Killing Bermudagrass Before Overseeding Fescue: Timing and Technique

Bermudagrass is a persistent warm-season weed in fescue lawns, turning brown in winter and ruining the green carpet. To overseed fescue in September, you must start eradication in early August.

Why It's Tough

Bermudagrass spreads by rhizomes (underground) and stolons (above ground) and stores ample energy for regrowth. Incomplete kill leads to rapid re-infestation.

Effective Protocol

1. Spray glyphosate (Roundup) on the bermudagrass patches.
2. Wait two weeks.
3. Spray again.
4. In early September, inspect. You'll likely see new sprigs emerging.
5. Spray a third time.
6. Seven days after the final spray, plant fescue seed at the optimal window.

Persistence is key—three applications spaced two weeks apart usually achieve complete kill.