Best Weed Killers for Bermuda Grass: Products That Actually Work

Bermuda grass is one of the toughest warm-season grasses out there, but that does not mean it is immune to weeds. Crabgrass, dandelions, nutsedge, and clover can all invade a bermuda lawn if left unchecked. The good news is that bermuda grass tolerates a wide range of herbicides, giving you plenty of effective options to fight back.

This guide covers the best pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides for bermuda grass, all available without a commercial applicator license. Every product mentioned here is from our curated database of professional-grade treatments.

Pre-Emergent Herbicides: Stop Weeds Before They Start

Pre-emergent herbicides create a barrier in the soil that prevents weed seeds from germinating. Timing is critical. You need to apply before soil temperatures hit 55 degrees Fahrenheit for spring weeds like crabgrass, or before they drop below 70 degrees Fahrenheit for fall weeds like poa annua.

Prodiamine 65 WDG

Prodiamine is the gold standard pre-emergent for bermuda grass. It provides the longest residual control of any pre-emergent on the market, typically lasting 4 to 6 months from a single application. Apply at 0.36 to 0.83 ounces per 1,000 square feet for bermuda grass. It controls crabgrass, goosegrass, poa annua, and dozens of other annual grasses and broadleaf weeds.

Pro tip: Prodiamine is a water-dispersible granule that mixes with water and is applied as a spray. You will need a pump sprayer or backpack sprayer. Water it in within a few days of application.

Dimension 2EW (Dithiopyr)

Dimension is unique because it offers both pre-emergent and early post-emergent control of crabgrass. If you missed your ideal pre-emergent window by a week or two, Dimension can still stop crabgrass that has just begun to germinate. It is safe on bermuda and most other warm-season grasses.

Post-Emergent Herbicides: Kill Weeds That Are Already Growing

If weeds have already popped up in your bermuda lawn, you need a post-emergent herbicide. The right product depends on what type of weed you are dealing with: broadleaf weeds like dandelions, grassy weeds like crabgrass, or sedges like nutsedge.

Celsius WG — The All-Around Best for Bermuda

Celsius WG is widely considered the best post-emergent herbicide for bermuda grass. It controls over 150 broadleaf and grassy weeds while being exceptionally safe on bermuda, even in the heat of summer. Most post-emergent herbicides carry temperature restrictions, but Celsius can be applied when temperatures exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit without damaging your bermuda. Apply at 0.057 to 0.085 ounces per 1,000 square feet.

Certainty Turf Herbicide (Sulfosulfuron)

Certainty is the go-to product for nutsedge and other sedge species in bermuda grass. If you have yellow or purple nutsedge invading your lawn, Certainty will take it out without harming your bermuda. It also controls certain broadleaf weeds and unwanted grasses like tall fescue and ryegrass.

SedgeHammer+ (Halosulfuron-methyl)

Another excellent option for nutsedge control, SedgeHammer+ is labeled for use on bermuda and most other warm-season grasses. It works by being absorbed through the leaves and translocated throughout the plant, killing nutsedge down to the nutlet. One application often provides season-long control.

Drive XLR8 (Quinclorac) — For Crabgrass

If crabgrass has already emerged and is actively growing, Drive XLR8 is one of the most effective post-emergent options. It kills crabgrass at multiple growth stages while being safe on bermuda grass. It also controls certain broadleaf weeds including white clover and speedwell. Always use a methylated seed oil (MSO) surfactant for best results.

Combination Products That Do Double Duty

Q4 Plus Turf Herbicide

Q4 Plus combines four active ingredients including quinclorac, 2,4-D, sulfentrazone, and dicamba in a single bottle. It controls both broadleaf weeds and crabgrass, which makes it a great all-in-one option if you have multiple weed types to deal with. It is labeled for bermuda grass and most other warm-season grasses.

Blindside Herbicide WDG

Blindside combines sulfentrazone and metsulfuron-methyl to control a wide spectrum of broadleaf weeds and sedges. It is particularly effective against tough weeds like Virginia buttonweed, doveweed, and nutsedge. Safe for bermuda grass lawns.

Application Tips for Bermuda Grass Lawns

• Always read the product label before applying. The label is the law.
• Apply post-emergent herbicides when weeds are actively growing, not during drought stress or dormancy.
• Use a surfactant (non-ionic or MSO) unless the label says otherwise. This helps the product stick to weed leaves.
• Avoid mowing for 2 to 3 days before and after post-emergent applications to maximize leaf surface contact.
• Water in pre-emergent herbicides within 3 to 5 days of application. Do not water in post-emergent herbicides for at least 4 hours.
• Do not apply post-emergent herbicides to newly established bermuda until it has been mowed at least 3 times.

When to Treat: Seasonal Timing Guide

• Early spring (soil temps 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit): Apply pre-emergent for crabgrass prevention.
• Late spring through summer: Apply post-emergent herbicides for actively growing broadleaf weeds and crabgrass.
• Early fall (soil temps dropping below 70 degrees Fahrenheit): Apply pre-emergent for poa annua and winter annual weeds.
• Late fall: Spot-treat any remaining broadleaf weeds before bermuda goes dormant.

Use TurfTechAdvisor's Soil Temperature tracker to know exactly when to apply pre-emergent herbicides based on your zip code. Timing is everything with pre-emergents.

Products to Avoid on Bermuda Grass

Not all herbicides are safe for bermuda. Avoid products containing atrazine on bermuda lawns, as it can cause damage. Be cautious with Tenacity (mesotrione), which is primarily labeled for cool-season grasses and can injure bermuda. Always check the product label for your specific grass type before applying.

This article is for general educational purposes only. Always read and follow the complete product label before applying any herbicide. Product labels contain legally binding use instructions, application rates, and safety precautions. Contact your local Cooperative Extension office for region-specific recommendations.