Many homeowners treat Bermuda grass like any other weed, grabbing the first bottle of generic spray they find on the shelf. This is a common mistake, as Bermuda is a resilient survivor that laughs at standard herbicides. You need targeted chemistry to stop its spread.
Choosing the right solution requires knowing exactly where your grass is growing. Some products are meant for total clearing, while others allow you to protect ornamental plants while you work. Here are the Best Bermuda Grass Killers to help you keep your lawn exactly where you want it.
Key Takeaways
- Identify whether you need a non-selective killer for gravel areas or a selective herbicide that saves your turf.
- Check the active ingredients to ensure they are specifically labeled for Bermuda grass, as many broadleaf killers have no effect on it.
- Opt for concentrates if you have a large property to cover, as they offer better value for extensive projects.
- Consider the residual time on the label if you intend to replant the area shortly after application.
- Use a surfactant with your herbicide if the product label requires it to ensure the chemical sticks to the waxy leaf blades.
| Best Overall Choice |  |
Ortho Grass B-Gon Garden Killer | Safe for ornamental plants | Fast acting formula | Easy ready to use spray | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Professional Grade Solution |  |
Gordon’s Ornamec 170 Grass Herbicide | Highly concentrated formula | Excellent systemic action | Reliable root suppression | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Specialty Grass Guard |  |
Atticus Vendra II SRX Herbicide | Safe on Zoysia | Controls difficult weeds | Effective root penetration | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Versatile Garden Defender |  |
Ornamec Over The Top Herbicide | Gentle on ornamentals | Deep root penetration | Reliable weed suppression | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Heavy Duty Weed Fighter |  |
Fusilade II Selective Herbicide | High concentration levels | Powerful systemic action | Clears aggressive grasses | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Total Site Clearer |  |
Ortho Weed And Vegetation Killer | Rapid visible results | Convenient ready to use | Kills almost everything | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Woody Plant Specialist |  |
Hi-Yield Triclopyr Ester Concentrate | Strong woody brush killer | Economical concentrated formula | Versatile outdoor use | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Persistent Turf Protector |  |
BASF Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Killer | Long lasting residual | Post emergent effectiveness | Controls broadleaf weeds | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Quick Cleanup Tool |  |
Spectracide Weed And Grass Killer | Ready to use bottle | Rapid visible wilting | Great for walkways | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Convenient Spot Treatment |  |
Ortho Grass B-Gon Refill | Selective grass killer | Easy spot treatment | Ornamental safe | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Ortho Grass B-Gon Garden Killer
If you are tired of Bermuda grass sneaking into your flower beds, this is your primary tool. It works by targeting grassy weeds specifically, leaving your prized ornamentals and shrubs completely untouched.
You should use this in areas where you want to keep your landscaping clean without the worry of accidental damage to sensitive plants. Just be aware that it works best on younger weeds, so do not wait until the Bermuda grass has established a massive root system before you spray.
- Product Brand:Ortho
- Container Size:24 fluid ounces
- Application Method:Ready to use spray
- Additional Feature:Selective grass herbicide
- Additional Feature:Targeted weed control
- Additional Feature:No mixing required
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Gordon’s Ornamec 170 Grass Herbicide
This concentrate is for the homeowner who needs to treat a large space or a persistent patch of invasive grass. It is highly effective at suppressing Bermuda grass while letting your other landscape plants thrive.
You will need to mix this with water before applying it, so make sure you have a reliable pump sprayer handy. Because this is a systemic herbicide, it travels through the foliage down into the roots to finish the job thoroughly.
- Product Brand:Gordon's
- Active Ingredient:Fluazifop-p-butyl
- Container Size:32 ounces
- Application Method:Diluted spray
- Additional Feature:Kills invasive grasses
- Additional Feature:Protects ornamental plants
- Additional Feature:Long lasting control
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Atticus Vendra II SRX Herbicide
Sometimes you need to remove Bermuda grass from specific types of desirable turf like Zoysia or St. Augustine. This product acts like a surgical instrument for your lawn, targeting unwanted species while keeping your main grass healthy.
It is particularly useful if you have a mixed grass situation where manual removal is simply impossible. Just follow the mixing ratios carefully, as accuracy is essential when dealing with selective chemicals in your lawn.
- Product Brand:Atticus
- Active Ingredient:Fluazifop-P-butyl
- Container Size:4 ounces
- Application Method:Diluted spray
- Additional Feature:Targeted invasive grass removal
- Additional Feature:Post emergent control
- Additional Feature:Concentrated liquid formula
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Ornamec Over The Top Herbicide
When you have Bermuda grass invading your garden beds, this product provides a dependable way to knock it back. It is widely recognized for being gentle enough to spray right over the top of many flowers and shrubs.
It works by being absorbed through the leaves, which then moves down into the root zone to prevent regrowth. Always check the label for a list of plants that are sensitive to the chemical to avoid any accidents.
- Product Brand:Ornamec
- Container Size:1 quart
- Application Method:Diluted spray
- Additional Feature:Selective grassy weed control
- Additional Feature:Post emergent application
- Additional Feature:Effective on Bermuda grass
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Fusilade II Selective Herbicide
If you are dealing with a serious infestation, this herbicide is a powerhouse option for your property. It is designed to be used in landscape areas to manage aggressive grasses that threaten to choke out your shrubs.
Be prepared to measure your doses accurately, as this is a strong concentrate meant for those who need significant results. It is the kind of product that does not mess around when it comes to clearing out unwanted vegetation.
- Product Brand:Fusilade
- Active Ingredient:Fluazifop-P-butyl
- Application Method:Diluted spray
- Additional Feature:Selective herbicide formula
- Additional Feature:Commercial grade strength
- Additional Feature:Excellent root kill
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Ortho Weed And Vegetation Killer
Sometimes you just want everything gone, and that is where this non-selective spray comes in. It is perfect for driveways, walkways, or fence lines where you do not want any green growth at all.
Remember that this will kill whatever it touches, including your favorite flowers, so use it with extreme caution. It is best kept away from any garden beds where you hope to keep your ornamental plants alive.
- Product Brand:Ortho
- Container Size:24 fluid ounces
- Application Method:Ready to use spray
- Additional Feature:Non selective herbicide
- Additional Feature:Fast acting liquid
- Additional Feature:Easy trigger sprayer
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Hi-Yield Triclopyr Ester Concentrate
While primarily known for woody brush, this product is a strong addition to your shed for clearing Bermuda grass from non-crop areas. It is an excellent choice for fence rows or abandoned corners of the yard.
Since it is a concentrate, it offers a great value for the money if you have a lot of ground to cover. Just ensure you are spraying only the areas where you do not intend to plant anything sensitive for a while.
- Product Brand:Hi-Yield
- Active Ingredient:Triclopyr Ester
- Container Size:8 ounces
- Application Method:Diluted spray
- Additional Feature:Non crop area control
- Additional Feature:Effective on vines
- Additional Feature:Concentrated liquid
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BASF Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Killer
This is a sophisticated choice for lawns that have been invaded by various grassy weeds. It provides 30 days of residual control, which means it keeps working to prevent new weeds from popping up immediately after the first treatment.
It is particularly effective if you are tired of constant weed cycles in your turf. You will appreciate the way it lingers to ensure that the Bermuda grass does not stage a quick comeback.
- Product Brand:BASF
- Active Ingredient:Quinclorac
- Container Size:64 ounces
- Application Method:Diluted spray
- Additional Feature:Turf safe formula
- Additional Feature:Extended weed suppression
- Additional Feature:Concentrated liquid
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Spectracide Weed And Grass Killer
If you need to tidy up your walkways and patio edges, this is a simple and effective choice. It is a non-selective spray, meaning it effectively eliminates any greenery that happens to be in its path.
You will find it helpful for those quick jobs where you do not want to bother with mixing chemicals. Just aim carefully, as you do not want to spray this near your prized garden plants.
- Product Brand:Spectracide
- Container Size:1 gallon
- Application Method:Ready to use spray
- Additional Feature:Non selective formula
- Additional Feature:Large capacity sprayer
- Additional Feature:Fast acting results
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Ortho Grass B-Gon Refill
This is the same great formula as the standard spray but packaged for those who already have a sprayer. It is the perfect companion for maintaining your garden borders throughout the growing season.
Keeping a bottle of this on hand makes it easy to zap small patches of Bermuda grass the moment you see them. It is a straightforward, no-nonsense way to keep your garden looking sharp and tidy.
- Product Brand:Ortho
- Container Size:24 fluid ounces
- Application Method:Ready to use
- Additional Feature:Garden bed safe
- Additional Feature:Targets grassy weeds
- Additional Feature:No mixing required
Frequently Asked Questions
How many applications will it take to kill the Bermuda grass completely?
Bermuda grass is notoriously stubborn because of its deep, creeping root system known as rhizomes. You should expect to apply the herbicide at least two or three times over the course of a growing season to catch new growth. It is rare for a single treatment to finish the job for good.
Can I use these products near my vegetable garden?
You have to be extremely careful with drift when spraying near food crops. Even a tiny amount of mist landing on your tomatoes or peppers can cause significant damage or make the produce unsafe to eat. Use a piece of cardboard as a physical shield to block the spray from reaching your edible plants.
What is the best time of day to apply these herbicides?
Aim for a calm morning when the air is still and the temperature is moderate. High heat can cause the herbicide to evaporate before it absorbs into the grass, while wind will carry the poison exactly where you do not want it to go. Avoid spraying if rain is in the forecast within the next 24 hours.
Will these products harm my ornamental trees or shrubs?
Most herbicides meant for Bermuda grass are safe for mature trees and shrubs, provided you do not soak the leaves or the trunk. Always keep the spray focused on the ground level where the grass foliage resides. If you are worried, check the product label to see if your specific plant species is listed as sensitive.
Does the grass need to be actively growing for the killer to work?
Yes, the herbicide needs to move through the plant's vascular system to reach the roots, which only happens when the grass is actively growing. If the Bermuda grass is dormant or stressed by drought, it will not absorb the chemical effectively. Wait until the grass is lush and green to get the best results.
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