The Best Weed Killers for Bermuda Grass

Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The Best Weed Killers for Bermuda Grass and hope the blog can help you.

To reach its full potential, Bermuda grass needs plenty of sun, warm temperatures, and protection from weeds. Find out which weed killers are best suited for this drought-tolerant grass.

Some turfgrass types wilt at the first sign of temperatures higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, drought, or salty sea spray, but Bermuda grass keeps its cool under these harsh conditions, making it well suited to Southern states and coastal regions. On the downside, Bermuda grass is relatively high maintenance, has nutrient requirements, and is susceptible to weeds such as crabgrass, clover, and nutsedge.

Those looking to establish a yard of lush Bermuda grass may need to apply a weed killer once or more a year, depending on the types of weeds that become a problem. Ahead, learn more about getting rid of weeds in Bermuda grass lawns, and find out why the following products are among the best Bermuda grass weed killers on the market.

1. BEST OVERALL: Espoma Organic Weed Preventer
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Harris 20% Vinegar Weed Killer
3. BEST FOR CRABGRASS: Preen Natural Garden Weed Preventer
4. BEST POST-EMERGENT: Just for Pets Pet Friendly & Pet Safe Weed Killer
5. BEST WEED AND FEED: Concern Weed Prevention Plus
6. BEST FOR NUTSEDGE: Green Gobbler 20% Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer
7. BEST PRE-EMERGENT: The Andersons Barricade Pre-Emergent Weed Control

Before You Buy Weed Killers for Bermuda Grass

Although using a weed killer for Bermuda grass is effective, it’s not the only way to get a lawn weed-free. We recommend trying other weeding methods (including these weirdly effective ways to weed) before using a weed killer. Weed-killing products can contain chemical ingredients that are toxic to individuals and the environment.

Though tedious, physical weed removal is the safest way to get a Bermuda grass lawn free of weeds. Frequent weeding makes it easier to stay on top of weed control. For a bit of extra help preventing weeds, consider a natural pre-emergent weed-control product. These products prevent weeds from sprouting, keeping lawns weed-free without the need to resort to weed killers.

If the weeds start getting a little more out of control, a weed killer can help. Weed killers can be applied to just the problem areas; the less weed killer used, the less human and environmental exposure to the product. Choose a natural weed killer when possible.

How We Chose the Best Weed Killers for Bermuda Grass

In choosing the best weed killers for Bermuda grass lawns, we focused on products formulated to kill a variety of weeds without harming the environment. With sustainability in mind, we avoided harmful ingredients (such as 2,4-D), instead choosing weed killers that are safer overall and less harsh on the environment.

We included weed killers with both natural and synthetic ingredients, formulated for different purposes. We prioritized weed killers with lower toxicity, preferring naturally derived products over chemical ones. For those who want the least toxic option, we included a natural organic weed killer on our list.

We also looked at products that prevent weed seeds from sprouting, known as pre-emergent herbicides. These products form a barrier on the surface of the soil that lasts anywhere from 2 to 4 months. The downside is that although pre-emergents stop weed seeds from germinating, they also prevent beneficial seeds from germinating, so they should not be used before reseeding a lawn. Of course, post-emergent herbicides were also included on our list, which are made for killing weeds after they sprout.

Our Top Picks

To qualify for a spot in this lineup, the following products had to contain ingredients known to kill weeds effectively. The products had to be straightforward to apply—we allowed for some measuring and mixing—but we excluded products if the user had to reapply the solution multiple times for a successful treatment. Though individual lawn needs vary, one of the picks in our lineup is sure to be a good choice for getting rid of weeds in a Bermuda grass lawn.

Best Overall

Espoma Organic Weed Preventer

Espoma Organic Weed Preventer forms a barrier on the surface of the soil that keeps weed seeds from sprouting, and it contains only natural ingredients. In addition to controlling unwanted weeds, it also fertilizes the lawn, making it one of the best weed-and-feed products in this lineup.

Espoma’s weed preventer contains corn gluten meal—a natural, organic ingredient that functions as a pre-emergent to keep weed seeds from germinating. In addition, this granular product contains nitrogen, the nutrient that grass needs for robust growth and to develop a rich color. Best of all, because it has no harmful chemicals, there’s no need to worry about pets and children playing on a lawn after treatment. A 25-pound bag of this organic product treats up to 1,250 square feet of lawn. Espoma recommends applying this product twice a year, in the early spring and fall.

Product Specs

• Form: Granular
• Pre-emergent or post-emergent: Pre-emergent
• Application method: Drop spreader

Pros

• Keeps weed seeds from sprouting
• Safer organic ingredients
• Includes nitrogen for greening

Cons

• Won’t kill existing weeds

Get the Espoma weed killer for Bermuda grass at Amazon, Ace Hardware, True Value, or SHC Supply.

Best Bang for the Buck

Harris 20% Vinegar Weed Killer

Kill weeds naturally using Harris 20% Vinegar Weed Killer, an affordable, nonselective weed killer that harnesses the power of vinegar to kill weeds. Using a 20 percent vinegar formula, which is a concentration four times stronger than regular table vinegar, this acidic formula browns and shrivels plants. This reaction occurs soon after the weed killer comes into contact with targeted weeds.

This weed killer comes in a ready-to-use spray bottle, which means no mixing or diluting is required for use. It should be used as needed to kill a wide variety of weeds, including crabgrass, dandelions, clover, and more. However, because it’s a nonselective weed killer, it has the potential to harm the surrounding grass, so take care when using this product.

Product Specs

• Form: Liquid
• Pre-emergent or post-emergent: Post-emergent
• Application method: Spray

Pros

• High-strength vinegar concentration
• Fast acting
• Ready-to-use spray form

Cons

• Nonselective; can kill Bermuda grass
• Small volume may not be enough for bigger weeding jobs

Get the Harris weed killer for Bermuda grass at PF Harris or Max Warehouse.

Best for Crabgrass

Preen Natural Garden Weed Preventer

Made of 100 percent corn gluten meal, Preen Natural Garden Weed Preventer is a natural way to prevent crabgrass as well as other common weeds such as clover, dandelions, and foxtail. This pre-emergent herbicide comes in granular form, ready to sprinkle on lawns before weeds spring up. There’s no drop spreader needed (although gardeners can use a drop spreader, if preferred). The granules come in a flip-top application that makes it easy to sprinkle over lawns.

Like other corn-gluten-meal products, this herbicide is very safe. It can be used around all established plants, including lawns, vegetables, and herbs. It’s nontoxic, to the point where it’s safe for children and pets to use the lawn immediately after application. Preen recommends reapplying this weed preventer every 4 to 6 weeks.

Product Specs

• Form: Granular
• Pre-emergent or post-emergent: Pre-emergent
• Application method: Drop spreader or flip-top applicator

Pros

• 100 percent natural ingredients
• Excellent safety profile
• Includes flip-top applicator cap

Cons

• Won’t kill existing weeds
• Requires frequent re-application

Get the Preen Natural Garden weed killer for Bermuda grass on Amazon or at The Home Depot.

Best Post-Emergent

Just For Pets Pet Friendly & Pet Safe Weed Killer

Just For Pets Pet Friendly & Pet Safe Weed Killer is safe for pretty much any household when used as directed. This nonselective post-emergent weed killer is formulated with pet parents in mind, using natural ingredients to target weeds.

The large bottle comes ready to use, immediately available to spray on pathways and lawns. Keep in mind that because it’s nonselective, which means it has the potential to kill grass, it will need to be applied sparingly and carefully. One positive note is that this post-emergent herbicide is fast drying, which lowers its potential to spread and also means pets can get back to playing on the lawn again soon after application.

Product Specs

• Form: Liquid
• Pre-emergent or post-emergent: Post-emergent
• Application method: Spray

Pros

• Safe for pets
• Fast-drying spray
• Bulk size

Cons

• Nonselective; can kill Bermuda grass
• Does not include applicator/spray bottle

Get the Just for Pets weed killer for Bermuda grass on Amazon.

Best Weed and Feed

Concern Weed Prevention Plus

Concern Weed Prevention Plus is a pre-emergent weed-and-feed product, formulated to prevent weeds such as crabgrass and dandelions while also providing grass with vital nutrients. Its active ingredient is corn gluten meal, a natural product that stifles weeds before they can grow.

To feed Bermuda grass, this product contains lawn food with an nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium analysis of 8-2-4 (8 percent nitrogen, 2 percent phosphate, and 4 percent potassium). The fertilizer is slow releasing, seeping at a steady rate into the soil for weeks to help green up lawns without burning them.

This product comes in a granular form that is easy to spread with a drop spreader or by using the built-in shaker in the bag. Nontoxic ingredients make this product safe to use on lawns, vegetable patches, and around flowers, trees, and shrubs. Best of all, there’s no need to wait before using the lawn after application.

Product Specs

• Form: Granular
• Pre-emergent or post-emergent: Pre-emergent
• Application method: Drop spreader or shaker bag

Pros

• Fertilizes lawn without burning it
• Safe to use lawn immediately after application
• Easy to use
• Great for flower beds, vegetable patches, and gardens

Cons

• Does not work on existing weeds
• May need reapplication if there is excessive rain after initial application

Get the Concern weed killer for Bermuda grass at The Home Depot.

Best for Nutsedge

Green Gobbler 20% Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer

Green Gobbler 20% Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer is another nonselective weed killer that uses the power of vinegar to target weeds. Its main ingredient is vinegar at a 20 percent concentration, which is effective to target all types of annual and perennial weeds, including dandelions, crabgrass, and nutsedge, which is a common Bermuda-grass lawn pest.

The vinegar used in this formula is naturally derived from corn. It is Organic Materials Review Institute listed and approved for organic use, making this weed killer a good choice for veggie patches, gardens, and lawns.

However, like other vinegar-based weed killers, this herbicide is completely nonselective, which means it can kill grass as well as weeds. Careful placement is key to shriveling up weeds while maintaining green and healthy grass.

Product Specs

• Form: Liquid
• Pre-emergent or post-emergent: Post-emergent
• Application method: Spray

Pros

• Certified for organic use
• Ready-to-use formula
• Comes with spray trigger

Cons

• Nonselective; can kill Bermuda grass
• Some users report faulty sprayer

Get the Green Gobbler weed killer for Bermuda grass on Amazon or at The Home Depot.

Best Pre-Emergent

The Andersons Barricade Pre-Emergent Weed Control

The Andersons Barricade Pre-Emergent Weed Control uses a chemical active ingredient to control weeds, unlike the natural ones on our list. This product is a pre-emergent herbicide and uses prodiamine to stifle weeds before they grow. This ingredient is effective, but it can be toxic to aquatic life, so we recommend first trying natural options. If those options aren’t getting the job done, this herbicide is a professional-grade alternative.

This pre-emergent herbicide comes in granular form. The granule particles break down once they come in contact with water, dispersing their weed-choking abilities over the lawn without causing harm to Bermuda grass. This product is formulated to prevent more than 30 grassy and broadleaf weeds in established lawns, landscapes, and garden beds.

Product Specs

• Form: Granular
• Pre-emergent or post-emergent: Pre-emergent
• Application method: Drop spreader

Pros

• Very effective
• Won’t harm existing grass
• Wide spectrum grassy and broadleaf weed control

Cons

• Won’t kill existing weeds
• Active ingredient (prodiamine) is toxic to marine life

Get The Andersons weed killer for Bermuda grass on Amazon or at The Home Depot.

Or, DIY Your Own Weed Killer

Making a DIY weed killer is simple and makes it possible to avoid harmful ingredients. However, keep in mind that almost all DIY weed killers are nonselective, including the recipe ahead. Nonselective weed killers will kill any plant they come into contact with, which means they can harm grass as well as weeds. Treat as small of an area as possible when using a nonselective weed killer on lawns.

Here’s how to make a nonselective DIY weed killer with just a few ingredients:

• White vinegar
• Dish soap
• Table salt
• Water

Mix the ingredients in a large spray bottle using the following measurements:

• About 1 gallon of water
• 1 cup of table salt
• 1 cup of white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap

Mix the ingredients until the salt dissolves. Once dissolved, it’s ready to use.
This weed killer is ideal for killing isolated weeds, such as on pathways and patios. It can also be used sparingly on lawns, but keep in mind if it is applied to the lawn, it will probably harm the grass.

Jump to Our Top Picks

Our Verdict

The Espoma weed killer for Bermuda grass makes it possible to control weeds naturally and effectively before they start growing with an organic formula that is safe for use around children and pets. For killing weeds after they’ve sprouted, the Harris weed killer for Bermuda grass is an affordable, nonselective weed killer that comes in a convenient ready-to-use spray bottle.

There are other common weed killers for Bermuda grass such as Southern Ag Amine 2,4-D Weed Killer, Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Concentrate, and BASF Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Herbicide. However, they do not meet our sustainability guidelines and are not recommended in our top picks due to their use of harmful chemicals, including dimethylamine salt, which is potentially hazardous.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Weed Killer for Bermuda Grass

The primary aspect to consider when choosing a weed killer for a Bermuda grass lawn is to use one that is both effective and safe. Selective and nonselective as well as pre- and post-emergent herbicides are all good options. But keep in mind that nonselective herbicides will destroy both grassy weeds and the Bermuda grass, so apply these products carefully. It’s also good to consider the application method and reapplication schedule. We explore these key considerations ahead.

Coverage and Application

The best weed killer products for keeping a Bermuda grass lawn looking lush and uniform come in both granular and liquid form. The granular type is applied with a drop spreader.

The liquid type can come in a concentrated or ready-to-use form. Concent