Bermuda grass can be a stubborn lawn invader, but with perseverance and the right techniques, you can get rid of it for good. Here are 5 effective ways to kill Bermuda grass.

Use a Glyphosate Herbicide

Glyphosate is an effective non-selective herbicide that will kill Bermuda grass along with any other plants it comes in contact with. When using a glyphosate product:

• Apply on a calm, sunny day when temperatures are above 60°F. Avoid windy conditions.
• Thoroughly wet all foliage, but avoid runoff to other areas.
• Retreat any regrowth in 3-4 weeks. It often takes several applications over a growing season to fully eradicate Bermuda grass.
• Take precautions – glyphosate can drift onto desired plants. Avoid using near gardens and landscaping.

Popular glyphosate products include Roundup and KleenUp. Follow label directions carefully.

Smother With Cardboard or Plastic

Smothering Bermuda grass under an opaque material blocks sunlight and eventually kills the grass. For best results:

• Mow the area very short and remove clippings.
• Water thoroughly, then lay cardboard or a plastic tarp over the lawn.
• Weigh down the edges well and leave in place for 1-2 growing seasons.

This technique takes time but avoids chemicals. Reapply mulch or plant a new lawn after the Bermuda grass dies.

Apply Concentrated Vinegar

Household vinegar typically won’t work, but horticultural vinegar at 20% acetic acid can provide effective weed control. Use it cautiously:

• Wear gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection since concentrated vinegar can cause irritation.
• Spot treat or spray weeds on a calm day. Avoid drift onto desired plants.
• Thoroughly saturate all foliage. Retreat any regrowth.
• Horticultural vinegar can sterilize soil. Avoid heavy use in gardens.

This organic approach takes patience but avoids synthetic herbicides. See results in 1-4 weeks.

Dig Out Manually

For small infestations, repeatedly digging out clumps can eliminate Bermuda grass over time.

• Use a shovel, trowel, or soil knife to remove the grass plant and its roots.
• Dig at least 4 inches deep. Dispose of the plants immediately.
• Be diligent about removing every piece of rhizome and root. Overlook anything and it may regrow.
• Refill the holes and tamp the soil. Reseed or sod the area.

Manual removal is practical for patches under 200 sq ft. It simply requires persistence.

Solarize the Lawn

Solarization uses the sun’s heat to kill grass and weeds. To solarize:

• Mow the lawn short and water thoroughly.
• Cover with clear plastic sheeting, securing the edges with bricks or landscape staples.
• Leave the plastic in place for 4-6 weeks over summer. The heat beneath kills grass and sterilizes soil.
• After solarization, reseed the lawn if desired. The soil will be bare.

Solarizing avoids chemicals but takes some time. It’s a eco-friendly option for managing Bermuda grass.

FAQs About Killing Bermuda Grass

What is the easiest way to kill Bermuda grass?

The easiest and most effective way to kill Bermuda grass is using a glyphosate herbicide like Roundup. Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide that will kill any type of grass or weed. For best results, apply on a calm sunny day and thoroughly wet all foliage.

How long does it take to kill Bermuda grass?

Most methods will take 1-2 growing seasons to fully kill Bermuda grass. Glyphosate herbicides work fastest and may show results in 2-4 weeks. Vinegar takes 1-4 weeks. Smothering, solarizing, and manual removal can take many months to work. Be patient and persistent.

Will Roundup kill Bermuda grass permanently?

Roundup (glyphosate) will kill Bermuda grass permanently IF you allow enough time and repeatedly retreat any regrowth. It often takes 3-4 applications spaced 3-4 weeks apart over an entire growing season to fully eradicate Bermuda grass. Be diligent.

Does bleach kill Bermuda grass?

Bleach can be effective against Bermuda grass but it involves using extremely high concentrations that may sterilize the soil. It’s not recommended. Stick to products specifically labeled as lawn herbicides instead of attempting to use bleach as a DIY option.

Does vinegar permanently kill grass?

Regular household vinegar does not effectively kill grass weeds. But horticultural vinegar at strengths of 10% acetic acid or more can provide permanent control of Bermuda grass with repeated applications. Always read and follow label directions when using horticultural vinegar.

What is the best time of year to kill Bermuda grass?

It’s best to treat Bermuda grass during the growing season when it is actively growing. For warm-season grasses like Bermuda, this means spring through fall when temperatures are above 60°F. Avoid winter dormancy. Multiple treatments are typically needed over an entire season.

Conclusion

Killing Bermuda grass takes effort, but using techniques like herbicides, smothering, solarization, vinegar, and manual digging can all be successful. Always wear protective gear when using chemicals, and take care to avoid harming desired lawn grasses and landscaping. With persistence through an entire growing season, you can eradicate Bermuda grass permanently. Just be patient and thorough.