How to Kill Spreading Stolons of Bermudagrass

Bermudagrass is favored in many areas of the south for its ability to withstand heat and drought. However, the rapidly growing grass is also considered a pest by many homeowners. Bermudagrass grows in an outward direction via above-ground stolons. This rapid growth pattern quickly kills any surrounding grass and vegetation. Killing the Bermudagrass stolons requires multiple treatments of chemicals since it must flow down into the extensive underground root rhizomes.

• 1

  Wait until early spring and allow the Bermudagrass to grow to a height of at least 3 to 4 inches. The taller the stolons on the Bermudagrass the more chemical they will absorb into the roots.

• 2

  Open a garden sprayer and fill it with a post-emergent herbicide that contains sethoxydim. Mix in the amount of water indicated on the instructions, if applicable. Close the sprayer and rock it gently to mix the herbicide and water together.

• 3

  Walk over the surface of the lawn and identify any clumps of Bermudagrass. Spray the herbicide onto the visible sections of the grass until it drips off. Concentrate the liquid on the stolons, which are the stem-like projections from which the blades protrude.

• 4

  Wait until the Bermudagrass reaches a height of 5 inches and reapply the herbicide to the stolons and blades. Use the same application method as the first time, making sure that the chemical drips off of the leaves.