Bermudagrass Control in Lawns

Host: Joanna Coles, Warren County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources Guest: Kenneth Clayton, Agriculture Extension Associate Senior Topic: Bermudagrass Control in Lawns While certain cultivars of bermudagrass may be grown successfully as a desired species throughout the South, the aggressive growth of bermudagrass makes it a difficult weed to manage when it invades stands of cool-season turfgrass. Mowing height is the first line of defense. Bermudagrass is not tolerant of shade, therefore a tall (greater than or around 4 inches) and thick lawn can shade the bermudagrass leaf blades in spring and early summer, shifting the environment favorably to the desirable grasses. Proper timing of fertilization can also shift conditions to favor our cool-season turfgrass. Proper cultural controls are critical to controlling bermudagrass in cool-season lawns. Bermudagrass control is difficult and requires an investment of time and money and a willingness to change management practices. While the methods discussed here will have limited success when used in isolation, a combination of control methods is the best path forward in winning the war against bermudagrass. Follow this link for additional caption source information and control recommendations: publications.ca.uky.edu/files/AGR278.pdf