Bermuda grass - Ask Extension
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Bermuda grass #801789
Asked July 18, 2022, 12:51 PM EDT
A note with questions in this section that I typed a minute ago was either accidentally deleted, or I accidentally sent it to you. In any case, I am trying again. You may have a duplicate with similar information.
I moved to a home near Citation and Georgetown Rd in spring 2017 after moving to KY. from OK, where the majority of lawns there were primarily bermuda grass, with rye in the shade. So I am familiar with the benefits as well as the problems with it. The grass in my lawn here in KY was lovely rye and bluegrass combo I was told. Now the backyard is full of creeping Bermuda. I paid my lawn mowing person to weed it out, especially near the back fence under which it seems most of it is coming from the yard behind. I've been told it may have been brought in with loads of soil the neighbor who lives there has brought in. IDK for sure, but that is one hypothesis. After Raul used a rototiller to help clear a large area of the Bermuda he planted a rye mix, which, it seems, could not "outgrow" the Bermuda. It seems that maybe the rototiller pushed those stubborn roots lower in the ground than they were. In some areas you must go deep to find the gnarled root source. In the past month I myself have been digging it out using a 2 prong hoe. It works somewhat, but is slow. I ordered some 20% vinegar spray through Tractor Supply, which fully killed the rye, but Bermuda is returning. Is there any compound less harmful than Spectracide or Roundup to rid an area of unwanted plant growth? Something organic that will not kill living creatures or get into the water supply? Do you at the Extension office have a recommendation? I will hire someone to help me in my effort if that is required. In the photos, you can see areas cleared and those on which the Vinegar solution was tried, to no avail in killing Bermuda, only killing rye, etc
Fayette County Kentucky
Expert Response
Hi Judith,
I am afraid we get this question often and the answer is terribly discouraging. In short Bermuda grass is near impossible to eradicate even with potent herbicides. Organic herbicides have very low efficacy and typically only kill very young broadleaf seedlings. They will temporarilly burn the foliage on larger plants but they generally recover.
Here is a link to some possible approaches from Tennessee extension but these strategies only work with Tall Fescue lawn. Bluegrass is more sensitive to selective herbicides than Fescue.
https://extension.tennessee.edu/publications/Documents/W237.pdf
Some success can be achieved with 3 applications of glyphosate beginning in early June when the grass is really growing. You will have to kill off the entire area where the bermuda is for the summer. Afterwards you can seed (fescue performs better than bluegrass or rye) in the correct September window. Unfortunately this will not eradicate 100% of the Bermuda and diligent control of the regrowth will be required in subsequent years. I wish there was a better answer. Lawn care professionals I have known would joke the best way to get rid of Bermuda grass is to move to a property without it. The comment gives you some idea of how difficult control is. I hope this information is helpful.
Jamie Dockery
Fayette County horticulture agent.
I am afraid we get this question often and the answer is terribly discouraging. In short Bermuda grass is near impossible to eradicate even with potent herbicides. Organic herbicides have very low efficacy and typically only kill very young broadleaf seedlings. They will temporarilly burn the foliage on larger plants but they generally recover.
Here is a link to some possible approaches from Tennessee extension but these strategies only work with Tall Fescue lawn. Bluegrass is more sensitive to selective herbicides than Fescue.
https://extension.tennessee.edu/publications/Documents/W237.pdf
Some success can be achieved with 3 applications of glyphosate beginning in early June when the grass is really growing. You will have to kill off the entire area where the bermuda is for the summer. Afterwards you can seed (fescue performs better than bluegrass or rye) in the correct September window. Unfortunately this will not eradicate 100% of the Bermuda and diligent control of the regrowth will be required in subsequent years. I wish there was a better answer. Lawn care professionals I have known would joke the best way to get rid of Bermuda grass is to move to a property without it. The comment gives you some idea of how difficult control is. I hope this information is helpful.
Jamie Dockery
Fayette County horticulture agent.
