Best Pre-Emergent For Bermuda Grass of 2024: Top 6 Picks

By Harry RamosLast update: 2024-04-26

When it comes to maintaining a lush and weed-free Bermuda grass lawn, choosing the right pre-emergent herbicide is crucial. Pre-emergents work by preventing weeds from germinating, giving your Bermuda grass a head start in the battle against unwanted plants. In this article, we'll explore the six top-rated picks for the best pre-emergent for Bermuda grass.

Here are the best pre-emergents for bermuda grass you can buy in 2024:

  • Best For Fall (Granular Pre-Emergent): Quali-Pro Prodiamine 65 Wdg 5lbs
  • Best For Early Spring (Granular Pre-Emergent): The Andersons Barricade Professional-Grade
  • Best For Poa Annua Control (Granular Pre-Emergent): Yard Mastery 7.39211E+11
  • Preventer, Weed Killer, & Fertilizer (Granular Pre-Emergent): Scotts 26003
  • Best For Dormant Bermuda Grass (Liquid Pre-Emergent): Atticus 520115
  • Best For Dandelion Control (Liquid Pre-Emergent): Liquid Harvest Mesotrione
6 Best Pre-Emergents For Bermuda Grass
Best For Fall
Quali-Pro Prodiamine 65 Wdg 5lbs
  • Granular Pre-Emergent
Best For Early Spring
The Andersons Barricade Professional-Grade
  • Granular Pre-Emergent
Best For Poa Annua Control
Yard Mastery 7.39211E+11
  • Granular Pre-Emergent
Preventer, Weed Killer, & Fertilizer
Scotts 26003
  • Granular Pre-Emergent
Best For Dormant Bermuda Grass
Atticus 520115
  • Liquid Pre-Emergent
Best For Dandelion Control
Liquid Harvest Mesotrione
  • Liquid Pre-Emergent

Best For Fall: Quali-Pro Prodiamine 65 Wdg 5lbs

Quali-Pro Prodiamine 65 Wdg 5lbs
Quali-Pro Prodiamine 65 Wdg 5lbs
Pros
  • No need for multiple applications throughout the year - Long-lasting formula
  • Cost-effective - a 5-pound bottle size for coverage of approximately 5 acres
  • Easy to use
Cons
  • Requires proper timing

Are you tired of dealing with pesky weeds in your Bermuda grass lawn during the fall season? Look no further than the Quali-Pro Prodiamine 65 Wdg 5lbs Granular pre-emergent.

The 5-pound bottle size is perfect for homeowners with larger lawns. It provides ample coverage (approximately 5 acres) and ensures cost-effectiveness, saving you money in the long run.

The active ingredient, Prodiamine 65%, targets grasses and broadleaf weeds before they even have a chance to germinate, effectively stopping their growth and establishment in your Bermuda grass.

Quali-Pro Prodiamine 65 Wdg 5lbs Specifications

Weight

5 Pounds

Ingredients

Prodiamine 65%

Highlight Features

Long-lasting formula

A 5-pound bottle size for coverage of approximately 5 acres

Verdict

Say goodbye to unsightly weeds and hello to a lush and vibrant Bermuda grass lawn. The Prodiamine 65 Wdg 5lbs Granular pre-emergent is your secret weapon for fall weed control.

Best For Early Spring: The Andersons Barricade Professional-Grade

The Andersons Barricade Professional-Grade
The Andersons Barricade Professional-Grade
Pros
  • Help establish a weed-free lawn - 0.48% barricade
  • Able to prevent over 30 different grass and broadleaf weeds
  • Provide better control of weeds - DG Pro formulation
Cons
  • Limited coverage area
  • Timing-sensitive application

This top-notch product is your secret weapon for establishing a weed-free lawn and ensuring the best possible conditions for your Bermuda grass in early spring.

What sets it apart is the professional-grade formulation.

With 0.48% barricade as its active ingredient, it provides superior residual control of weeds by targeting the root tips of newly germinated weeds. This means that weed growth is halted before it even begins, giving your Bermuda grass the advantage it needs to thrive.

Not only Bermuda grass, this ingredient can prevent over 30 different grass and broadleaf weeds, giving you peace of mind and saving you from potential weed headaches down the line.

The Andersons Barricade Professional-Grade Specifications

Weight

40 Pounds

Ingredients

0.48% barricade

Highlight Features

0.48% barricade

DG Pro formulation

Verdict

The Andersons Barricade Professional-Grade - Granular pre-emergent is the best option for early spring use.

Best For Poa Annua Control: Yard Mastery 7.39211E+11

Yard Mastery 7.39211E+11
Yard Mastery 7.39211E+11
Pros
  • Effective Poa annua control - Prodiamine
  • Provide season-long protection - Long-lasting formulation
  • Safe to use on most warm- and cool-season grasses
Cons
  • The large granular size may be easily stuck in some spreaders

Making this product the best choice for Poa annua control is its active ingredient, prodiamine.

This powerful ingredient has a proven track record in effectively combating Poa annua, ensuring that your lawn remains free from its presence. By inhibiting its growth at the early stages, prodiamine prevents Poa annua from taking over your beautiful Bermuda grass.

Additionally, it provides season-long prevention, so you won't have to worry about frequent applications or Poa annua resurfacing throughout the year. This means more time to enjoy your Bermuda grass and less time spent battling weeds.

Yard Mastery 7.39211E+11 Specifications

Weight

3 pounds

Ingredients

Prodiamine

Highlight Features

Prodiamine

Long-lasting formulation

Safe to use on most warm- and cool-season grasses

Verdict

Yard Mastery 7.39211E+11 is the ultimate choice for Poa annua control, offering a range of features that specifically target and eliminate this stubborn weed.

Preventer, Weed Killer, & Fertilizer: Scotts 26003

Scotts 26003
Scotts 26003
Pros
  • Convenience - a 3-in-1 solution that acts as a weed killer, preventer, and lawn fertilizer
  • Suitable for both small and large lawns - coverage of up to 4,000 square feet
  • Long-lasting effects
Cons
  • Chemical odor
  • High price point

The Scotts 26003 stands out for its 3-in-1 formula.

It acts as a weed killer, preventing the growth of over 50 listed weeds, including common intruders like clover and plantain. At the same time, it serves as a preventer, inhibiting the germination of crabgrass. This ensures comprehensive weed control and prevents future infestations.

Additionally, the herbicide provides essential nutrients to feed and nourish the lawn, promoting thick and green growth.

Its fertilizer analysis of 28-0-3 highlights the high nitrogen content, which promotes healthy grass growth without excessive phosphorus or potassium.

Scotts 26003 Specifications

Weight

20.3 Pounds

Ingredients

Pendimethalin, MCPP-p, and 2,4-D

Highlight Features

A 3-in-1 solution that acts as a weed killer, preventer, and lawn fertilizer

Coverage of up to 4,000 square feet

Verdict

Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action is the best option for a combined preventer, weed killer, and fertilizer, offering a range of features that make it highly effective in promoting a healthy lawn.

Best For Dormant Bermuda Grass: Atticus 520115

Atticus 520115
Atticus 520115
Pros
  • Flexible application timing, both before and after weed emergence - Mesotrione
  • Budget-friendly price point
Cons
  • Slow results

Packed with unique features, the Atticus 520115 is highly effective in controlling weeds and promoting the health and growth of Bermuda grass during its dormant phase.

One of the standout features is its active ingredient, mesotrione, inhibits the HPPD enzyme in plants, specifically targeting broadleaf weeds while minimizing harm to Bermuda grass.

It offers both contact and residual control, effectively tackling a wide range of weeds without compromising the dormant Bermuda grass.

What's more, it offers the same efficiency as other well-known brands but at a more cost-effective price, making it an attractive choice for homeowners seeking high-quality turf herbicides.

Atticus 520115 Specifications

Weight

8 Ounces

Volume

8 Fluid Ounces

Ingredients

Mesotrione

Highlight Features

Mesotrione

Verdict

Atticus 520115 is the ultimate solution for treating dormant Bermuda grass.

Best For Dandelion Control: Liquid Harvest Mesotrione

Liquid Harvest Mesotrione
Liquid Harvest Mesotrione
Pros
  • Effective dandelion control - 40% mesotrione
  • Great flexibility - suitable for both pre- and post-emergent use
  • Easy to mix and apply
Cons
  • No complaint

This product is widely recognized as one of the top choices for effective dandelion control.

With the main ingredient of 40% mesotrione, it selectively targets dandelions while minimizing harm to surrounding desirable vegetation, such as grasses.

Meanwhile, its formulation allows for both pre- and post-emergent use, providing comprehensive control at different stages of dandelion growth. Whether you want to prevent new dandelions from emerging or target existing ones, this product offers flexibility in application timing.

Moreover, Liquid Harvest Mesotrione is designed for ease of use. Its concentrated formula enables efficient mixing and application, ensuring that you can treat your lawn effectively without wasting product. With the 8oz size, you'll have enough coverage to tackle a significant area, making it suitable for various lawn sizes.

Liquid Harvest Mesotrione Specifications

Weight

11.36 Ounces

Volume

8 ounces

Ingredients

Mesotrione

Highlight Features

40% mesotrione

Verdict

The Liquid Harvest Mesotrione - 8oz stands out as the best option for dandelion control due to its selective action, dual pre- and post-emergent use, ease of application, and sufficient coverage.

How To Choose The Best Pre-Emergent For Bermuda Grass?

Active Ingredient

The active ingredient is the powerhouse of any pre-emergent herbicide.

Look for products containing effective ingredients such as prodiamine or mesotrione. These active ingredients specifically target the weeds common to Bermuda grass lawns, providing targeted control while preserving the health of your grass.

Timing

Timing is everything when it comes to applying pre-emergents.

For Bermuda grass, it's crucial to apply the herbicide in early spring or fall before weed germination occurs.

Understanding the specific timing requirements of your chosen pre-emergent will ensure maximum effectiveness.

Selectivity

Selectivity refers to a pre-emergent ability to target weeds while sparing desirable grasses.

Opt for a selective pre-emergent that is formulated to minimize damage to your Bermuda grass, allowing it to thrive while effectively controlling weeds.

Formulation

Granular and liquid formulations are the most common.

Granular pre-emergents are typically easy to spread and provide even coverage, while liquid pre-emergents offer flexibility in application methods.

Coverage and Application

Evaluating the coverage area provided by the pre-emergent product will depend on the size of your lawn.

Ensure that the product you choose offers enough coverage to treat your entire lawn effectively.

Additionally, consider the ease of application, as some products may require specialized equipment or techniques.

Which Brands Make The Best Pre-Emergent For Bermuda Grass?

Quali-Pro

Quali-Pro is a trusted name in the lawn care industry. They are known for their high-quality pre-emergent herbicides that provide effective weed control for Bermuda grass.

Customers love Quali-Pro for their reliable products that deliver long-lasting results, helping them achieve a weed-free and healthy lawn.

The Andersons

With a history dating back to 1947, The Andersons is a well-established brand in the turf care market. Their pre-emergent herbicides are renowned for their professional-grade quality and exceptional performance.

Besides, their expertise and dedication to developing reliable products make them more and more beloved.

Yard Mastery

Yard Mastery is a newer player in the lawn care industry, but they have quickly gained popularity among homeowners. Their pre-emergent herbicides are highly regarded for their innovative formulations and high effectiveness in controlling weeds, including those specific to Bermuda grass. Plus, they're easy to use.

Scotts

A household name in lawn care, Scotts has been providing solutions for beautiful lawns since 1868. Their extensive research and development result in products that are widely recognized for their ability to tackle various weed species in Bermuda grass lawns.

FAQs

When should I put pre-emergent on Bermuda?

The best time to apply pre-emergent on Bermuda grass is in early spring before weeds germinate, typically when soil temperatures reach around 55-60°F.

Will pre-emergent stop Bermuda from spreading?

Pre-emergent herbicides target weed seeds and prevent their germination, but they do not directly stop Bermuda grass from spreading.

Proper cultural practices, such as regular mowing and maintenance, are essential to control Bermuda grass spread.

Can I put pre-emergent on new Bermuda sod?

Yes, you can apply pre-emergent on new Bermuda sod, but it's important to wait until the sod has rooted and established before applying.

Should I cut grass before or after pre-emergent?

It is generally recommended to mow the grass before applying pre-emergent.

By mowing beforehand, you create a shorter and more even surface, allowing the pre-emergent to reach the soil more effectively and provide better weed control.

Do you water after applying pre-emergent?

Yes, it is important to water the lawn after applying pre-emergent.

Water helps activate the pre-emergent herbicide and ensures that it properly penetrates the soil.

Conclusion

The use of pre-emergent can be a great way to help keep your bermuda grass healthy and green. Pre-emergents are an important part of any lawn care routine, so it is important to choose the right one for your yard.

We hope that this guide has helped you determine what the best pre-emergent for bermuda grass is and will allow you to make an informed decision when selecting a product.

With regular applications of the correct pre-emergent, your lawn should thrive and look its best!

I’m Harry Ramos, who's crazy about all things green. I’m here to share some experience in my gardening adventure and how to choose the best products for your garden. Let's dig in, get our hands dirty, and celebrate the simple, earthy pleasures of the garden together!


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