How Do You Get Rid of Weeds in Bermuda Grass Without Killing It?

Weeds in Bermuda grass are frustrating because the usual “nuke it all” approach isn’t an option — broad-spectrum herbicides kill Bermuda right along with the weeds. The good news is that Bermuda is one of the more herbicide-tolerant warm-season grasses, and with the right timing and products, you can eliminate weeds while leaving a thick, healthy lawn intact. This guide covers exactly how to kill weeds in Bermuda grass without killing it.

Quick Answer: Killing Weeds Safely in Bermuda

1. Apply pre-emergent herbicide in late February and early September.
2. Spot-treat broadleaf weeds with a Bermuda-safe post-emergent (2,4-D + dicamba + MCPP products).
3. Spot-treat grassy weeds with selective products like Celsius WG or MSMA-based herbicides where legal.
4. Mow at the right height and density to crowd weeds out naturally.

Step 1: Identify the Weed

The right herbicide depends on the weed type. Get this wrong and you either waste money or kill your Bermuda.

Common Broadleaf Weeds

• Dandelion
• Clover
• Dollarweed (pennywort)
• Chickweed
• Henbit
• Virginia buttonweed

Common Grassy Weeds

• Crabgrass
• Dallisgrass
• Goosegrass
• Annual bluegrass (Poa annua)

Sedges

• Nutsedge (yellow and purple)
• Kyllinga

Step 2: Pre-Emergent Herbicides (Prevention)

Pre-emergents prevent weed seeds from germinating and are the single most effective tool for Bermuda lawn weed control.

Spring Pre-Emergent

Apply late February to early March in Louisiana, when soil temperatures reach 50–55°F for 3+ consecutive days. Common active ingredients:

• Prodiamine (Barricade)
• Pendimethalin (Pendulum)
• Dithiopyr (Dimension) — also has early post-emergent activity on crabgrass

Fall Pre-Emergent

Apply late September to early October to prevent cool-season weeds like annual bluegrass, henbit, and chickweed.

Step 3: Post-Emergent Herbicides (Treatment)

For Broadleaf Weeds

Bermuda tolerates most 3-way herbicides containing combinations of 2,4-D, dicamba, and MCPP (mecoprop). Popular products include:

• Trimec Classic
• Ortho Weed-B-Gon
• Spectracide Weed Stop for Lawns

Apply when air temperatures are between 60–85°F and weeds are actively growing.

For Grassy Weeds

This is where things get tricky. Killing crabgrass or dallisgrass without killing Bermuda requires Bermuda-specific selectives:

• Celsius WG (thiencarbazone + iodosulfuron + dicamba) — excellent on most grassy and broadleaf weeds; Bermuda-safe even in heat.
• Quinclorac — effective on crabgrass but can stunt Bermuda temporarily.

For Sedges

Nutsedge is a special case — it’s neither grass nor broadleaf. Use sedge-specific herbicides:

• Sedgehammer (halosulfuron)
• Dismiss (sulfentrazone)

Step 4: Cultural Practices That Prevent Weeds

The densest Bermuda lawns rarely need much herbicide. Good habits do most of the heavy lifting:

• Mow at the right height (1–2 inches) with a sharp blade.
• Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep roots.
• Fertilize on schedule to keep Bermuda aggressive.
• Overseed or sod bare spots before weeds colonize them.
• Core aerate annually to reduce compaction.

What NOT to Use on Bermuda Grass

• Glyphosate (Roundup) — kills Bermuda within days. Use only on dormant winter Bermuda for targeted weed control, never during active growth.
• Atrazine — labeled for St. Augustine and centipede, but damages Bermuda.
• Non-selective spot sprays — unless Bermuda is dormant.

Dormant Weed Control: A Powerful Louisiana Secret

Once Bermuda goes dormant in late December/January, you can apply glyphosate at a low rate to kill winter weeds without harming dormant Bermuda. This is one of the most effective strategies for cleaning up a weedy Bermuda lawn — but timing matters. Use only when the entire lawn is clearly dormant and at least 60 days before spring green-up.

Organic Weed Control Options

• Corn gluten meal — mild pre-emergent activity; apply early spring.
• Hand pulling — effective for isolated weeds, especially after rain.
• Horticultural vinegar (20%) — non-selective; use only for spot kills in cracks or bed edges.

Application Tips to Avoid Lawn Damage

• Read the label — twice.
• Avoid spraying during high heat (>90°F).
• Never apply herbicide to stressed or newly sodded Bermuda.
• Use a marker dye to avoid double-spraying strips.
• Wait 2–3 mowings before herbicide on newly established sod.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kills weeds in Bermuda grass without killing the grass?

Pre-emergents like prodiamine, selective post-emergents like Celsius WG, and 3-way broadleaf herbicides (2,4-D + dicamba + MCPP) kill weeds while leaving Bermuda unharmed when used correctly.

Will Roundup kill Bermuda grass?

Yes, glyphosate kills active Bermuda. It is only safe to use on fully dormant Bermuda in mid-winter, and only for winter weed control.

When should I apply pre-emergent to Bermuda grass in Louisiana?

Late February to early March for spring weeds, and late September to early October for winter weeds.

Can I use a weed and feed on Bermuda grass?

Some weed and feed products are Bermuda-safe, but they often apply herbicide at the wrong time for fertilizer needs. Separate applications are usually more effective.

How do I kill crabgrass without killing Bermuda?

Quinclorac and Celsius WG both target crabgrass without killing Bermuda. Apply when crabgrass is young and actively growing.

What’s the best time of day to spray herbicide on Bermuda?

Early morning or late afternoon on calm, dry days with temperatures between 60°F and 85°F.

Want a Weed-Free Bermuda Lawn Without the Guesswork?

TurnKey Grass helps homeowners across Gretna, Slidell, Harahan, and the greater New Orleans metro build resilient, thick Bermuda lawns that resist weed pressure naturally. When herbicide treatments or resodding are needed, we apply them right the first time.

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