Finding the right herbicide for bermudagrass can be challenging due to its aggressive growth and the variety of weeds that invade warm-season lawns. This guide focuses on select products designed to protect bermudagrass while targeting common grasses and broadleaf weeds. Each option below is suitable for use around landscapes and turf and includes practical application notes to help you choose confidently. The buying guide at the end highlights key considerations to compare products side by side.
| Product | Brand | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Gordon’s Ornamec 170 Grass Herbicide, 32 Ounces | GORDON’S | Selective grassy weeds around ornamentals; maintenance of landscape beds |
| The Andersons Barricade Professional-Grade Granular Pre-Emergent Weed Control | The Andersons | Pre-emergent control for crabgrass and other annuals |
| BASF Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Killer | BASF | Post-emergent control of crabgrass and broadleaf weeds in lawns |
| Monterey Turflon Ester | Monterey | Controls bermudagrass and certain broadleaf weeds in cool-season turf |
| Hi-Yield Triclopyr Ester | Hi-Yield | Broadleaf weed control; suppresses bluegrass when needed |
Gordon’s Ornamec 170 Grass Herbicide, 32 Ounces
Gordon’s Ornamec 170 is formulated with Fluazifop-P-butyl at 1.70%, designed for selective control of emerged grassy weeds while preserving most ornamental plants. It can be applied around ornamental plants, groundcovers, shrubs, trees, and landscape beds, making it a versatile option for beds adjacent to bermudagrass lawns. A typical mixing rate is 10 oz per gallon of water, enabling controlled application in landscape settings. This product helps reduce maintenance time by targeting yearly grassy invaders without broad collateral damage to ornamentals.
Gordon’s Ornamec 170 Grass Herbicide, 32 Ounces
This product is designed for maintenance of landscape beds and offers selective control of emerged annual grasses such as panicums, goosegrass, crabgrass, foxtails, and sandbur. It helps protect bermudagrass by addressing common grassy weeds that can overtake lawns when not managed early in the season. The formulation emphasizes reducing the risk of ornamental plant injury, making it suitable for ornamental-adjacent turf areas where bermudagrass resides.
The Andersons Barricade Professional-Grade Granular Pre-Emergent Weed Control
Barricade is a granular pre-emergent designed to prevent weeds from taking root in turf and landscape beds. It targets both grassy and broadleaf weeds, including crabgrass, poa annua, goosegrass, and henbit. The product contains 0.48% prodiamine, offering professional-grade control with rapid soil dissolution thanks to patented DG Technology (dispersible granules). Barricade works best when applied before weeds germinate, providing a reliable line of defense for bermudagrass lawns and surrounding areas by stopping weed establishment early in the season.
Monterey Turflon Ester Bundled With Measuring Spoon
Turflon Ester is a post-emergent herbicide designed to control actively growing weeds, including bermudagrass, kikuyugrass, and controlled broadleaf species like oxalis, ground ivy, and clover. This product is best applied to emerged weeds in cool-season turf, such as bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, or tall fescue ornamental turf. While its primary use centers on broadleaf weed suppression, it offers a tool for selectively reducing bermudagrass overgrowth in mixed-purpose lawns, depending on local turf management goals. Use according to labeled timing for optimal results.
Hi-Yield Triclopyr Ester (8oz)
Hi-Yield Triclopyr Ester is effective for controlling actively growing annual and perennial broadleaf weeds such as oxalis and wild violet. It can be used on ornamental bermudagrass turf, including perennial bluegrass and tall fescue varieties, to suppress unwanted broadleaf growth. The 8 oz concentrate is suitable for mixing into spray solutions for targeted weed control, helping maintain uniform bermudagrass aesthetics by reducing competing broadleaf species without aggressive grass suppression.
Prime Source Celsius WG – 0.226 oz Easy Mix Packet
Prime Source Celsius WG comes as an easy mix packet designed for post-emergent weed control, offering professional-grade quality that suits golf course and turf professionals. The easy-mix format reduces measurement steps, enabling quick deployment in maintaining bermudagrass areas. It is particularly useful for fast action against actively growing broadleaf weeds and some grasses, helping to preserve the health of bermudagrass lawns while removing unwanted vegetation swiftly.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations For Bermudagrass Weed Control
- Weed type and life stage: Distinguish between pre-emergent (prevents germination) and post-emergent (targets active weeds). Bermuda lawns benefit from a combination approach, using pre-emergents in early spring and targeted post-emergents for existing weeds.
- Safety around ornamentals: If bermudagrass borders ornamental beds, choose products with proven selectivity or implement targeted spot treatments to minimize plant injury to nearby shrubs and flowers.
- Soil and moisture conditions: Some formulations require watering to activate; follow label instructions regarding irrigation and rainfall to ensure maximum efficacy and reduce runoff.
- Application timing: Bermudagrass is a warm-season grass; apply herbicides when weeds are actively growing and soil temperatures favor bermudagrass health. Avoid extreme heat or drought stress conditions during treatment.
- Residual control and reapplication intervals: Consider products with residual effects for prolonged weed suppression, but also plan for possible reapplications depending on weed pressure and turf recovery.
- Compatibility with turf maintenance: Some herbicides may interact with fertilizer plans, mowing schedules, or overseeding. Check label compatibility with your current lawn care routine.
- Environmental and safety considerations: Choose products with proven safety records and low environmental impact when used as directed, and store them away from children and pets.
- Cost-effectiveness: Compare coverage rates and dilution requirements to determine cost per square foot, especially for larger bermudagrass areas.
Effective bermudagrass weed management benefits from a tailored approach that combines pre-emergent defense with selective post-emergent control. When selecting products, consider weed species, lawn health, proximity to ornamentals, and local climate. Always follow label directions for mixing, application rates, and safety precautions to achieve optimal results while protecting bermudagrass vitality.