Bermuda in Turf type tall and - Ask Extension
Hello, I have a Turf type tall Fescue lawn that was invaded by Bermuda during the hot dry summer. I plan on aeration, dethatching, overseeding, top dr...
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Bermuda in Turf type tall and #887170
Asked October 04, 2024, 3:54 PM EDT
Hello, I have a Turf type tall Fescue lawn that was invaded by Bermuda during the hot dry summer. I plan on aeration, dethatching, overseeding, top dressing this fall. I am wondering if it's too late to address the Bermuda. I have seen phenoxaprop, triclopyr , ornamec. Would there be any benefit to using any of these before overseeding. I plan to overseed in the next 2 weeks. Appreciate any insight that you can give. I understand that treating Bermuda in Fescue is an often futal process. I'm hoping not to have to renovate the entire lawn.
Wake County North Carolina
Expert Response
Hello!
In the past, we suggested home gardeners dig Bermuda grass out or spray it with a non-selective herbicide and risk killing everything near it. Now, we have better choices. NSCU Extension agents recommend using are targeted herbicides, such as Ornamec, Fusilade II, and Pylex that will allow you to kill Bermuda grass in a Fescue lawn without killing the Fescue.
All of these work well but may require repeated applications to be successful. The first application should be made in the spring, when the Bermuda grass is breaking dormancy, and then again in Sept/Oct. when the Bermuda grass is preparing for dormancy, (you have perfect timing). NOTE: applications during the hot seasons should be avoided! Even when applied at the proper times, your Fescue lawn may initially show some discoloration or stress. Don’t worry– it should recover within 10-14 days. Be sure to read the label of your product of choice to make sure you are mixing it properly and do not forget to add a surfactant. Try to wait 30 days before you apply any grass seed to the areas you have used the herbicide.
It will also help to mow your Fescue at a taller height than the Bermuda grass. 3 inches or more is best.
Lastly, here is the NCSU Fescue lawn maintenance calendar,
https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/tall-fescue-lawn-maintenance-calendar
I hope this helps! Let us know if you have any other questions.
In the past, we suggested home gardeners dig Bermuda grass out or spray it with a non-selective herbicide and risk killing everything near it. Now, we have better choices. NSCU Extension agents recommend using are targeted herbicides, such as Ornamec, Fusilade II, and Pylex that will allow you to kill Bermuda grass in a Fescue lawn without killing the Fescue.
All of these work well but may require repeated applications to be successful. The first application should be made in the spring, when the Bermuda grass is breaking dormancy, and then again in Sept/Oct. when the Bermuda grass is preparing for dormancy, (you have perfect timing). NOTE: applications during the hot seasons should be avoided! Even when applied at the proper times, your Fescue lawn may initially show some discoloration or stress. Don’t worry– it should recover within 10-14 days. Be sure to read the label of your product of choice to make sure you are mixing it properly and do not forget to add a surfactant. Try to wait 30 days before you apply any grass seed to the areas you have used the herbicide.
It will also help to mow your Fescue at a taller height than the Bermuda grass. 3 inches or more is best.
Lastly, here is the NCSU Fescue lawn maintenance calendar,
https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/tall-fescue-lawn-maintenance-calendar
I hope this helps! Let us know if you have any other questions.
