Maintaining a pristine Bermuda grass lawn is no small feat. Weeds can sneak in, disrupt the lush green carpet, and leave you scrambling for solutions. Fortunately, herbicides offer a powerful way to reclaim your turf. In this roundup review article, we dive into the 5 best herbicides for Bermuda grass, exploring their strengths, applications, and why they stand out in 2025. Whether you’re battling crabgrass, dandelions, or stubborn grassy invaders, we’ve got you covered with easy-to-read insights and practical tips.
Bermuda grass thrives in warm climates, making it a favorite for homeowners, landscapers, and golf course managers alike. However, its resilience also attracts pesky weeds that threaten its beauty. Choosing the right herbicide can feel overwhelming with so many options on the market. That’s why we’ve narrowed it down to five top performers: BioAdvanced Bermudagrass Control, Gordon’s Ornamec 170, Ortho Grass B Gon, Syngenta Tenacity, and Hi-Yield Triclopyr Ester. Let’s break them down, step by step, and help you find the perfect fit for your lawn.
Contents
- Why Herbicides Matter for Bermuda Grass
- 1. BioAdvanced Bermudagrass Control for Lawns, Ready-to-Spray, 32 oz
- 2. Gordon’s Ornamec 170 Grass Herbicide, 32 Ounces
- 3. Ortho 0438580 Grass B Gon Garden Grass Killer Ready-to-Use Spray, 24-Ounce (2)
- 4. Syngenta Tenacity Herbicide – Pre-Emergent and Post-Emergent Weed Control, 8-oz. Liquid Weed Killer
- 5. Hi-Yield (35261) Triclopyr Ester (8oz)
- How to Choose the Right Herbicide for Your Bermuda Grass
- Tips for Applying Herbicides Safely and Effectively
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- The Verdict: Which Herbicide Wins?
- Final Thoughts
Why Herbicides Matter for Bermuda Grass
Before we jump into the product list, let’s talk about why herbicides are a game-changer for Bermuda grass care. Bermuda grass grows fast and thick, but it’s not invincible. Weeds like crabgrass, clover, and nutsedge can invade, stealing nutrients and sunlight from your turf. Pulling them by hand works for small patches, but for larger infestations, you need something stronger. Herbicides target these intruders, leaving your Bermuda grass unharmed when used correctly.
Moreover, herbicides come in two main types: pre-emergent and post-emergent. Pre-emergent formulas stop weed seeds from sprouting, while post-emergent ones tackle weeds already poking through the soil. Some products even combine both, offering a one-two punch. Knowing your weed problem helps you pick the right tool. Now, let’s explore our top five picks and see how they stack up.
1. BioAdvanced Bermudagrass Control for Lawns, Ready-to-Spray, 32 oz
First up, BioAdvanced Bermudagrass Control for Lawns grabs attention with its user-friendly design and targeted power. This ready-to-spray herbicide comes in a 32-ounce bottle, perfect for covering up to 5,000 square feet. It’s formulated to tackle Bermuda grass growing where it’s not wanted—like in cool-season lawns—while sparing desirable grasses when applied with care.
What Makes It Stand Out?
BioAdvanced shines with its selective formula. It contains fenoxaprop-p-ethyl, an active ingredient that zeros in on grassy weeds without harming broadleaf plants or certain turf types. Attach the bottle to your garden hose, spray evenly, and watch it go to work. Within days, unwanted Bermuda grass starts yellowing, giving your lawn a cleaner look.
Additionally, this product requires no mixing or measuring. For busy homeowners, that’s a huge plus. It’s rainproof in just one hour, so a sudden shower won’t wash away your efforts. However, timing matters—apply it during active growth (spring or summer) for the best results.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Easy to use, selective action, fast results, covers large areas.
- Cons: Not ideal for Bermuda grass lawns you want to keep, may need multiple applications for thick infestations.
Best For
This herbicide suits anyone looking to eliminate Bermuda grass from fescue, bluegrass, or zoysia lawns. If you’re maintaining a mixed turf and need precision, BioAdvanced delivers.
2. Gordon’s Ornamec 170 Grass Herbicide, 32 Ounces
Next, Gordon’s Ornamec 170 steps into the spotlight as a heavy hitter for grassy weed control. This 32-ounce concentrate packs a punch with fluazifop-p-butyl, an ingredient tailored to kill Bermuda grass and other invasive grasses like quackgrass and torpedograss. Unlike ready-to-use sprays, it requires dilution, but that means you control the strength.
What Makes It Stand Out?
Ornamec 170 earns its stripes with versatility. You can use it over-the-top of ornamentals, shrubs, and even some turf grasses without causing damage. For Bermuda grass invading flower beds or zoysia lawns, it’s a lifesaver. Mix it with water (typically 0.5 to 1 ounce per gallon), load it into a sprayer, and target those problem areas.
Furthermore, it works systemically, traveling through the plant to kill it from the roots up. Expect visible results in one to two weeks, with full die-off soon after. It’s a slower burn compared to some, but the thoroughness pays off.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Highly effective, safe around ornamentals, customizable concentration.
- Cons: Requires mixing and a sprayer, slower acting than some alternatives.
Best For
Gardeners and landscapers love Ornamec 170 for its precision in mixed landscapes. If Bermuda grass is creeping into your flower beds or cool-season turf, this is your go-to.
3. Ortho 0438580 Grass B Gon Garden Grass Killer Ready-to-Use Spray, 24-Ounce (2)
Third on our list, Ortho Grass B Gon brings convenience and affordability to the table. This 24-ounce ready-to-use spray comes in a two-pack, offering enough coverage for small to medium-sized problem spots. It’s designed to kill grassy weeds like Bermuda grass while leaving broadleaf plants and flowers untouched.
What Makes It Stand Out?
Ortho simplifies weed control with its no-fuss spray bottle. Point, shoot, and let the active ingredient—fluazifop-p-butyl—do the rest. It’s selective, so your roses or petunias stay safe, even if you’re targeting Bermuda grass nearby. Results show up in about a week, with weeds wilting and dying off over time.
On top of that, it’s perfect for spot treatments. If you’ve got Bermuda grass popping up in your garden beds or along pathways, this lightweight option handles it without breaking the bank. Just avoid using it on Bermuda grass lawns you want to preserve.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Affordable, easy to apply, great for spot treatments, selective formula.
- Cons: Limited coverage, not suited for large areas or Bermuda grass preservation.
Best For
Ortho Grass B Gon fits homeowners with small lawns or garden patches. It’s ideal for quick fixes and keeping Bermuda grass out of unwanted spaces.
4. Syngenta Tenacity Herbicide – Pre-Emergent and Post-Emergent Weed Control, 8-oz. Liquid Weed Killer
Now, let’s shift gears to Syngenta Tenacity, a standout for its dual-action power. This 8-ounce concentrate combines pre-emergent and post-emergent weed control, thanks to its active ingredient, mesotrione. It’s a favorite among lawn enthusiasts for its ability to tackle existing weeds and prevent new ones from sprouting.
What Makes It Stand Out?
Tenacity pulls double duty like few others. Apply it to kill Bermuda grass or crabgrass already growing, and it leaves a residual barrier to stop future weeds for up to 30 days. Mix it with water (1 teaspoon per 2 gallons covers 1,000 square feet), and spray it over your lawn or trouble spots. It’s systemic, so it attacks weeds down to the root.
Plus, it’s safe for newly seeded Bermuda grass lawns after the second mowing, making it a rare gem for reseeding projects. Weeds turn white as they die—a cool visual cue that it’s working—before fading away completely within two to three weeks.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Pre- and post-emergent action, safe for new lawns, long-lasting control.
- Cons: Requires careful mixing, can bleach weeds temporarily (which some dislike).
Best For
Tenacity suits lawn perfectionists who want both immediate and ongoing weed protection. If you’re reseeding Bermuda grass or fighting a persistent weed battle, it’s a top contender.
5. Hi-Yield (35261) Triclopyr Ester (8oz)
Rounding out our list, Hi-Yield Triclopyr Ester offers a potent solution for tough weeds. This 8-ounce concentrate contains triclopyr, a powerhouse against broadleaf weeds and woody plants, but it also works on Bermuda grass in certain scenarios. It’s a bit of a wildcard, best used with caution and precision.
What Makes It Stand Out?
Hi-Yield brings serious strength to the fight. Mix it with water (1 ounce per gallon is a common rate), and apply it with a sprayer to target Bermuda grass or other stubborn invaders. It excels in spot treatments, especially where Bermuda grass encroaches on flower beds or fescue lawns. It moves through the plant, killing it systematically over one to two weeks.
However, it’s less selective than others on this list. While it won’t harm most grasses at low rates, overapplication can stress Bermuda grass you want to keep. Test it on a small area first to gauge its impact.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Strong against tough weeds, effective for spot treatments, affordable concentrate.
- Cons: Less selective, requires careful application, not ideal for large Bermuda lawns.
Best For
Hi-Yield fits adventurous gardeners willing to experiment. It’s perfect for killing Bermuda grass in mixed landscapes or alongside broadleaf weeds.
How to Choose the Right Herbicide for Your Bermuda Grass
With these five options in hand, how do you pick the best one? Start by identifying your goal. Do you want to protect your Bermuda grass lawn or eliminate it from another turf? For preservation, Syngenta Tenacity stands out with its dual-action safety. For removal, BioAdvanced, Gordon’s, Ortho, and Hi-Yield offer targeted solutions.
Next, consider your weed type. Grassy weeds like crabgrass or Bermuda grass itself respond well to selective formulas (BioAdvanced, Gordon’s, Ortho). Broadleaf weeds or mixed infestations might call for Hi-Yield or Tenacity. Also, think about ease of use—ready-to-spray options (BioAdvanced, Ortho) save time, while concentrates (Gordon’s, Tenacity, Hi-Yield) offer flexibility.
Finally, factor in your lawn size. Larger areas benefit from BioAdvanced’s coverage, while small patches pair well with Ortho or Hi-Yield. Timing matters too—apply during active growth (spring or early summer) and avoid extreme heat above 90°F to protect your grass.
Tips for Applying Herbicides Safely and Effectively
Using herbicides sounds simple, but a few tricks ensure success. First, read the label—every product has specific instructions for mixing, timing, and safety. Wear gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection to avoid skin or eye contact. Second, water your lawn lightly a day or two before applying post-emergent herbicides; moist soil helps the product absorb better.
Additionally, mow your grass a few days prior, but don’t cut it too short—leave enough leaf surface for the herbicide to stick. Avoid watering or mowing for at least 48 hours after application to let it settle in. Lastly, spot-test on a small area if you’re unsure how your Bermuda grass will react. Better safe than sorry!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best herbicides, slip-ups happen. One big mistake is overapplying—more isn’t always better and can harm your lawn. Stick to recommended rates. Another pitfall is spraying on windy days, which spreads the herbicide where you don’t want it. Pick a calm morning instead.
Moreover, don’t ignore timing. Applying during dormancy (winter) or extreme heat (mid-summer) reduces effectiveness and risks damage. Finally, skipping pre-emergent treatments leaves you playing catch-up with weeds. Pairing a product like Tenacity with a post-emergent plan keeps your lawn ahead of the game.
The Verdict: Which Herbicide Wins?
So, which of these five reigns supreme? It depends on your needs. BioAdvanced Bermudagrass Control wins for ease and large-scale removal. Gordon’s Ornamec 170 takes the crown for versatility in gardens. Ortho Grass B Gon shines for budget-friendly spot treatments. Syngenta Tenacity dominates with its all-in-one pre- and post-emergent power. Hi-Yield Triclopyr Ester excels for tough, targeted jobs.
For most Bermuda grass lovers, Syngenta Tenacity offers the best balance of control and safety, especially if you’re nurturing a new lawn. But any of these top picks can transform your turf with the right approach.
Final Thoughts
Keeping Bermuda grass weed-free doesn’t have to feel like a losing battle. With the right herbicide, you can banish invaders and enjoy a thick, green lawn all season long. Whether you choose BioAdvanced’s simplicity, Gordon’s precision, Ortho’s affordability, Tenacity’s versatility, or Hi-Yield’s strength, you’re armed with the best tools for 2025.
Take action today—pick your herbicide, plan your attack, and watch your Bermuda grass thrive. Have a favorite from this list? Tried something else that worked wonders? Drop your thoughts below and let’s keep the lawn care conversation growing!