Choosing the right selective herbicide for Bermuda grass involves balancing effective weed control with safety for your turf and ornamentals. The following selections are tailored for Bermuda lawns and landscapes, offering post-emergence and pre-emergence options, fast action, and broad compatibility with common ornamentals. Each product section includes application notes, coverage considerations, and how they target grassy weeds while preserving Bermuda grass health.
Summary of chosen products
| Product | Active Ingredient / Focus | Key Use Case | Recommended Turf Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Syngenta Fusilade II Herbicide | Fluazifop-P-butyl (24.5%); other ingredients | Selective control of perennial and annual grassy weeds | Bermuda, cool-season and warm-season turf where ornamentals are present |
| BASF Pylex Herbicide | Topramezone (29.7%) | Selective post-emergence control of grasses and broadleaf weeds | Established turf including cool-season grasses; broad use with spray equipment |
| Monterey Grass Getter | Sethoxydim-based (brand-specific formulation) | Kills grassy weeds in ornamentals and beds; over-the-top safe for listed ornamentals | Ornamental beds, not for lawn areas |
| Ornamec Over-The-Top | Active: Halosulfuron-methyl (as part of product) | Over-the-top control for grassy weeds around ornamentals | Ornamental plantings; not for lawns |
| Atticus Empero Nutsedge Killer | Halosulfuron-methyl (75%) | Nutsedge control in established lawns and landscape areas | Warm- and cool-season turf, including Bermuda |
Syngenta Fusilade II Herbicide
Fusilade II is a selective grass weed killer designed to target perennial and annual grassy weeds in turf and landscapes. It remains safe for ornamentals, making it suitable for Bermudagrass lawns where ornamental beds border the turf. The formulation emphasizes a high concentration of Fluazifop-P-butyl (24.5%) to deliver effective control, paired with other ingredients to ensure broad coverage. A notable feature is rapid rainfastness, with noticeable weed suppression and drying within about an hour after rainfall, enabling flexible scheduling in variable weather.
Key points:
– Targets grassy weeds while protecting most ornamentals.
– Fast-acting post-emergence action with quick rainfastness.
– Suitable for nurseries and sports fields as well as home landscapes.
BASF Pylex Herbicide
Pylex offers a selective post-emergence solution that targets both grass and broadleaf weeds using Topramezone as the active ingredient (29.7%). It is formulated for established turf and can be applied with standard spray equipment, allowing for coverage of large areas. The product provides systemic action, offering foliar and root absorption to control weeds that have already taken root in Bermudagrass or other established lawns.
Key points:
– Strong selectivity for grasses and some broadleaf weeds.
– Systemic action with root uptake for deeper control.
– Best used on established turf with proper spray equipment and label adherence.
Monterey Grass Getter
Grass Getter is a post-emergent, selective herbicide focused on grassy weeds in beds and around ornamentals. It kills a wide range of grassy weeds including Bermudagrass, Foxtail, Goosegrass, and crabgrass while protecting listed ornamentals. It is designed for use in areas beyond traditional lawn spaces, so it’s ideal for landscaped borders and plantings where bermudagrass intermixes with ornamentals. The product is applied over the top to reach grasses growing among ornamentals without injuring desirable plants.
Key points:
– Effective against many annual and perennial grassy weeds.
– Over-the-top application minimizes risk to surrounding ornamentals.
– Not recommended for pure lawn areas; best for beds and borders with Bermuda grass presence.
Ornamec Over-The-Top Grass Herbicide
Ornamec provides over-the-top grass control for ornamentals, offering a targeted approach to suppress unwanted grasses while safeguarding over 400 ornamental species. This product is particularly suitable for landscapes where bermudagrass intermingles with ornamental plantings. The formulation supports rapid action, with visible suppression typically within 48 hours and full control in 1-3 weeks, depending on weed size and environmental conditions. It is not designed for lawn areas but excels in ornamental settings.
Key points:
– Safe to apply over ornamentals, protecting a broad range of plantings.
– Rapid onset and clear timeline to full control.
– Best suited for landscape beds and borders near Bermuda lawns rather than bare turf areas.
Atticus Empero Nutsedge Killer
Empero Nutsedge Killer is designed for nutsedge control, a common problem in Bermudagrass and landscape areas. The product contains halosulfuron-methyl at 75% and is trusted by professionals for nutgrass control. It travels through the root system to address tubers and rhizomes, providing thorough eradication from established turf and landscape areas. It is suitable for warm- and cool-season turf, including Bermudagrass, when used according to label directions.
Key points:
– Strong nutsedge control with systemic root and tuber action.
– Suitable for a range of turf types, including Bermuda.
– Suitable for landscape areas and established lawns where nutsedge is a problem.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Weed target and spectrum: For Bermuda grass, prioritize products that target grassy weeds while sparing Bermuda. Fusilade II and Pylex offer strong grassy weed control with selective action, while products like Grass Getter and Ornamec focus on ornamentals or non-lawn areas.
- Application area: Distinguish products meant for lawns, ornamental beds, and mixed landscapes. Some herbicides are designed specifically for over-the-top use around ornamentals, not for lawns, which helps prevent damage to turf when used incorrectly.
- Establishment status of bermudagrass: Many products are labeled for established turf. Always check the label for bermudagrass suitability, application timing, and recommended intervals between applications.
- Weather and rainfastness: Consider products with rapid rainfastness or flexible scheduling to minimize weed growth during unpredictable weather.
- Non-target safety: For properties with ornamentals, assess the risk to nearby plants. Some products are safer for ornamentals when used as directed but may still injure sensitive species if misapplied.
- Turf health and maintenance practices: Ensure compatible fertilization schedules and mowing practices to maximize herbicide effectiveness and minimize damage to Bermuda grass.
- Label compliance: Always follow the product label for application rates, mixing instructions, and safety precautions. This ensures legality, safety, and optimal results.
In choosing the best selective herbicide for Bermuda grass, consider the weed species you most frequently encounter, the landscape design (lawn versus ornamental beds), and your willingness to apply over-the-top treatments. The products listed here provide a range of options—from fast-acting grassy weed control to targeted nutsedge management and ornamentals-friendly approaches—allowing you to tailor your approach to Bermuda lawn care while maintaining healthy turf and attractive landscape aesthetics.