What is Bermuda Grass?

Cynodon Dactylon, commonly referred to as Bermuda Grass, Wire Grass, or Devil Grass, is a perennial turf species enjoyed in the south but frequently despised in cooler climates. Originally from Africa, Bermuda grass is invasive when not planted purposefully, and difficult to remove from turf and fescue because of its shoots/runners and the roots each one puts down at the nodes.

What Does it Look Like?

Identifying Bermuda Grass is relatively straight forward, but does depend on the stage of growth it’s in. Typically, it’s low growing and wiry looking (wire grass), with prostrate stems, smooth leaves growing about an inch apart (farther when the plant is running a stem in search of better ground), and tiny sprays of white hairs that grow from the leaf collars around the stems. When flowering, stems grow upright and create groups of spiked branch spokes.

Roots (Rhizomes)

Bermuda grass shoots also travel underground like thick roots (rhizomes). If the plant is pulled up and even a small amount of root system remains, it will have no problem growing up into a carpet of weeds just as strong as before.

Runners (Stolons)

Unlike many turf grasses, Bermuda Grass sends out long runners (stolons) that create nodes to both root and grow side shoots from. Each of these side shoots grow to create more nodes, roots, and side shoots until your lawn or garden is covered. Every root is its own Bermuda Grass plant – capable of regrowing and generating more plants even if others connected to it are pulled up or killed. As plant growth spreads, the main plant continues to send out more shoots to thicken and anchor itself even better.

Proper Lawn Care & Maintenance

Bermuda Grass loves to grow in well-irrigated areas and suffers when not offered plenty to drink. Introducing more shade to your lawn and garden will help inhibit growth and cause the plants to shrink rather than grow stalky and healthy. When mowing, make sure to collect grass clipping as Bermuda Grass seeds are easily spread through the clippings.

Hand Pulling When Small

If you’ve already noticed a small amount of young Bermuda Grass growth, hand pulling is possible. Make sure to start pulling from the outermost parts of the plant where the smallest nodes have been rooted. Tug gently from as close to the soil as possible and bring up as much of the root as possible. Spades and rakes are not recommended as good options here, because each segment of a chopped root system holds the potential to create its own plant.

Bermuda Grass Herbicides from Lawn Care Professionals

Larger, healthier plants will require more robust Bermuda Grass control methods to carefully avoid damaging the surrounding lawn. Bermuda Grass herbicides can require specific application times and total Bermuda Grass removal and eradication is unlikely without the aid of lawn care professionals with the right expertise and equipment.

How to Kill Bermuda Grass

When Bermuda Grass creeps into your lawn, there’s a good chance an underground network of roots has already started. Weed killer forBermuda Grass can end up completely destroying your good grass as well. Don’t risk wrecking your lawn with harsh chemicals, or spreading the plant through pulling, mowing, plowing or raking. We’ll identify your Bermuda Grass type, implement the proper Bermuda Grass removal methods, and apply the best Bermuda Grass herbicides for total eradication.