Weeds in Bermuda grass can quickly ruin the look of a lush, green lawn. Whether you’re dealing with crabgrass, clover, dandelions, or other invaders, controlling weeds without harming your Bermuda grass is possible with the right strategy.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through safe and effective Bermuda grass weed control methods to restore your lawn’s health and beauty.
🌿 Why Weeds Thrive in Bermuda Grass Lawns
Bermuda grass is a hardy, fast-growing warm-season turf. But when it’s stressed due to poor maintenance, low mowing, or compacted soil, weeds see it as an invitation to invade.
Common reasons weeds appear in Bermuda grass:
- Mowing too high or too low
- Poor soil health or compaction
- Overwatering or underwatering
- Lack of regular fertilization
- Gaps or bare patches in the lawn
🔎 Identifying the Types of Weeds in Your Lawn
Before applying any treatments, it’s important to identify the type of weeds you’re dealing with. There are three main categories:
1. Broadleaf Weeds
Examples: Clover, dandelions, spurge
- Flat, wide leaves
- Often grow in patches
- Easy to pull but persistent
2. Grassy Weeds
Examples: Crabgrass, goosegrass
- Resemble Bermuda grass but grow in clumps
- Tougher to distinguish and treat
3. Sedges
Example: Nutsedge (aka nutgrass)
- Triangular stems and waxy leaves
- Grows faster than grass and is hard to pull
🧼 Step-by-Step Guide: Bermuda Grass Weed Control Without Damage
✅ Step 1: Improve Lawn Health (Your First Line of Defense)
Healthy Bermuda grass can choke out most weeds naturally. Start here:
- Mow at 1–1.5 inches to encourage dense turf
- Water deeply but infrequently (1 inch per week)
- Fertilize regularly with a high-nitrogen lawn fertilizer
- Aerate compacted soil in spring or fall
- Dethatch if thatch layer exceeds ½ inch
✅ Step 2: Use Pre-Emergent Herbicides in Spring & Fall
Pre-emergent herbicides prevent weed seeds from germinating. Apply in:
- Early spring (when soil temps hit 55°F) to prevent summer weeds like crabgrass
- Early fall (soil temps ~70°F) to block winter weeds like annual bluegrass
Pro Tip: Products like Prodiamine and Dithiopyr are safe for Bermuda grass when applied correctly.
✅ Step 3: Spot-Treat With Selective Post-Emergent Herbicides
If weeds are already growing, use a selective herbicide that targets weeds but spares Bermuda grass.
Broadleaf weeds:
- Use products containing 2,4-D, Dicamba, or MCPP
- Safe for Bermuda grass when used according to label
Grassy weeds:
- Apply Fenoxaprop (Acclaim Extra) or Quinclorac (Drive XLR8)
- Make sure the product is labeled for use on Bermuda
Sedges (like nutsedge):
- Use Halosulfuron (SedgeHammer) or Sulfentrazone
- Best applied when sedges are actively growing
⚠️ Always read and follow the label. Spray during cooler parts of the day and avoid windy conditions to prevent drift.
✅ Step 4: Pull or Dig Out Weeds Manually
While not the fastest method, hand-pulling works well for:
- Small weed infestations
- Annuals like dandelions or clover
- Areas near flower beds or sensitive plants
Use a weeding tool to remove the full root, especially for taproot weeds.
✅ Step 5: Re-Seed or Repair Bare Spots
Weeds love open soil. Once you’ve treated them, re-seed or plug bare areas with Bermuda grass to prevent regrowth.
- Use Bermuda grass seed or sprigs in spring/summer
- Add a thin layer of topsoil or compost to promote germination
- Water daily until established
🚫 What Not to Do
- Avoid using non-selective herbicides like Roundup (glyphosate) on your lawn—they kill everything.
- Don’t mow too low during summer heat—it stresses your Bermuda grass.
- Never apply herbicides during high temperatures (85°F+)—it increases the risk of damaging your lawn.
🧪 Suggested Products for Safe Bermuda Grass Weed Control
| Problem | Product | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-emergent control | Prodiamine 65 WDG | Apply in early spring |
| Broadleaf weeds | Southern Ag 2,4-D | Safe for Bermuda |
| Crabgrass control | Drive XLR8 (Quinclorac) | Great for grassy weeds |
| Nutsedge | SedgeHammer | Targets sedges only |
| Lawn repair | Scotts EZ Seed | Good for bare spots |
✨ Final Tips for a Weed-Free Bermuda Lawn
- Stick to a regular maintenance schedule
- Apply pre-emergents twice a year
- Use spot treatments for outbreaks
- Keep your grass healthy and dense to naturally crowd out weeds
A little consistency goes a long way in Bermuda grass weed control. With the right care, your lawn can stay lush, green, and weed-free all season long.