1

Top 10 Best Pre Emergent For Bermuda Grass

If you want healthy lawns and/or gardens, you might need to employ the use of certain gardening tools. The soil needs to contain all the nutrients that are necessary for healthy grass growth. But it can also lead to Bermuda Grass. While it is a popular choice for lawns and golf courses in hotter regions of the world, Bermuda grass is quite a nuisance weed.

10-Best-Pre-Emergent-For-Bermuda-Grass

Also known as Cynodondactylon, scutch grass, and lawn grass, Bermuda grass is a warm-season grass. However, it is quite weedy and known to spread aggressively by both underground and surface stems, apart from seeds.

Bermuda grass is known to have high heat and drought tolerance and has an aggressive nature, which means that getting rid of it is easier said than done.

Thankfully, the market is full of quality products that will help you get rid of this foliage. In this article, we will go through the best Pre Emergent for Bermuda grass today.

What Is Bermuda grass?

Before we get into the products, we first need to understand what Bermuda grass is. It is an actual type of aggressive grass that has many survival characteristics, which other types of grass lacks, like the ability to withstand intense drought, heat, and traffic.

Additionally, it grows in dense bundles, even on soil that is poor in nutrients. Bermuda grass does not require a lot to survive and can thrive in any environment, whether hot or cold.

While most lawn caretakers make use of Bermuda grass to cover sprawling and large areas in the most effective manner (since it does not require a lot of upkeep), it isn’t the best option, especially for homeowners who do not have the luxury of hiring a specialist lawn caretaker.

This is because Bermuda grass invades the space of other plants in your garden and lawn and takes over. It is not practical to have this sort of turf covering your garden, especially because there are not a lot of options for space.

Does Pre-Emergent Herbicide Kill Bermuda Grass? How Does It Work?

Also called a crabgrass preventer, using pre-emergent herbicides is considered one of the most effective ways to prevent the growth of this undesirable weed. Pre-emergent herbicides are chemicals that prevent the growth of crabgrass in your lawn.

To get a better idea about how pre-emergent herbicide works, you need to understand its three key principles of weed control:

The herbicide is used to control the germinating weed seeds

As the name suggests, the pre-emergent herbicide is targeted towards weeds that have not emerged from the soil yet. If you wish to get the best results, bring the labor costs down, and avoid wasting time, the grass should not be visible above the ground while you are applying the herbicide.

The weed can only be killed when it starts sprouting from the seed. The pre-emergent herbicide will create a barrier to prevent sprouting. The seed remains dormant and is not harmed by the pre-emergent herbicide. Since it is a constant process, you will have to apply the herbicide annually to minimize large infestations.

You need to remember that pre-emergent herbicide can also affect plats that are desirable, like turf. You need to be careful when you are seeding the turf and applying the herbicide in the same season. You need to seed first, and then apply the pre-emergent herbicide at least six weeks later to allow lawn establishment. Alternatively, you can first apply the herbicide and then seed three months later.

For the best results, the herbicide needs to be mixed properly and applied evenly

You need to mix the pre-emergent herbicide correctly so that the strength of the spray is appropriate. You need to read the recommendation of the manufacturer and calibrate the sprayer accordingly.

The key to the best result is thorough coverage. You need to think of the herbicide as a blanket – you need to spread it throughout the lawn areas so that the weed seeds cannot germinate. Since there is a lot of open space for weeds to grow, spot spraying will not achieve anything. Depending on the brand, the manufacturer's instruction will indicate how much of the herbicide you need to use ‘per acre’ or ‘per 1000-square-feet’. On average, it should not take more than a gallon or two for 1000-square-feet.

Pre-emergent herbicide needs to be watered in

To activate the herbicide, you need to water it in. This will create a barrier just below the soil surface. Most of the brands will require 0.5-inches of rain or irrigation after you apply the herbicide within 21 days.

For a drip zone or non-irrigated area, you can apply the pre-emergent just before you think it is going to rain.

How To Choose A Pre-Emergent Herbicide?

The pre-emergent herbicide will coat and suffocate weed seeds. Hence, you need to start looking for them at least a year before you want to buy it. This way you will have a better idea of where the weed grows in your yard and make use of the herbicide more effectively.

When you are looking for the best pre-emergent herbicide, you need to determine the type of weeds that you have in your lawn or yard, especially during the summer and fall months. If you are not sure which ones you need to buy, you can take a look at the weed samples online or head towards the nearest nursery for information. This way, you will understand which type of weed grows in your garden or lawn.

When you are shopping for pre-emergent herbicides products, you need to read the label. Some products are made to work on broadleaf weeds while others are designed to kill grass weeds. The product you end up choosing will depend on the type of weed that you have in your yard.

For pre-emergent herbicides, you will find granules and liquid sprays. Hence, you need to decide which type you are looking for. It can either be based on which can be applied to your location easily or your personal preference.

If you choose granules, you will have to water the location where you have applied the herbicide. The watering can also be done from the rain; you can make use of a weather prediction mobile application for the purpose. On the other hand, liquid pre-emergent herbicides are pre-mixed with water and can be used with a sprayer; however, if you do not have one, a sprayer can become an added cost.

Hence, you need to think hard – granule herbicides require work and watering, but you do not have to purchase anything separately and more practical if you live in an area that receives a lot of rainfall. While liquid pre-emergent herbicides might require you to purchase a sprayer, the work can be done faster.

You also need to think about how much product you are going to use. The label will give you an idea of how much square footage can it be used for. You need to know the approximate size of your yard; this way, you will be able to determine whether or not you need to buy more than one container of the herbicide.

Best Pre Emergent For Bermuda Grass Table


Top 10 Best Pre Emergent For Bermuda Grass

Now that you have an idea about what pre-emergent herbicides are, we can start looking at the best ones:

The Quali-Pro brand is the best pre-emergent herbicide product that you can use on your lawn. The 65 WDG provides wed prevention control for both grass and broadleaf areas. You can also apply the herbicide flexibly.

You can either use it in the fall or spring season. Additionally, the product also allows you to control the growth of crabgrass. The 65 WDG is available in a five-pound bottle and can be reused throughout the seasons. All you need to do is store it in an airtight container once it arrives.

The 65 WDG can be used on a wide range of sites like around trees, golf courses, nurseries, landscaping, and turf. It has also proven quite effective against different types of weeds like spurge, foxtail, and goosegrass. It can also stop the sprouting of bluegrass, henbit, and knotweed.

Since it contains 65% prodiamine, the pre-emergent herbicide works very fast and can last for up to three months. The 65 WDG is available in granular form and the area needs to be watered once you have applied the product.

Pros

  • The 65 WDG is considered the best generic barricade herbicide
  • You can use the product for both fall and spring seasons and enjoy the same results
  • The herbicide provides you with the flexibility of application
  • The 65 WDG prevents the growth of different types of weeds, especially broadleaf

Cons

  • The 65 WDG is one of the most expensive products
  • The instructions on the product are not explained clearly

Snapshot 2.5 TG is one of the finest pre-emergent herbicides you will find in the market. With a wide range of features, the product has gained the trust of gardeners around the world. Whatever type of garden you have, the herbicide will provide you with the best results.

If you are looking for something that can deal with more than 100 broadleaf and grassy weeds, the herbicide will provide you with great service and last for up to eight months. The 2.5 TG also does not compromise with the weeds spread around your lawn or garden.

The 2.5 TG contains two robust active ingredients – isoxaben and trifluralin. Both these ingredients are considered the best when it comes to fighting grasses and broadleaf. Additionally, these ingredients helped the 2.5 TG stand out from its competitors.

When it comes to herbicide’s usage, you will be happy to know that only five pounds are enough to cover an area of 1000-square-feet. If you wish to be more close-fisted, you can cover the same area with only three-pounds of the herbicide.

Pros

  • The 2.5 TG will work perfectly on weeds for up to eight months and keep your lawn clean and safe for an entire year
  • The herbicide will not put any harmful effects on your plants
  • You can make use of the 2.5 TG on all types of gardens and landscapes
  • The 2.5 TG can deal with more than 100 types of weeds

Cons

  • Before you apply the herbicide, you need to irrigate your land
  • The 2.5 TG is quite expensive

3.Tenacity Turf Herbicide

The Tenacity Turf herbicide is a pre- and post-emergence control herbicide that can be used for more than 46 different grass and broadleaf weed species. Mesotrione is the active ingredient used in this product (40%) and is based on a naturally-occurring compound found in the bottlebrush plant.

The Tenacity Turf herbicide inhibits the photosynthesis process in selected species of plants. The product is absorbed by the plants via leaves, shoots, and roots; it is then distributed throughout the plant by both phloem and xylem translocation. As a result, growth is inhibited and you will not find more weeds.

For residual control and selective contact of weeds in ornamental turf grasses, the Tenacity Turf is considered quite an effective herbicide. It can be used on residential and commercial properties, lawns, and also on parks, athletic fields, sod farms, and golf courses. You need to mix in one-third of the herbicide in a gallon of water if you are looking for spot treatment.

A well-maintained and even vegetative buffer strip between areas can be treated with Tenacity Turf, as well as any surface water bodies like springs, streams, and ponds that will minimize the potential for water contamination from run-off.

Pros

  • For better effect, you can use the Tenacity Turf in combination with a non-ionic surfactant
  • The product is enough for treating an acre at full rate
  • The Tenacity Turf is great for controlling weeds in ornamental turfgrasses
  • The herbicide can be used as a pre- as well as post-emergent

Cons

  • The turfgrass foliage can temporarily turn white
  • It might require more time for crabgrass

4.Southern AG Surflan AS 

The Surflan AS is a selective pre-emergent herbicide that kills everything but Bermuda that is used to control many annual kinds of grass and broadleaf weeds. It has been designed to use in container-grown ornamentals and around landscape ornamentals.

You can make use of the Surflan AS around turf, non-bearing nut/fruit trees, industrial sites, and perennials. Hence, the product will sit on top of the floor of the lawn and you will need water for the herbicide to get soaked into the ground.

You can make use of the Surflan AS on zoysiagrass, St Augustine, Bahiagrass, and buffalograss. It can also be used on Bermuda grass and centipede grass. While it is recommended that you water it immediately, you can also choose to wait for 21 days before the watering process.

To treat 1,000-square-feet, you would only need 1.5-ounces of the herbicide. A single application will last up to four months.

One of the most interesting aspects of Surflan AS is that you can mix it up easily with other herbicide products like Roundup or Vantage; these two products are considered the best weed killers and combining them will prevent weed that has not yet sprouted as well as present weeds that are growing in the area.

Pros

  • The Surflan AS is best for selective pre-emergence
  • The product is considered a favorite when it comes to choosing a product for surface application
  • The pre-emergent herbicide can be used in the warm season
  • The performance of the product is undeniably great

Cons

  • You will have to water once you apply the materials immediately; or else, you also have the option of waiting for 21 days

5. SedgeHammer Turf Herbicide

Sedgehammer herbicide is one of the most popular herbicide products used by gardeners. It is a special product that can remove weeds that defy almost everything that you throw at them. The herbicide is made to deliver exactly this!

The product is very versatile; apart from the nutsedge, the herbicide can get rid of similarly stubborn broadleaf weeds as well. It can be used for both residential and commercial areas, even in areas that are not meant for gardening as well.

The Sedgehammer herbicide can be used in the spring and summer season; however, its effectiveness is always at its peak when it is summertime and there is no rain. It is best if you avoid watering your backyard for a minimum of four hours once you have applied the herbicide.

If you are looking for something that will work effectively against difficult nutsedge and broadleaf weeds. The Sedgehammer herbicide will provide you with everything that you need to make a substantial difference.

Pros

  • The Sedgehammer herbicide can be used to get rid of nutsedge
  • The product will significantly reduce green kyllinga
  • The herbicide will work through the entire plant, starting from the underground bulb
  • You will be able to eliminate a variety of broadleaf weeds
  • The Sedgehammer herbicide can be used on both cool and warm-season kinds of grass

Cons

  • The Sedgehammer herbicide can harm lawn grass if it comes in contact with it
  • The product does not completely eliminate nutsedge

6.Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer

The Scotts Halts weed preventer is considered one of the most effective herbicides for preventing crabgrass, while most products are directed at weeding out multiple weeds in your lawn. The product is weather-proof and will keep your backyard or garden free from weeds for the entire season.

You can make use of the Scotts Halts herbicide on any type of lawn, whether it is small or big. You will not see any weeds left after the operation. All you need to ensure that your equipment is contaminated.

Whether it is a pavement that is concentrated in a specific area or smaller lawn, the Scotts Halts herbicide can be used on almost all types of lawn design. If you want to ensure that the product works effectively all season long, you can make use of a spreader or other similar gardening equipment.

The product is very affordable and you will not face any type of problem with your lawn. You can use the herbicide for post-emergent needs. This product might be your best shot at removing tough weeds since it works perfectly and safe for your lawn as well.

Pros

  • The Scotts Halts herbicide will not harm your grass when seeding
  • All the grassy weeds are stopped effectively before germination
  • The product is very affordable than most similar products
  • The herbicide can be applied in any weather (freezing, snow, or rain)

Cons

  • The Scotts Halts herbicide is quite expensive
  • The herbicide might not be the most effective weeding product in the market

7.Preen 2464127 Weed Preventer

Every gardener has a desired goal of preventing weeds before their germination. Weeds are the most disgusting type of plant that you might experience, no matter what type of garden you have. However, you no longer have to worry about weed germination, thanks to Preen 2464127.

The Preen 2464127 will guard your garden or lawn against the germination of all types of weeds. You can use it over more than 200 established trees, flowers, shrubs, and vegetables, without needing to worry about anything.

If you are concerned about the safety of the vegetables, you will be glad to know that it is safe for edibles. You do not have to worry about the herbicide’s harmful effects. You can apply Preen 2464127 in your garden at any time.

The Preen 2464127 can be applied to your garden at any season – fall, summer, or spring. The product’s range of coverage is also great. Since it is a weed preventer, the herbicide will work effectively and last for more than three months.

Pros

  • The materials used in the herbicide are of high-quality
  • The price of Preen 2464127 is very reasonable
  • The product will offer you the best service for the entire season
  • You can apply the Preen 2464127 during any season

Cons

  • Since the product kills grass, using the Preen 2464127 on your lawn is not recommended
  • The product cannot be used to deal with all types of weeds, just a few specific ones

8.Scotts Turf Builder Halts Crabgrass Preventer

If you have a lot of crabgrass in your yard, you can make use of Scotts Turf Builder herbicide in the next growing season. The product will prevent crabgrass from growing; additionally, it will also contain fertilizer to help the lawn.

The goal of the product is to stop the growth of weed before it invades your lawn or garden. Thanks to the included fertilizer, the grass will grow faster, greener, and have stronger and deeper roots.

The Scotts Turf Builder can be applied in spring or fall. Whatever season is going on, whether it is raining or snowing, it will not affect the performance of the pre-emergent herbicide. This means that even if the weather forecast does not look so good for the next few days, you can make use of this product.

If you are looking for the best results, it is recommended that you water the lawn about one-fourth or ½-inch a few days once you applied the product. Hence, it is ideal that you spread the herbicide-fertilizer mixture some days before the weather forecast predicts for a downpour. Due to this, you will not have to water the lawn yourself.

Pros

  • The Scotts Turf Builder is quite cost-effective
  • Applying the product on your lawn is quite an easy task
  • The Scotts Turf Builder can be applied in all types of seasons
  • The product works very well, no matter the weather condition
  • For crabgrass control, the Scotts Turf Builder is considered the best option

Cons

  • You cannot use the Scotts Turf Builder for gardens
  • While the product is best for crabgrass weeds, it is not a great option for other weed types

9.LawnStar Non-Ionic Surfactant 

At times, a non-ionic surfactant is considered the best choice of pre-emergent for Bermuda grass because of its compatibility with other herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers. This product is considered an ideal addition to your armory of lawn care products.

This LawnStar makes use of a wetting-agent technology that will allow you to spread the spray solution more efficiently and evenly on your treated plants. This is important because the herbicide needs to penetrate the weeds.

The technology is proprietary and 80% active; also, ammonium sulfate is used to promote the healthy growth of plants in your garden. The solution is alcohol-free and non-flammable. The company focuses its attention on development and innovation for your safety. Hence, you can purchase the product and store it without having to worry about your home catching fire.

You can use the LawnStar herbicide on your lawn and garden. Since it can be used with other products, it will make your pesticide/herbicide much more effective. It will stick on your soil for a long time and will offer you weed control for the entire season.

Pros

  • The performance of the product is great
  • LawnStar will significantly reduce your tension of watering
  • Applying the product is extremely easy
  • You can apply it in all types of seasons

Cons

  • The product is not very practical for gardens
  • It can be expensive

10.Dimension PreEmergent 2EW Herbicide

The Dimension 2EW is one of the best pre- and post-emergent herbicides that contain Dithiopyr, which will kill weed that has already sprouted from the ground. Hence, the product can be used before any weed starts growing or later too.

You can use the herbicide on ornamental turf, industrial sites, and established lawns. This includes roughs on golf courses, tee boxes, and fairways. It works best for crabgrasses and Bermuda grasses.

Dimension 2EW is the best choice if you live in an area that has unpredictable weather conditions. Weed can pop out at any time; the weather could be warm one morning and cold the next day. The Dimension 2EW will meet all these expectations perfectly.

 Since the Dimension pre emergent is a water-based herbicide, you can mix it with water to dilute it to the right size. All you need to do is spray the herbicide over the area that needs to be treated. However, you might have to purchase a sprayer separately.

Pros

  • The herbicide can be used as a pre- and post-emergent
  • The product can be used for all seasons
  • The result of using the Dimension 2EW is very effective
  • The Dimension 2EW is best for crabgrass

Cons

  • It is not as effective on Bermuda grass as it is on crabgrass
  • The mixing direction is not specified clearly

FAQs

Here are some common FAQs related to pre-emergent for Bermuda grass:

Q. How do you choose the best herbicide to inhibit the growth of Bermuda grass?

A. Choosing the right Bermuda grass killer depends on a lot of factors. Some questions you can ask yourself include – Is the weed located near desired plants, the area coverage, the nature of the growth, etc.

Q. How deep are the roots of Bermuda grass?

A. On average, the roots of the Bermuda grass can go as deep as six feet, depending on its condition.

Q. Can vinegar be used to kill Bermuda grass?

A. If you make use of industrial-strength vinegar, there is a good possibility of killing Bermuda grass. However, if you make use of the for-home-use vinegar, it will not kill the grass.

Conclusion

From the list of great pre-emergent herbicides mentioned above for killing weeds in dormant Bermuda, we believe that the Quali-Pro Prodiamine 65 WDG pre-emergent herbicide is the best choice. You can apply the herbicide at any season on both broadleaf and grass areas. Of course, the product is quite expensive; however, you will soon see that the herbicide will be worth every penny you have spent on it.

The 65 WDG is available in a five-pound bottle, which will ensure that it lasts for a long time to come. Apart from Bermuda grass and crabgrass, the herbicide can also be used for other types of weeds like goosegrass, spurge, etc. The 65 WDG is the best pre emergent for Bermuda in Texas certainly worth your money!

Click Here to Leave a Comment Below 1 comments