Maintaining a lush Bermuda grass lawn often requires selective herbicides that target weeds without harming the grass. Below are five widely used products that are commonly recommended for Bermuda turf, focusing on selective control of grassy and broadleaf weeds, safety for ornamental plantings when applied correctly, and practical application options. This guide provides objective product highlights based on listed features to help you compare options and choose the right fit for your landscape.
| Product | Brand | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Ornamec 170 Grass Herbicide, 32 Ounces | GORDON’S | Selective control of emerged grasses; safe around ornamentals when used as directed |
| Ornamec 170 Grass Herbicide, 32 Ounces | PBI / Gordon | Maintenance-focused formulation; reduces risk to ornamental plants |
| Ornamec Over-The-Top Grass Herbicide, 1 Quart | PBI / Gordon | Over-the-top application with rapid suppression of unwanted grasses |
| BASF Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Killer | BASF | Post-emergent, broad-spectrum weed control with up to 30 days residual |
| Atticus Torocity Herbicide (8oz) | Atticus | Mesotrione-based; flexible pre- and post-emerge control for turf weeds |
The following sections review each product’s capabilities, application guidance, and suitability for Bermuda grass scenarios. Each review references the product’s listed features to support informed decisions.
Ornamec 170 Grass Herbicide, 32 Ounces
Product Highlights: Fluazifop-P-butyl 1.70% formulation designed for selective grass control, with compatibility around ornamental plants and landscape features. It can be mixed at a rate of 10 oz. per gallon of water, enabling flexible concentration for different turf scenarios.
Application Focus: Ornamec 170 is positioned for use around ornamental beds, groundcovers, shrubs, trees, and landscape borders, making it suitable for lawns where Bermuda grass intersects with ornamental zones. The product’s selective mechanism targets unwanted grasses while aiming to minimize injury to nearby ornamentals when applied per label directions.
Considerations: Evaluate lawn composition to avoid unintended injury to sensitive ornamentals. User should follow label instructions for mixing and coverage to maximize selectivity and minimize damage to desirable turf or plants.
Ornamec 170 Grass Herbicide, 32 Ounces
Product Highlights: Ornamec 170 is designed for maintenance of landscape beds and offers selective suppression of emerged annual grasses such as panicums, goosegrass, crabgrass, foxtails, and sandbur. It emphasizes reducing ornamental plant injury while effectively managing grassy weeds in mixed plantings.
Application Focus: This variant supports maintenance roles in prepared Bermuda lawns adjacent to ornamental plantings, where precise timing and rate help maintain turf health while addressing weed pressure.
Considerations: Suitable for integrated landscape management; ensure compatibility with existing ornamentals and follow mixing guidelines to maintain turf vitality.
Ornamec Over-The-Top Grass Herbicide, 1 Quart
Product Highlights: An over-the-top formulation designed to stop unwanted grass growth within 48 hours, with full control typically within 1-3 weeks. It is pre-mixed with Aqua-Zorb CA Surfactant to improve absorption and performance in ornamental plantings.
Application Focus: The over-the-top approach supports Bermuda lawns where weed grasses are invading from turf areas into flowering or ornamental zones. The combined surfactant aids coverage and uptake, potentially enhancing results in mixed landscapes.
Considerations: As with any over-the-top product, test on a small area first to verify turf and ornamental tolerance. Follow label directions for timing and coverage to maximize outcomes.
BASF Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Killer
Product Highlights: Water-based formulation for rapid uptake and strong weed control, with extended residual control up to 30 days. It targets a broad spectrum of weeds, including crabgrass, foxtail, kikuyu grass, signal grass, torpedo grass, and several broadleaf species.
Application Focus: This product is positioned for broader weed management in turf, offering a quick absorption profile and longer residual protection. It can be a practical option in Bermuda lawns facing persistent weed pressure.
Considerations: Assess weed pressure and irrigation plans; ensure compatibility with Bermuda turf and avoid non-target plant exposure. The label’s wind and drift recommendations should be observed for accurate application.
Atticus Torocity Herbicide (8oz)
Product Highlights: Torocity contains 40.0% mesotrione, aligning with the same active ingredient used by Tenacity. It offers flexible timing with both pre- and post-emerge activity for effective weed control in newly seeded and established turf.
Application Focus: The flexible timing makes Torocity suitable for Bermuda lawns facing diverse weed pressures, including broadleaf and some grassy weeds. Its dual-emergence capability supports ongoing maintenance and upfront prevention.
Considerations: Mesotrione-based products require careful labeling to avoid damage to desirable grasses during sensitive growth stages. Always follow label guidelines for rate, timing, and rotation to minimize resistance risk.
Prime Source Celsius WG – 0.226 oz
Product Highlights: Easy mix packet for post-emerge weed control, described as professional-quality with fast acting results. This option emphasizes simplicity in mixing, reducing measurement steps in the field.
Application Focus: Post-emerge control can complement Bermuda weed management when weeds have already emerged; quick action can help maintain turf uniformity after emergence events.
Considerations: As with other herbicides, verify turf compatibility and follow label instructions for proper use in Bermuda grass settings to avoid unintended injury.
Buying Guide for Bermuda Grass Weed Management
Active ingredients and modes of action – Bermuda lawns benefit from herbicides with selective activity that target grassy and broadleaf weeds without harming warm-season turf. Mesotrione, fluazifop, and quinclorac-based products offer varied control profiles. Rotate modes of action to reduce resistance risk and maintain long-term efficacy.
Application timing – Pre-emergent options prevent new weed establishment, while post-emergent products address existing infestations. In Bermuda lawns, align timing with weed growth stages and turf growth cycles to minimize stress on the grass.
Plant safety and drift – Many products are designed to minimize injury to ornamental plantings when used correctly. Always follow label directions, including mixing rates, spray volume, and buffer zones to protect non-target plants and turf roots.
Water and surfactants – Surfactants and carriers can improve herbicide uptake; select products that include or recommend compatible adjuvants for Bermuda turf, especially for turf areas near ornamentals.
Weather considerations – Apply during favorable conditions (moderate temperature, low wind) to reduce drift and enhance absorption. Rain soon after application can affect efficacy and residue duration; plan accordingly.
Safety and environmental impact – Use proper PPE, avoid runoff into storm drains, and adhere to label instructions for environmental safety. Consider integrated weed management strategies combining cultural practices with chemical controls for sustainable results.
Resistance management – Avoid repeatedly using the exact same active ingredient. Rotate products with different modes of action and integrate cultural controls like mowing height, irrigation management, and soil health improvement to sustain product effectiveness over time.
For Bermuda grass care, selecting a product often depends on your weed spectrum, landscape design, and tolerance for ornamental plantings. When in doubt, begin with a product that offers targeted post-emerge control for the most pressing weeds and align subsequent applications with your lawn’s growth cycle and maintenance plan.