Bermuda grass is the most desired grass on golf courses and on lawns. But, it can turn into a nuisance quite quickly.
It’s difficult to control, and it can be a hazard to other plants, not to mention that it can attract other weeds.
It is heat and drought-resistant making it very hard to get rid of. Not to mention there are countless products on the market that claim get rid of Bermuda grass.
In this article, I will review the best Bermuda grass killers on the market.
This will help you choose the product that best fits your needs with ease.
Let’s dive in.
1. PBI Gordon – Ornamec Over the Top Grass Herbicide
Pros
Can be applied on newly laid soil
Works well on saplings
Eliminates nearly 500 varieties of weeds
Works well on existing weeds
Recommended by experts
Becomes rainproof within an hour
Cons
Can affect other plants too
must buy an extra sprayer for application
Expensive
Need multiple applications
Does not prevent new grass from sprouting
Cannot be used on edible plants
Key Details
- Active Ingredient: Fluazifop-P-butyl 6.75%
- Quantity: 32 ounces
- How fast does it work: You can expect the grassy weeds to stop growing in about 48 hours or so.
- How long does it last: It will take one to three weeks before the Bermuda grass actually looks dead.
- Type of weeds killed: Barnyardgrass, Crabgrass (large & smooth), Foxtails, Goosegrass, Prairie Cupgrass, Wild Oats, Witchgrass, and others
How Does It Work
Ornamec is a herbicide that can be sprayed over-the-top on the grass and weeds that need to be eliminated.
It is a concentrate that needs to be mixed with water for application. You can mix 2.5oz. of the herbicide to one gallon of water.
Apply the prepared mixture on the grass using a sprayer.
It gets absorbed through the leaves and then spreads to the shoots, roots, and the other growing parts of the weeds.
The growth of the weeds gets arrested within 48 hours of the application of the herbicide. The grass loses its vitality, the leaves start turning yellow, and eventually leads to the death of the plant.
Effects can be seen anywhere between one to three weeks.
What I Like
Wider scope of action
The Ornamec is an “over-the-top” herbicide that can be used on the leaves of the existing plants, grass, and weeds.
Yet, it works equally well on newly growing plants too.
Works on a variety of species
The product works on almost 500 plant varieties, including grass, weeds, trees, and shrubs.
It works effectively on 30 varieties of weeds, including Crabgrass and foxtail, and that’s quite impressive.
It also works great on perennial grass types like Quackgrass, and Bermuda grass, which is considered as hardy and tough. It is effective on even existing plants and grass.
Effective results
How about the results? Well, after applying the herbicide, the plant growth stops within 48 hours.
The leaves begin yellowing and dropping – signs that show that the plant or weed is dying.
And within one to three weeks, the plant completely withers and dies. The weed killer can become resistant to rain within one hour.
What I Dislike
Application requires effort
The Ornamec herbicide is not a ready-to-use solution. It is a concentrate that needs to be diluted with water.
You will need a container and a sprayer to apply the prepared solution. For people who will prefer a ready solution, this can be a real downside.
Kills desired plants, too
When it comes to Ornamec, you will have to bear in mind that the herbicide eliminates other plants, too.
You will have to read the instructions carefully and make sure your desired plant is not on the list of plants affected by the herbicide.
If you’re not careful, you might lose out on your favorite plants.
Needs re-application
If you are a person who would love a one-time solution, then this might not be the best choice for you.
You will have to apply it multiple times to get rid of the entire weeds. In short, it is able to destroy anything above the ground but doesn’t work on the roots.
The weeds and plants start to regrow in a few weeks.
2. Sedgehammer Plus Turf Herbicide
Pros
Specializes in eliminating the nutsedge without affecting the surrounding grass
Easy to apply
Works great on both warm and cool-season turfgrasses
Ideal for medium and large gardens
Works even on certain broad-leafed weed varieties
Can control the re-growth of nutsedge for an extended period
Cons
Designed to work on only the nutsedge
Can damage other delicate grasses
Should be used immediately after mixing
It is pricey
Comes in less quantity
Does not completely destroy the nutsedge weed
Requires re-application
Does not work on the roots
Key Details
- Active Ingredient: Halosulfuron-methyl 5%
- Quantity: 13.5 grams
- How fast does it work: Sledgehammer begins working 24 to 48 hours after application.
- How long does it last: SedgeHammer may remain active in the soil up to 3 years after application.
- Type of weeds killed: Purple Nutsedge, Yellow Nutsedge, Kyllinga
How Does It Work
SedgeHammer plus is a herbicide in a water-soluble granule form. It has to be mixed with water and sprayed through a sprayer.
Once sprayed, the mixture gets absorbed through the leaves and travels through the entire plant system.
The herbicide works by first stopping the plant growth within 24 to 48 hours. And the plant subsequently dies.
What I Like
Only designed for nutsedge weed varieties
If you have been waiting for a product to eliminate the nutsedge variety of weeds, your search ends here.
As the name suggests, it is designed to work effectively on even the toughest nutsedge variety of weeds.
Yet, it works great on even some broad-leaf varieties of weeds.
Since it works selectively on the nutsedge varieties, you need not worry about affecting your other plants.
Easy application
If you prefer a herbicide that is pretty simple and easy to apply, you are going to love the SedgeHammer plus.
Just mix half-an-ounce of the product to one gallon of water. Then take the mixture in a pump spray and spray it in those tough nutsedges and the solution will take care of the rest.
Safe for children and pets
You were looking for a herbicide that is pet and kids friendly? This can be your go-to herbicide. Once the solution dries after application, it becomes completely safe for your pets and kids.
You can apply the mixture, and sit back and enjoy watching your pets and kids play on your lawn.
What I Dislike
No immediate results
One thing I just hate about SedgeHammer Plus is the fact that it can take a while before I start to see results.
It takes at least a week to see any visible results and it takes the least time of three weeks for the weeds to die.
And the worst part is that most of the time you will be required to re-apply the herbicide to destroy the weeds completely.
Can damage other plants
This is a downside of the SedgeHammer plus that I simply just cannot ignore. The herbicide is advertised to eliminate the nutsedge weed varieties only.
But, if applied carelessly, it does kill some of the delicate grass varieties like fountain grass and little bluestem.
Cannot be stored
Talking about the disadvantages, we have to bear in mind that this herbicide is not a ready-to-use solution.
It’s in a granular form and it has to be mixed with water for application.
The next big drawback is that the product has to be used immediately for effective results. You cannot store it for future use.
Formulated for nutsedge varieties
Being created for nutsedge varieties of weeds can be both an advantage as well as a disadvantage.
This can be a sure downside for people who will want a herbicide that can eliminate a variety of weed species.
If you’re fighting with just the nutsedge, then this can be your best pick.
3. Bayer Acclaim-Extra Selective Grass Herbicide
Pros
It can effectively work on existing weeds and plants
It can eliminate a wide variety of weeds and grass
It gets readily absorbed through the leaves
Easy to use formula
Works on all stages of growth
Cons
Instructions are not in detail
It can cause a health hazard if used for extended periods
Multiple applications are required
Key Details
- Active Ingredient: Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 6.59%
- Quantity: 1 pint
- How fast does it work: Allow up to one week to begin to see weed control.
- How long does it last: Control of the grass weeds will take 12 to 21 days.
- Type of weeds killed: Barnyardgrass, Bermudagrass (suppression only) Crabgrass (large & smooth), Goosegrass, Foxtail, Panicum, Johnsongrass (seedling), Sandbur, Sprangletop, and Japanese stilt grass
How Does It Work
The Acclaim Extra herbicide has to be mixed with water and applied using a pump sprayer.
It is always better to apply to the target weeds to avoid damage to any desired plant.
The herbicide is instantly absorbed through the leaves of the grass. The chemical is then transmitted throughout the plant body.
On absorption, the plant growth stops in a few days, and eventually, the plant dies.
What I Like
Effective formulation
The Acclaim Extra herbicide contains Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl (6.59%), as the active ingredient.
The formula is quite effective in destroying many varieties of grasses, including Bermuda grass.
It can kill even the toughest of weeds in just about three weeks.
What I Dislike
After-effects on other plants
The herbicide though claimed to affect only weed species, seems to affect other plants too.
I observed discoloration of leaves and stunted growth in some of my delicate garden plants.
Health hazards
The Acclaim Extra herbicide is a potent herbicide and needs to be handled with care and caution.
You will need to follow the application instructions carefully. It is advised to wear a PPE while handling the product.
Direct contact with the product can cause skin irritations. Overuse of the solution can lead to other health issues including respiratory disorders.
If you have a history of asthma or skin sensitivity, think twice before opting for this one.
No immediate results
The herbicide takes weeks to destroy weeds. Now, this holds good for most other herbicides.
Yet, this is a downside that just cannot be ignored. If you are wanting to see some drastic and visible results, this might not be a good choice.
4. Fusilade II Turf and Ornamental Herbicide
Pros
Easy to use
Safe to use on ornamental plants
Resistant to rain after one hour of application
Results last for a long time
Easily absorbed by the plants
Effective on a wide variety of weeds
Cons
Can cause skin and lung irritations
Quite pricey
Weeds start showing resistant after frequent usage
Cannot see immediate results
Multiple applications are needed
Key Details
- Active Ingredient: Fluazifop-P-butyl 24.5%
- Quantity: 1 quart
- How fast does it work: Symptoms are generally observed within 7-14 days after treatment, depending on grass weed species and environmental conditions
- How long does it last: Complete control occurs from 10-21 days following application.
- Type of weeds killed: Barnyardgrass, Crabgrass (large, smooth, southern), Foxtail, Goosegrass, Quackgrass, Witchgrass, Wild oats, and many others
How Does It Work
Fusilade II is a very powerful herbicide that is formulated to be readily absorbed by the weeds that have to be destroyed.
On application, the solution gets absorbed by the plants instantly. It spreads through the plant shoots, growth points, and roots.
The plant growth gets immediately arrested and the plants start to wither and die.
What I Like
Selective herbicide
The Fusilade II is a herbicide that works selectively only on weeds that need to be destroyed.
It does not cause any serious damage to other desired plants. This is a positive point worth noting.
Works on a variety of species
If you are looking for one product to handle many weed species, then this could be what you’re looking for.
The product label contains a long list of weed varieties the herbicide helps eliminate. And the list is quite impressive.
What I Dislike
Effects on other plants
One effect I noticed post-application of Fusilade II, is that some of my other ornamental plants started turning yellow.
This is disappointing because it states that the product will not damage ornamental plants.
Pricey
The herbicide is quite expensive when compared to other brands available. The real downside lies in the fact that the price does not justify the results.
The results cannot be seen immediately and repeated applications may be needed in some cases.
Application requires effort
The first challenge is the fact that the herbicide is not a ready-to-use solution. You need to mix the concentrate with water for application.
Now comes the hardest part. The product label clearly mentions that the product is highly effective only on young, growing grasses.
For the rest of them, the label provides a weed table that mentions the ratio to be used for each grass type and condition.
This seriously requires patience and time to see some results, not to mention the price tag that it comes with.
Health hazards
Like any other powerful herbicides, Fusilade II needs to be handled with care.
It is better for sensitive skinned and people with respiratory disorders to avoid this product and go for some milder herbicides.
5. BioAdvanced Bermudagrass Control
Pros
Made specifically for Bermudagrass
Also suitable for other grass weeds
Widespread coverage
Doesn’t harm the soil and the rest of your lawn
Ready to use
Comes with a spray nozzle
EZ-Grip One Touch Sprayer
Cons
Contains petroleum distillates
Hose applicator isn’t that great
May take a long time before results appear
Pricey
May sometimes produce little to no effects
Key Details
- Active Ingredient: Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl – 0.41%
- Quantity: 32oz
- How fast does it work: Visible results after using Bayer Advanced Bermudagrass Control RTS should be between 4-10 days.
- How long does it last: For the best results, use the product once a month, although you can wait for longer between uses if you only have a mild problem.
- Types of Weeds Killed: Bermudagrass, Crabgrass, Foxtail, Sandbur, Japanese Stiltgrass.
How Does It Work
BioAdvance uses a herbicide that is specially designed to control Bermuda grass. The active ingredient will attack and kill bermuda grass and other weeds while leaving your normal grass unharmed and in perfect condition.
When applying its important that you treat the entire area where the bermuda grass is growing. The active ingredient typically takes between 4-10 days to eliminate the bermuda grass. As the process begins the grass and leaves will begin to trun a yellow or red color.
For the best results, apply this product once every month for seven months. Its best to start during sprung when Bermuda grass begin to grow and become most active..
What I Like
Selective weed killer
This product is safe to use around other plants since its target is Bermuda grass. It won’t be toxic to other non-target plants or grass. This is great if you accidentally spray too much or in the wrong areas, your grass or garden will not be destroyed.
Easy and widespread application
It comes with a spray nozzle and there is no need to mix it before application.
You also have the option to connect the sprayer to your garden hose for a faster and easier process.
Rainproof
This product becomes waterproof an hour after its application. You won’t have to worry about its effectiveness even when it rains.
What I Dislike
Container
Since this only has an on/off switch, you may have a hard time regulating the amount of product that you spray. This may prompt you to use a lot more than what you intended to.
This is also not good for your lawn, since too much of this product may cause damage.
6. Monterey Turflon Ester
Pros
Can kill a wide range of weeds and grasses
Safe to use around vegetables and fruit trees, following the proper precautions
Wide coverage
High quality
Economical
Comes in an 8-ounce, 16-ounce, and 32-ounce bottle
Selective herbicide
Cons
May cause allergic reactions to some people
May harm other grasses such as St. Augustine and Bahia
Sprayer is not included
Post-emergent only
Needs several applications
Only suitable for cold-season grasses
Requires mixing
Key Details
- Active Ingredient: Triclopyr, butoxyethyl ester 60.45%
- Quantity: 16oz
- How fast does it work: Designed for use on actively growing weeds and gives you visible results in just a few hour
- How long does it last: Reapply at four-week intervals.
- Types of Weeds Killed: Perennial Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, Tall Fescue Turf-grass
How Does It Work
This product contains Triclopyr which breaks down in soil and degrades in water. It can remain active even in decaying vegetation.
It would be ideal to apply this product during warm weather, such as spring or fall. This is around the time when Bermuda grass starts growing.
For the best results, its best to avoid watering your lawn 24 hours after application. This product will break down in water which will reduce its effectiveness.
You should take extra caution when you’re applying the product. Don’t let it reach waterways such as streams, lakes, and the like. This may cause contamination, which will harm aquatic life.
You should also prevent it from drifting away to other non-target plants. You can do this by spraying at a lower level or you can spray when there is no strong wind present.
What I Like
Cost-efficient
Since you’ll need to dilute this product, one bottle is enough to last for a long time. It can cover as much as 20,000sq. Ft.
What I Dislike
Not a preventive measure
You would need to apply this product on Bermuda grass that is currently growing. If it has already self-seeded, it will grow back again the following year.
7. Compare-N-Save Weed and Grass Killer
Pros
Becomes waterproof two hours after application
Easy to use
Kills weeds from the roots
Comes in various sizes
Budget-friendly
Adjustable product concentration
Versatile
Targets annuals and perennials
Made of pure glyphosate
Cons
Suitable for warm, sunny weather
May need more than one application
Contains chemicals that may be harmful
Not a preventive measure
Needs an external sprayer
Some soils may need a more concentrated formula
Non-selective formula
Key Details
- Active Ingredient: 41% Glyphosate
- Quantity: 1 Gallon
- How fast does it work: Starts working in 24 hours
- How long does it last: Does not leave any residual effects.
- Types of Weeds Killed: Glyphosate grass and weeds
How Does It Work
This is a concentrate that allows you to kill bermuda grass by targetting the roots. When applying its important you apply directly to the soil and not the leaves above ground.
Also, this herbicide will breakdown in water during the first two hours. After two hours, the produce becomes waterproof and will remain effective after two hours.
What I Like
Contains Glyphosate
This consists of 41% of the product’s active ingredients. Its main purpose is killing weeds, especially grasses that compete with crops. This makes it one of the best solutions to your Bermuda grass problems.
Versatile
You can use this product on your walkways and driveways. It also helps maintain the cleanliness in your garden fences.
You won’t have to worry about your trees, shrubs, and other plants. This will not have a negative impact on them, so you can spray around that area as well.
What I Dislike
Not Preventative
This product is not preventative. This means you can only use it on any weeds you see and can not avoid any future weeds or bermuda grass from growing.
Required Direct Application
This product attacks at the roots. This means that it requires careful application to ensure the product reaches the roots and does not get stuck
If not applied thoroughly this product is not as effective.
8. The AMES Sedge Ender Weed Killer
Pros
Safe for pets and children once it dries up
Pre- and post-emergent herbicide
Suitable for many types of grasses
Becomes rainproof in a matter of hours
Comes with mixing instructions
Easy to mix and use
Can take effect within two to five days
Suitable for both cold and warm season grass
Cons
May cause allergic reactions to some people
Needs an external sprayer
It only comes in one size
May not produce the same effect for all
Not quick-drying
May need several applications
Key Details
- Active Ingredient: Prodiamine 2.73% Sulfentrazone 1.36%
- Quantity: 16oz.
- How fast does it work: 48-96 hours
- How long does it last: The pre-emergent will last up to 60-90 days depending on the rate used and rainfall in your area.
- Types of Weeds Killed: Sedges, crabgrass, annual and broadleaf weeds, and many more
How Does It Work
pre- and post-emergent herbicide. It helps kill existing Bermuda grass while also preventing it from growing back.
You can apply this product using a hand trigger, pump-up, or hose-end sprayer. Don’t forget to add the right amount of water on your solution.
You should make sure that the area is dry before applying the product. It is advisable that you do this when there is a very low chance of rain. This prevents it from running off into waterways.
For pre-emergence, spray it over the entire lawn for a wide coverage. For post-emergence, spray the bermuda grass directly.
Avoid over-spraying because this may cause serious damage to your lawn.
Once you’re done, discard the leftover diluted contents immediately. This may damage your sprayer if left for too long.
After this, you should place the product back in its original packaging and keep it in a cool, dry place. Always remember to keep this away from children and pets as well.
What I Like
Pre- and post-emergent concentrate
Sulfentrazone, together with prodiamine, is a very effective formula. It eliminates Bermuda grass that is currently growing. At the same time, it prevents new ones from appearing.
This is a suitable product that you can use throughout the year.
Has a yellow color
This allows you to see the areas you’ve already sprayed. In that way, you’ll avoid overspraying and damaging the rest of your plants. You also get to save more of the product.
What I Dislike
Not quick-drying
Compared to other products, this takes a longer time to dry. You would need to make sure that you apply this when there is a very low chance of rain.
Conclusion
If there is one thing every garden lover would need, it is an effective herbicide that can work on many weed species.
And the selection of the right herbicide is never ever simple.
Effectiveness, the kinds of weeds the product is capable of eliminating, and its effect on the other plants are some of the factors that need to be considered.
Now, that you have some of the best available in the market, and also know what to look for in a herbicide, I’m sure you can select your product in no time.
Good luck and happy gardening!