Weed Control in Bermudagrass: A Three-Pronged Approach

Consistent weed control requires combining three methods: cultural, mechanical, and chemical. No single method works alone.

1. Healthy Lawn (Cultural)

Vigorous, properly fertilized, watered, and mowed turf resists invasion. Weeds colonize bare or thin spots first.

2. Mechanical

• Frequent mowing at the correct height suppresses many weeds.
• Hand-pull annual weeds; it prevents spread but is impractical for perennials.

3. Chemical (Herbicides)

All labeled herbicides are tested for safety and efficacy. Always read the label. Match the product to your turfgrass, target weed, and timing.

Pre-Emergent vs. Post-Emergent

• Pre-emergents stop seed germination. Apply for summer weeds (crabgrass) when night temps hit 60s for 4 days (forsythia bloom). For winter weeds (annual bluegrass), apply Sept–early Oct. Water in after application.
• Post-emergents kill emerged weeds. Use specific products for grassy vs. broadleaf weeds when they are actively growing (early summer).

Important Warning

Do NOT spray glyphosate on dormant bermudagrass in winter. Homeowners cannot reliably confirm complete dormancy; glyphosate will kill green bermudagrass. Instead, check imazaquin (Image) label for winter weed control.

Common Weed Profiles

Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua)

Heavy infestation: pre-emergent mid-Sept + early Nov. Spring escapes: imazaquin. "Paint" glyphosate on green weeds in dormant bermuda using a towel-wrapped rake.

Chickweed

Pre-emergent: isoxaben (Portrait). Post-emergent: 2,4-D + MCPP broadleaf killers. Do not use on fall-seeded fescue until mowed 4 times.

Wild Onion / Garlic

Two spring sprays (6 weeks apart) with glyphosate or broadleaf killer; two fall sprays at emergence. Imazaquin (Image) also works. Avoid during green-up and on new turf.

Wild Violets

Difficult. Broadleaf killers (Trimec, Weed-B-Gon) give fair control. Spray 3× at 1-month intervals. Wait until full green-up (late April). Avoid drought. Imazaquin works on zoysia/centipede but severely damages fescue.

Reader Q&A

• Overseeded ryegrass persists: It reseeded. Apply pre-emergent early spring and early fall to stop next year's crop.
• Roundup killed bermuda patches: Water to stimulate surviving rhizomes. No fertilizer now. Next spring, plug healthy bermuda into dead spots.
• Pre-emergent under new sod: No problem. Pre-emergent forms a surface barrier; sod roots grow below it. Keep sod watered.

Weed 'N' Feed Products

Generally apply one ingredient at the wrong time. Bermuda: fertilize after green-up; prevent weeds before green-up. Fescue: fall broadleaf weed 'n' feed okay if lawn is damp.

Label Discipline

Never exceed label rates. Double doses can kill the lawn.