Best Herbicides for Killing Bermuda Grass in Lawns
Bermuda grass is a vigorous warm-season turf that can dominate landscapes if not kept in check. The following hand-picked products are among the most effective options for eliminating bermudagrass and common lawn weeds. This guide highlights non-selective herbicides that kill bermuda to the root, as well as targeted products for landscapes and stubborn weeds. Always follow label directions, consider mowing schedules, and apply under appropriate weather conditions to protect desirable grasses and surrounding plants.
Summary table of selected products
| Product | Brand | Type | Best Use | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roundup Weed And Grass Killer With Pump N Go Sprayer | Roundup | Non-selective systemic herbicide | Weed control in soil and around plants | Rainproof in 30 minutes; visible results in hours; can replant 1–30 days after application |
| Gordon’s Ornamec 170 Grass Herbicide | GORDON’S | Grass herbicide | Ornamental beds, landscape borders | Kills grasses around ornamentals; mix at 10 oz per gallon of water |
| Spectracide 1 gal Ready-to-Use Grass and Weed Killer | Spectracide | Ready-to-use non-selective weed killer | Driveways, walkways, fences, and beds | Accushot sprayer; results within hours; allows planting after treatment |
| Compare-N-Save Glyphosate Concentrate | Compare-N-Save | Glyphosate concentrate | Large areas and spot treatments | Contains 41% glyphosate; rainproof in 2 hours; makes up to 10 gal of spray |
| Hi-Yield Grass Killer Postemergence | Hi-Yield | Postemergence grass herbicide | Around vegetables, trees, and ornamentals | Kills grass growth; stops weed growth within a couple of days |
Roundup Weed And Grass Killer With Pump N Go Sprayer
Roundup Weed & Grass Killer with Pump N Go Sprayer provides broad-spectrum control by delivering glyphosate systemically to plant tissues. It targets tough weeds and grasses to the root, including common bermudagrass, dandelion, crabgrass, and clover. The formula is rainproof in as fast as 30 minutes and can show visible results within hours, enabling rapid management of overgrowth in flower beds, around trees, and along borders. Label directions permit planting new flowers or shrubs after a waiting period ranging from 1 to 30 days, depending on the treated area and plant species. This makes it a practical option for complete area treatment or spot spraying where bermudagrass has invaded beds or mixed-species landscapes.
Considerations: Glyphosate-based products like Roundup are non-selective, meaning they kill most green plant tissue they contact. They are best used for bare-ground prep, edging, or spot treating bermudagrass patches where surrounding desirable plants are protected. Always shield desirable plants and follow replant guidelines on the label to avoid unintended damage.
Gordon’s Ornamec 170 Grass Herbicide
Ornamec 170 is a selective grass herbicide containing Fluazifop-P-butyl (1.70%). It is formulated for use around ornamental plants, groundcovers, shrubs, and landscape beds, including fence lines. When mixed at the recommended rate—10 oz per gallon of water—it delivers effective grassy weed control while avoiding damage to many broadleaf ornamentals. Its targeted action makes it suitable for managing bermudagrass encroachment in decorative borders and around established ornamentals without indiscriminately clearing nearby plantings. This product is best deployed in landscape zones where bermudagrass and other grasses are unwanted among non-turf plantings.
Practical notes: Always observe label instructions for dilution, mixing, and application timing. While Ornamec 170 focuses on grasses, it remains essential to protect sensitive ornamentals and perform a small test patch if uncertain about plant tolerance. This option is especially useful for edging beds and maintaining defined planting zones in bermuda-dominated landscapes.
Spectracide Ready-To-Use Grass And Weed Killer
Spectracide Ready-to-Use Grass and Weed Killer is a convenient, non-selective option ideal for spot treatment on driveways, walkways, and landscape edges where bermudagrass has spread. It includes the Accushot continuous power sprayer with an extendable wand for precise application. The product is designed to kill weeds and grasses down to the root, with visible results often within a few hours. The label notes that you can replant or reestablish flowers, trees, and shrubs the same weekend in treated areas, making it a practical choice for rapid lawn and landscape renovation.
Usage tips: Because this formula is non-selective, apply carefully and avoid drift onto established lawns or ornamentals you wish to preserve. Consider spot-treating bermudagrass patches rather than blanket-spraying large lawn areas, unless the intent is complete renovation of a section.
Compare-N-Save Glyphosate Concentrate
Compare-N-Save Glyphosate Concentrate provides a cost-effective option for broad-spectrum weed control. Containing 41% glyphosate, this concentrate can be mixed to produce up to 10 gallons of ready-to-use spray, making it suitable for larger bermudagrass patches or extensive landscape renovations. Its non-selective action ensures bermudagrass and many other weeds are controlled at the root when applied as directed. The product is reported to be rainproof in about two hours, which helps limit wash-off in light rain after application. This option is well-suited for homeowners tackling sizable bermuda patches or preparing ground for replanting with desired turf or ornamentals.
Tips for use: Focus on problem areas and follow label dilution instructions carefully. Glyphosate-based products require careful timing and may require follow-up applications for persistent bermudagrass clumps. Always wear protective gear and avoid overspray on desirable plants or nearby lawn areas.
Hi-Yield Grass Killer Postemergence
Hi-Yield Grass Killer Postemergence is a selective post-emergent herbicide designed to target grass growth in areas where bermudagrass may be undesirable. It is described as safe to use around many vegetables, trees, shrubs, and ornamentals when applied as directed, offering a way to suppress bermudagrass without excessive collateral damage to nearby plantings. The product is known to stop weed grasses from growing within about two days, providing a relatively quick response for landscape maintenance. It is particularly useful in mixed beds or around garden borders where bermuda has spread into non-turf spaces.
Important considerations: While postemergence grass killers can be effective, they may not be suitable for full-lawn treatment if bermuda is the target across a broad turf area. Always test on a small area first and respect label guidance regarding application proximity to edible crops or ornamentals.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right herbicide to kill Bermuda grass involves balancing effectiveness, safety, and the surrounding landscape. Here are key considerations to help you decide which product best fits your situation:
- Non-selective vs selective: Non-selective products like Roundup and Spectracide kill most green tissue they contact, making them ideal for bare-ground prep or spot treatment. Selective or grass-specific products, such as Ornamec 170, target grasses around ornamentals, offering control without excessive damage to nearby non-grass plants.
- Application method: Sprayers with convenient Pump N Go or AccuShot systems simplify spraying and increase precision. Consider the area you need to treat, the height of bermudagrass patches, and whether you require spot treatment or entire-area renovation.
- Speed of action: Some products show visible results in hours, while others require days. If you need rapid suppression to reclaim beds or borders, products with fast knockdown and rainfast times are advantageous.
- Replanting and reestablishment: Many labels specify waiting periods before replanting flowers, trees, or turf. Non-selective products often require longer intervals before reseeding or laying new sod. Read the label for compatible plantings and environmental guidance.
- Cover and containment: Bermuda grass is aggressive; ensure you protect desirable turf and ornamentals. Use barrier boards, shields, or careful drift control on windy days to limit exposure to unintended plants.
- Water and weather conditions: Avoid applying when rain is expected soon or during high heat to prevent rapid evaporation and poor translocation. Some products become rainfast within 30 minutes to a few hours; check the product label for specifics.
- Label compliance and safety: Always follow label directions for protective gear, mixing instructions, and disposal. Some products are not intended for lawns, and others are designed for landscaping edges or hardscape surfaces. Your approach should reflect the target area and surrounding vegetation.
| Consideration | What It Means For Bermuda Control | Example Products |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Spot treatment vs entire-area renovation; decide if you need targeted or full-site kill. | Roundup, Spectracide, Compare-N-Save |
| Action Type | Non-selective systems kill nearly all green tissue; selective products focus on grasses or weeds only. | Non-selective: Roundup, Spectracide; Selective: Ornamec 170 |
| Speed | Fast-acting products help reclaim space quickly; slower-acting options may require patience. | Spectracide (hours to visible results) |
| Replant Window | Important for beds and replanting plans; timing affects when you can reseed or plant ornamentals. | All labels vary; check Roundup and Glyphosate label notes |