Why is this grass growing where I never planted it? Bermuda grass is a master of disguise, masquerading as a lawn ornament until it decides to colonize your entire flower bed or driveway.
Managing this persistent invader requires a specific strategy. Picking the Best Bermuda Grass Killers depends on whether you need a surgical strike or a total clear-out. Let us go through the details together.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize selective herbicides if you need to eliminate grass growing inside your existing garden beds without harming your shrubs.
- Check labels for non-selective ingredients if your goal is to clear a gravel driveway or concrete walkway completely.
- Evaluate the application method, such as a pump sprayer versus a simple squeeze bottle, based on the size of your target area.
- Verify the active ingredient, such as fluazifop or glyphosate, to ensure it matches your specific weed type and surrounding plant sensitivity.
- Consider concentrate formulas if you have large acreage, as these offer a better return on investment compared to pre-mixed spray bottles.
| Best Landscape Solution |  |
Ortho Lands B-Gon Grass Killer | Protects landscape plants | Targets invasive grasses | Easy application | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Ornamental Bed Specialist |  |
Gordon's Ornamec 170 Grass Herbicide | Highly selective formula | Controls tough Bermuda | Concentrated liquid value | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Professional Grade Control |  |
Fusilade II Selective Herbicide | Deep root penetration | Effective post-emergent | High concentration level | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Total Vegetation Destroyer |  |
Hi-Yield Killzall 41% Glyphosate | High glyphosate strength | Kills down to roots | Great for large areas | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Versatile Garden Protector |  |
Ornamec Over-The-Top Grass Herbicide | Safe over-the-top application | Targets Bermuda grass | Reliable results | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Quick Spot Treatment |  |
Ortho RTU Vegetation Killer | Convenient ready-to-use | Perfect for cracks | Quick spot removal | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Effortless Continuous Spray |  |
Roundup Pump 'N Go Sprayer | Continuous spray system | Visible fast results | Large capacity tank | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Woody Vine Specialist |  |
Hi-Yield Triclopyr Ester Concentrate | Kills woody plants | Tough on vines | Concentrated strength | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Long Lasting Defense |  |
BASF Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Killer | Long residual effect | Highly effective active | Large volume concentrate | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Accurate Battery Sprayer |  |
Spectracide AccuShot Power Sprayer | Battery powered sprayer | Fast visible results | Convenient power nozzle | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Ortho Lands B-Gon Grass Killer
If you are dealing with Bermuda grass creeping into your ornamental garden beds, this is the specific tool you need. It targets grassy weeds without harming most of your desirable broadleaf shrubs or flowers.
It works best when you apply it to actively growing weeds. Keep in mind that it acts as a selective herbicide, so it will not work on every single plant variety you might have in your yard.
- Brand Name:Ortho
- Product Type:Selective Herbicide
- Additional Feature:Safe for landscape use
- Additional Feature:Ready to spray application
- Additional Feature:Targets grass weeds specifically
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Gordon's Ornamec 170 Grass Herbicide
Gardeners who want to clean up flower beds without pulling every single blade of grass by hand will appreciate this liquid concentrate. It is specifically formulated to control Bermuda grass that has invaded areas where you grow trees and shrubs.
Always use a surfactant if the instructions suggest one to help the liquid stick to those waxy grass blades. Just be careful not to spray it on your lawn, as it cannot distinguish between a weed and your desirable turf.
- Brand Name:Gordon's
- Product Type:Grass Herbicide
- Container Capacity:32 Ounces
- Application Method:Tank sprayer
- Additional Feature:Kills invasive grasses
- Additional Feature:Protects ornamental plants
- Additional Feature:Professional grade results
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Fusilade II Selective Herbicide
This is a heavy hitter for people who manage large garden areas or landscape installations. It is a post-emergent herbicide that stops Bermuda grass in its tracks by being absorbed into the leaves and moving down to the roots.
Since this is a concentrated product, you will need to measure carefully using a small mixing cup or syringe. It is not designed for use in your vegetable garden, so keep it strictly to your non-edible landscape borders.
- Brand Name:Fusilade
- Product Type:Selective Herbicide
- Application Method:Mixing and spraying
- Additional Feature:Systemic weed killer
- Additional Feature:Controls perennial grasses
- Additional Feature:Long lasting impact
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Hi-Yield Killzall 41% Glyphosate
When you need to clear an entire patch of earth for a new walkway or a fresh garden bed, you want a non-selective formula. This version contains 41% glyphosate, making it a very strong option for killing everything green in its path.
Because it kills everything it touches, you must be precise with your spray pattern to avoid hitting plants you want to keep. It is a powerful tool for prepping site foundations or clearing fence lines.
- Brand Name:Hi-Yield
- Product Type:Non-selective Herbicide
- Container Capacity:1 gallon
- Active Ingredient:Glyphosate
- Formula Concentration:41%
- Additional Feature:Concentrated weed killer
- Additional Feature:Suitable for large patches
- Additional Feature:Kills grasses and weeds
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Ornamec Over-The-Top Grass Herbicide
This product lives up to its name by allowing you to spray right over the top of your established shrubs and groundcovers. It is designed to kill Bermuda grass that has taken hold around your prized landscape plants.
You will find it effective on many different species, but you should still check the label list to ensure your specific plants are safe. It acts slowly, so do not expect the grass to disappear overnight.
- Brand Name:Ornamec
- Product Type:Selective Herbicide
- Container Capacity:1 Quart
- Application Method:Tank sprayer
- Additional Feature:Selective grass control
- Additional Feature:Ideal for landscapes
- Additional Feature:Systemic action
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Ortho RTU Vegetation Killer
For those small, annoying patches of Bermuda grass in driveway cracks, a ready-to-use spray is the most convenient route. You do not need to mix anything, just grab the bottle and pull the trigger.
It is a non-selective option, which acts like a surgical strike on weeds in hardscaped areas. Do not use this anywhere near your lawn unless you want to create a permanent dead spot.
- Brand Name:Ortho
- Product Type:Non-selective Herbicide
- Container Capacity:24 fl. oz
- Application Method:Trigger sprayer
- Additional Feature:Fast acting liquid
- Additional Feature:No mixing required
- Additional Feature:Precision nozzle
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Roundup Pump 'N Go Sprayer
Tired of pumping a traditional sprayer every ten seconds? The integrated pump system on this container allows you to spray continuously for up to ten minutes, which is a massive help for longer garden borders.
This formula provides visible results in just a few hours. It is non-selective, so keep it away from your lawn and any flowers that you want to keep alive.
- Brand Name:Roundup
- Product Type:Non-selective Herbicide
- Container Capacity:1.33 gallons
- Application Method:Pump sprayer
- Additional Feature:10 minutes continuous spray
- Additional Feature:Fast acting formula
- Additional Feature:Refillable tank design
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Hi-Yield Triclopyr Ester Concentrate
While Bermuda grass is a primary target, sometimes you have tough woody vines and brush tangled up with it. This concentrate is specifically meant to handle those resilient, hard-to-kill plants in non-crop areas.
Mix this carefully, as it is a potent chemical that should only be applied where you do not want anything growing. It works wonders on fence lines where grasses and vines are intertwined.
- Brand Name:Hi-Yield
- Product Type:Selective Herbicide
- Container Capacity:8 ounces
- Active Ingredient:Triclopyr ester
- Additional Feature:Concentrated formula
- Additional Feature:Non-crop area control
- Additional Feature:Handles tough brush
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BASF Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Killer
If you need a product that keeps working after the initial application, this is your best bet. It provides a 30 day residual effect, meaning it keeps on killing even after the spray has dried.
It is particularly effective against grassy weeds like Bermuda and crabgrass. Because it is a concentrate, you can adjust the dilution for the severity of your weed infestation.
- Brand Name:BASF
- Product Type:Post-emergent Herbicide
- Container Capacity:64 Ounce
- Active Ingredient:Quinclorac
- Additional Feature:30 day protection
- Additional Feature:Controls grassy weeds
- Additional Feature:Professional grade active
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Spectracide AccuShot Power Sprayer
The power sprayer included with this bottle is like having a mini-engine at your fingertips. It eliminates the need for manual pumping, which makes it perfect for treating weeds in long driveway cracks or stone pathways.
You get visible results in just three hours, which is great if you are preparing for guests. Always remember that this is non-selective, so it will kill everything it touches including your grass.
- Brand Name:Spectracide
- Product Type:Non-selective Herbicide
- Container Capacity:1.33 gallons
- Application Method:Battery sprayer
- Additional Feature:AccuShot power wand
- Additional Feature:Fast acting formula
- Additional Feature:Continuous spray action
Frequently Asked Questions
Will one application completely kill my Bermuda grass?
Probably not. Bermuda grass has a deep, complex underground root system called rhizomes that often survive initial treatments. Expect to repeat your application every 3 to 4 weeks until the grass stops showing signs of life.
Can I use these products around my vegetable garden?
You need to be extremely careful with drift. While some products are selective, many herbicides can cause long-term damage to edible crops if they land on the leaves or soak into the soil. It is safer to use physical barriers like cardboard or plastic sheets to protect your vegetables while you treat nearby patches.
How long should I wait before watering my lawn after spraying?
Most herbicides require a rain-free window of at least 2 to 4 hours to be absorbed into the plant leaves. Check the specific bottle instructions, but generally, waiting 24 hours before watering or mowing ensures the chemical has enough time to do its job.
Is it safe for my pets to walk on the treated area?
You should keep pets and children off the treated area until the spray has completely dried. Once the liquid is absorbed and the leaves are dry, the risk of accidental ingestion is significantly reduced. Check the product label for specific safety warnings regarding your local climate and humidity levels.
What happens if I accidentally spray my desirable lawn grass?
If you notice the mistake immediately, you can try to dilute the chemical by rinsing the area with water, though success is not guaranteed. If the herbicide is non-selective, that patch of grass will likely turn yellow and die within a few days. You may need to plan for reseeding or patching the area once the chemical has neutralized in the soil.
