kill weeds that have already developed or seeds that haven’t yet germinated.
They work by creating a toxic barrier that germinating seeds can’t penetrate but they must be applied before the start of the growing season to be effective.
Weed and Feed
Weed and feed products offer a two-in-one solution for fertilization and weed control. They combine herbicide with fertilizer to do both in one step, saving you time and money if done properly.
However, weed and feed products are not one-size-fits-all, so you must be picky when choosing one for your Bermuda lawn. Some weed and feed products use a pre-emergent herbicide while others are post-emergent, so you need to time their application carefully.
The fertilizers used in weed and feed products also vary. Each has a different N-P-K ratio. Too much of any one ingredient, or applying it at the wrong time, can damage your Bermuda Grass, so choosing the right combination of fertilizer and herbicide in your weed and feed is essential.
Organic vs. Synthetic Herbicides
Organic herbicides come from natural ingredients such as essential plant oils and acids. According to Montana State University, even household vinegar can be used as an effective herbicide (though horticultural vinegar is more potent). Organic formulas are sometimes less toxic to humans and animals than synthetic herbicides, making them popular for households and gardens with children and pets.
All organic herbicides are non-selective, meaning they kill grass and weeds. They must be carefully applied to post-emergent weeds to avoid damaging nearby Bermuda Grass. They may also be ineffective on more mature weeds or require multiple applications to work completely.
On the other hand, synthetic herbicides are often the best because they can be selective, targeting a particular type of weed while sparing grasses and ornamental plants.
They can, however, be toxic to humans and pets and may damage the local ecosystem through groundwater contamination, even when applied carefully.
Bermuda Grass Weed Killers Reviewed
I’ve personally used and researched dozens of weed killers made for use on Bermuda Grass. Here are my five favorites to help you keep your lawn lush, healthy, and weed-free.
1. Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed
Best Weed and Feed
- Type: Granules
- Application: Post-emergent
- Coverage: 5,000 square feet per 14-pound bag
- Weeds: Dandelion, clover
Pros:
- 28-0-3 fertilizer to feed Bermuda Grass while killing weeds
- Kills dandelions and clover within 24 hours
Cons:
- Can burn grass if used incorrectly
This weed and feed product from Scotts is one of the fastest ways to get a healthier, weed-free lawn. Apply in the early spring when weeds first start popping up to stop them in their tracks.
The 2-in-1 fertilizer also feeds your lawn for thicker grass, which naturally resists weeds later in the season. Scotts Turf Builder is the perfect mid-season time-saver for any Bermuda Grass lawn.
This product is almost foolproof if you follow the instructions. However, you really need to read the directions carefully to avoid potentially burning or scorching lawns, especially in dry conditions.
How to use: Use the chart on the bag to determine the right setting for your granule spreader to ensure even coverage. Apply using a granule spreader, first making a loop around the yard’s edge, then working back and forth across the lawn in rows. Apply when the lawn is wet, such as after watering or a rain shower, to prevent burning.
2. Drive XLR8 Herbicide for Bermuda Lawns
Best Post-Emergent Herbicide
- Type: Liquid
- Application: Post-emergent
- Coverage: 50,000 – 125,000 square feet
- Weeds: Crabgrass, torpedo grass, clover
Pros:
- Kills even stubborn, harmful plants like poison ivy
- Pet-safe when applied according to directions
Cons:
- Kills certain types of grasses
This professional-level herbicide is a foolproof way to eliminate post-emergent crabgrass in your Bermuda lawn. It can be sprayed directly on established broadleaf weeds such as clover and crabgrass, either as a spot treatment or for larger scale weed clearance.
Pre-watering your lawn or using a surfactant will help improve absorption in dry climates. One bottle is enough to cover even the largest of lawns, so you’ll probably get several seasons of use with this highly effective formula.
If your lawn is made up of multiple types of grass, read the product description carefully. Drive XLR8 is safe for Bermuda Grass, ryegrass, and Kentucky bluegrass but will kill St. Augustine grass and Bahiagrass.
How to use: Wait at least two days after mowing. For increased effectiveness, mix with a surfactant before application. Apply evenly using the sprayer to target places where crabgrass is visible. Wait at least two days after mowing.
- Type: Liquid concentrate
- Application: Post-emergent
- Coverage: Up to ½ acre (1 gallon)
- Weeds: Broadleaf
Pros:
- Highly concentrated
- Kills most broadleaf weeds
Cons:
- Doesn’t work as well below 70 degrees
This 2,4-D selective herbicide from Hi-Yield kills many broadleaf weeds, including bindweed, burdock, dandelion, and goldenrod.
It’s pet-safe when used according to package directions — so safe that some ranchers use it to kill weeds in their grazing pastures.
However, you can only dilute it with water, not with surfactants or other herbicides, so you may find yourself doing multiple passes with different herbicides and fertilizers.
How to use: Follow package directions for dilution ratio. Begin by adding half the required water to the sprayer tank, followed by the recommended amount of concentrate, and, finally, the remaining volume of water.
Customer reviews: Some customers have reported that their grass suffered a bit under this herbicide but it grew back quickly while the weeds stayed gone.
- Type: Ready-to-use liquid
- Application: Post-emergent
- Coverage: Spot treatment
- Weeds: Dandelion, clover, nutsedge, crabgrass
Pros:
- Easy to use with no mixing or preparation
- Selectively targets stubborn weeds while sparing lawns
Cons:
- Slow acting – may take up to three weeks for full effect
The Roundup for Lawns 1 Ready to Use Weed Killer Spray comes pre-mixed and ready to use with an included comfort wand. It kills common weeds like dandelion and clover but is also tough enough to tackle more stubborn species like nutsedge and crabgrass that other weed killers can’t touch.
This systemic killer may take up to two weeks to kill weeds completely but they won’t come back. I love how easy it is to use, with no mixing or special equipment required. Just grab the bottle when the weather is right and spray the weeds you can see – it’s foolproof, as long as you buy the right formula.
There are two versions of the Roundup for Lawns Ready to Use spray – one for northern lawns and one for southern lawns. Each is formulated to selectively spare the grasses common in each region but will kill your lawn if you use the wrong one. Read the description carefully before buying and double-check the product label before using it.
How to use: Apply on a day when the ambient temperature is between 45 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Note that the maximum temperature for use on Bermuda Grass (85) is lower than most grasses (90). The soil may be moist, but the grass and weeds should be dry. Spray directly on visible weeds and let them dry. It’s safe for children and pets as soon as it’s dry.
- Type: Ready-to-spray liquid
- Application: Post-emergent
- Coverage: 5,000 square feet
- Weeds: Over 200 species
Pros:
- Excellent coverage for large yawns with lots of weeds
- Kills over 200 species of weeds
Cons:
- Causes temporary discoloration when used on Bermuda Grass
This is one of the most versatile selective weed killers available, killing more than just dandelions and crabgrass. There’s a list of over 200 grass and broadleaf weeds that you can eliminate with Ortho Weed B Gon Ready-to-Spray with Crabgrass Control.
You’ll have to be patient with this one, though, because it takes time for full effectiveness. But it kills more weed species than any other selective herbicide on this list, and it’s safe for Bermuda Grass — though it will discolor the grass temporarily when you use it.
How to use: Connect your standard garden hose to the bottle, then turn on the water. Slide the switch two clicks to turn the nozzle on and activate the mixing mechanism. Pull the trigger to spray a mist of perfectly mixed herbicide. Spray just enough to moisten the leaves of the weeds you’re trying to kill — there’s no need to soak the soil.
Customer reviews: The activation mechanism is a little tricky. The first click sprays clean water through the nozzle. The second click mixes and dispenses the herbicide. Make sure you’re releasing the product while spraying. Clean water doesn’t kill weeds.
Verdict: Best Weed Killer for Bermuda Grass
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for killing weeds during the growing season. No single herbicide can effectively keep your lawn free of weeds. However, using the right products at the correct times can prevent excessive weed growth.
Best Weed and Feed
Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed
Boost growth and eradicate post-emergent weeds from your Bermuda grass in one go with this highly effective weed and feed.
In general, the best weed killer for Bermuda Grass is actually a multi-product process. Start with a broad-spectrum pre-emergent herbicide in winter.
Then move to a post-emergent weed and feed, such as Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed, in spring and use a targeted spot treatment with organic or synthetic contact killers, such as Drive XLR8 Herbicide, throughout the growing season.
Professional Post Emergent
Drive XLR8 Herbicide for Bermuda Lawns
Powerful post-emergent, suitable for eliminating broadleaf weeds such as crabgrass and clover within 24 hours of use. Ideal for spot treatments as well as large-scale coverage.
How to Kill Weeds In Bermuda Grass
Keeping your Bermuda lawn pristine requires a multi-part weed control strategy. Using a proper pre-emergent herbicide in winter will prevent most broadleaf weeds from coming up. In contrast, post-emergent herbicides are excellent for spot-treating the weeds that break through the barrier.
Applying Post-Emergent to Bermuda
Post-emergent weed killers have two different modes of action — systemic and on-contact. Systemic herbicides take time to kill visible weeds but they’re more effective long-term. However, contact-based herbicides act quickly, killing weeds in minutes or hours.
Systemic
Systemic post-emergent herbicides are absorbed through the roots and leaves to kill weeds over several days or even weeks. 2,4-D is a selective post-emergent herbicide that kills broadleaf weeds by moving through the entire plant, killing it from the inside out.
Some systemic herbicides come pre-mixed but others must be diluted or mixed before application. You can pour or spray them directly on the weed’s leaves and stems and saturate the soil directly under the weed to ensure complete absorption.
Contact
Non-selective post-emergent herbicides should be applied to the visible parts of weeds. Organic plant oil herbicides can be applied by wiping the leaves of the weeds with a cloth or spraying directly on the plants with a spray bottle. Synthetic herbicides such as dicamba can also be applied in this way.
Post-emergent herbicides that kill on contact must be applied carefully to avoid killing nearby plants and grasses. Avoid spraying plants on windy days, as even a gentle breeze can cause herbicides to spread further than you’d think.
Using Pre-Emergent Weed Killer in Winter
You have a limited window to use pre-emergent weed killer for crabgrass or other broadleaf weeds because it won’t kill weeds that have already sprouted or seeds that never germinate. Pre-emergent weed killers can also damage germinating grass seeds, so you have to time application carefully for best results.
Generally, the best time to apply a pre-emergent weed killer is in mid-to-late winter. Winter application allows the herbicide to get watered in and form a barrier to germinating weeds well before they sprout. Applying a pre-emergent herbicide in winter also gives you several spring and summer months (at least 90 days later) to seed grass safely.
Pre-emergent weed killers come in liquid and granule forms. Liquids are generally harder for beginners to apply because it’s challenging to get even coverage with a sprayer. Granules are applied using a mechanical granular spreader machine that achieves even coverage as long as you push it consistently, which is much easier for beginners.
Both liquid and granular pre-emergent herbicides must be watered within 21 days. For best results, apply them the day before a moderate rain (a half-inch or more) is expected.
