Identifying Bermuda Grass Before Overseeding

A homeowner realizes their "crabgrass/goosegrass" problem may actually be Bermuda grass — identified by white/red horizontal stolons interwoven with turf.

Critical Distinction

Bermuda is a perennial warm-season grass with aggressive stolons and rhizomes. Crabgrass is an annual. Overseeding into living Bermuda guarantees failure — it will outcompete seedlings.

Identification Resources

• Virginia Tech Weed ID: ppws.vt.edu/weedindex.htm
• University of Illinois Interactive Weed ID: web.aces.uiuc.edu/weedid
• Rutgers NJ Weed Gallery: njaes.rutgers.edu/weeds/

Next Steps

Confirm ID via county extension. If Bermuda: glyphosate in summer when actively growing, then renovate. If annual weeds dying naturally: overseed into residue with good soil contact. Include white/red clover in seed mix for nitrogen fixation. Soil test first.