8 Best Weed Killers for Maintaining a Pristine Bermuda Grass Lawn

Maintaining a lush, healthy Bermuda grass lawn can be a challenge when pesky weeds start to invade.

Finding the right weed killer that effectively eliminates unwanted growth without harming your grass is essential.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up the 8 best weed killers for Bermuda grass lawns, offering solutions that target stubborn weeds while keeping your lawn pristine and weed-free.

Selecting the Best Weed Killer for Bermuda Grass

To keep your Bermuda grass free from weeds, it's essential to balance spot treatments with a proactive approach. Post-emergent herbicides target weeds that have already sprouted, while pre-emergents stop them before they can even break the surface.

If your Bermuda lawn is also lacking in nutrients, weed and feed products can be a time-saving solution, tackling both fertilization and weed control simultaneously.

Herbicides are generally categorized into two types: selective, which focuses on specific weeds, and non-selective, which kills any plants it contacts.

Here’s a look at the key types of weed control methods:

Post-Emergent Herbicides

These products are designed to combat weeds that have already emerged. For younger weeds, natural options like cinnamon, clove, and lemongrass are effective, while tougher, mature weeds may require more potent solutions like glyphosate or dicamba.

Pre-Emergent Herbicides

Acting as a barrier, these herbicides prevent weed seeds from germinating and growing above the soil. Dithiopyr and Benefin are popular choices, but keep in mind they won’t kill dormant seeds or fully grown weeds.

The timing of application is key—apply them before the growing season starts.

Weed and Feed Products

Combining fertilizer and weed control, these products can be a convenient all-in-one solution. However, not all weed and feed formulas address every weed problem, and some contain pre-emergents while others use post-emergents.

It's important to apply them at the right time and to choose a product with the correct N-P-K ratio for your Bermuda grass, as incorrect use could cause harm.

Organic vs. Synthetic Herbicides

Organic herbicides, made from natural sources like plant oils and acids, are less harmful to pets and people but are non-selective, so careful application is needed to avoid damage to your lawn. Organic options often require multiple treatments, especially on mature weeds.

Synthetic herbicides, while more powerful and selective, can pose risks such as toxicity to animals, humans, and potential environmental damage, including contamination of groundwater.

8 Top Weed Killers for Bermuda Grass

Maintaining a healthy Bermuda grass lawn can be challenging when weeds start to invade. Finding the right weed killer that targets unwanted plants without harming your Bermuda grass is essential.

Here are eight of the best weed killers specifically designed to keep your lawn weed-free and thriving.

Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed

A top choice for managing weeds in Bermuda grass, Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed combines weed elimination with nutrient enrichment. This product effectively targets dandelions and clover while promoting a lush, green lawn.

Timing is crucial, as applying it during early spring ensures optimal results. Following the application instructions carefully prevents potential damage, especially in dry conditions.

Pros:

Simple to apply and use

Combines both fertilizer and weed control in one product

Covers an area up to 464.5 sq m (5000 sq ft).

Cons:

Results may take up to two weeks to become visible.

Roundup Ready-To-Use Grass Killer III

Roundup Ready-To-Use Grass Killer III excels in controlling unwanted weeds around trees, vegetable gardens, and flower beds. While effective, caution is necessary when applying it to Bermuda grass, as it contains glyphosate, which can harm the lawn if not used correctly.

Results are typically visible within hours, and the product becomes rainproof in just ten minutes. Its protective features allow for targeted application, minimizing damage to surrounding greenery.

Pros:

Fast-acting results

User-friendly application

Eliminates weeds down to the roots

Comes pre-mixed and ready for use.

Cons:

May harm your grass if applied outside of its dormancy period

Covers only up to 37 sq m (400 sq ft).

Drive XLR8 Herbicide

For tackling post-emergent crabgrass, Drive XLR8 Herbicide provides an excellent solution. This herbicide can be applied directly to the weeds, making it suitable for both large areas and spot treatments.

Enhancing absorption by using a surfactant or pre-watering the lawn can boost effectiveness in drier regions. This product is compatible with various grass types, but it’s essential to check compatibility to avoid harming sensitive varieties.

Pros

Non-toxic to pets when applied according to instructions

Eliminates stubborn, harmful plants like poison ivy.

Cons

Kills certain types of grasses.

Southern Ag Amine 2,4-D Weed Killer

Southern Ag Amine 2,4-D Weed Killer proves beneficial for eradicating both grassy and broadleaf weeds. This economical option covers a large area, requiring only a small amount diluted in water for effective application.

It’s versatile for use in various settings, including lawns, parks, and golf courses. Following the recommended spraying techniques ensures optimal results without causing harm to desired plants.

Pros:

Very effective in weed control

Cost-effective solution

Simple to mix and apply

Suitable for various ornamental turfs

Cons:

May inhibit growth of Bermuda grass

Requires up to two weeks to eliminate weeds

Harris 20% Vinegar Weed Killer

Harris 20% Vinegar Weed Killer stands out with its high concentration, making it a potent nonselective option. Effective on contact, this herbicide works quickly to eliminate weeds, including clover and dandelions.

The ready-to-use formula simplifies the application process, allowing you to tackle stubborn weeds without complex preparations. Careful handling is essential to avoid damaging desirable plants.

Pros:

Convenient ready-to-use spray

Works quickly

Contains a high concentration of vinegar.

Cons:

May damage Bermuda grass

Requires significant quantities for extensive weeding.

Syngenta Tenacity Herbicide

Syngenta Tenacity Herbicide functions as both a pre-emergent and post-emergent treatment. Its active ingredient, mesotrione, disrupts photosynthesis in targeted weeds while remaining safe for various grass types, including Bermuda.

Optimal results occur when applied during the appropriate growing seasons. This product is ideal for established lawns but should be used cautiously during dormancy periods to avoid unintended damage.

Pros:

Suitable for use at any seeding time

Functions as both a pre- and post-emergent herbicide

Effective against over forty types of weeds.

Cons:

May damage warm-season grasses.

Espoma Organic Weed Preventer

Espoma Organic Weed Preventer provides a natural alternative for preventing weed growth. Made from corn gluten meal, it establishes a barrier to stop weed seeds from sprouting while enriching the soil with nitrogen.

Non-toxic and safe for children and pets, this herbicide is best applied twice a year in early spring and fall for maximum effectiveness. Its organic nature makes it a popular choice for environmentally conscious gardeners.

Pros:

Enriches with nitrogen for greener growth

Made with safer, organic ingredients

Helps prevent weed seeds from germinating.

Cons:

Does not eliminate existing weeds.

Prodiamine 65 WDG Herbicide

Prodiamine 65 WDG herbicide delivers effective weed control with minimal usage, requiring only 11 grams for 93 square meters. Ideal for small lawns, it offers long-lasting results, especially when applied in early spring and fall.

For those worried about lawn scorching, halving the dose to 5.5 grams eases concerns. This herbicide uniquely affects various grasses, weakening bermuda and fescue while remaining effective against broadleaf weeds, crabgrass, and bluegrass.

Prodiamine combines power and convenience, making it a top choice for maintaining a healthy, vibrant lawn.

Pros:

Very effective

Long-lasting

Simple to use.

Cons:

May decrease density and root development of Bermuda grass.