8 Best Pre-Emergents for Bermuda Grass: Lawn Care and Maintenance

Kenneth Wilson

Are you browsing for the best pre-emergent for Bermuda grass? Well, you're in luck as we've compiled this list to save you long hours of browsing through dozens of online reviews. (Related: Best Fertilizers for Bermuda Grass: A Buyers Guide 2022)

Bermuda grass lawns are known to be beautiful and strong. It can withstand drought conditions and even hot temperatures… but the thing is, it can be prone to invasive weeds. One good way to help your lawn stray away from weed infestation is by treating it with a commercial pre-emergent weed killer designed to stop the weed from germinating and thriving.

2,942 Ratings

It allows extensive penetration of more particles per square inch, ensuring effective weed control for your Bermuda grass lawn.

1,484 Ratings

It is specially formulated to get rid of more weeds and invasive grasses than other counterparts in the market today. It also has several application methods (through a handheld sprayer or spreader).

2,560 Ratings

The WeedEx technology is designed to stop plant cell division; if the cells cannot divide, the plant won't thrive.

313 Ratings

It is a liquid pre-emergent herbicide that can protect your Bermuda grass from 50+ different broadleaf weed infestations. But, it is known for its effective elimination of crabgrass.

5,400 Ratings

It can block weed development for six months, guaranteed. Application is also a breeze thanks to its easy-to-use flip-top applicator.

0 Rating

This product is commonly used in established residential lawns and ornamental landscape areas. Compared to other Crabgrass preventers, it can be applied up to 4 weeks later.

56 Ratings

Barricade is a great granular pre-emergent for Bermuda grass. It is a flexible, broad-spectrum herbicide that you can use on different grass types.

2,942 Ratings

It contains the active ingredient Prodiamine, a selective, contact herbicide that prevents seed germination and weed growth. Also, you must follow proper application timing.

In This Review & Buyers Guide

8 of our Favorite Pre-emergents for Bermuda Grass

Even with the different types of pre-emergent products in the market today, there's no need to be overwhelmed by the decision you need to make. Listed below are our top pre-emergent for Bermuda grass recommendations as of late:


Formulated with 0.48% active ingredient prodiamine, the Pro Turf Barricade from The Andersons is one of the best pre-emergent for Bermuda grass in the market today. It is known to be a professional-grade weed killer, preventing the likelihood of a weed problem before they get out of your control. It allows extensive penetration of more particles per square inch, ensuring effective weed control for your Bermuda grass lawn. The product is known to get rid of crabgrass and broadleaf weeds efficiently, and it also works all season long.

Pro Tip: Apply this product in the spring and fall, with adequate irrigation or rainfall.


If you're looking to prevent unsightly chickweed, crabgrass, poa annua, and henbit on your Bermuda grass lawn, the Scotts WeedEx Prevent is an excellent choice. The WeedEx technology is designed to stop plant cell division; if the cells cannot divide, the plant won't thrive. It lasts for nine weeks, the average growth cycle of common lawn weeds.

According to the warning label, it may not effectively cover deeply-burrowed seeds or any seeds introduced after application. 

Advantages


  • You will only need one application per season
  • It is effective in preventing the growth and seed formation for nine weeks
  • One bag is enough to cover 5000 sq ft.

Disadvantage


  • If your Bermuda grass is dealing with a severe infestation, you may need to apply more than one bag (or pre-emergent application).

Specially designed to keep weed seeds from starting, the Preen Extended Control Weed Preventer is another excellent pick. It can block weed development for six months, guaranteed.

Application is also a breeze thanks to its easy-to-use flip-top applicator. The granules will need watering to allow the active ingredients to form an effective barrier in blocking out weeds from taking over your lawn. Not only does it create a weed barrier on the soil's surface, but it also creates one underneath. Experts suggest applying this product sometime in the spring, but you may use it on your lawn at any season.


Barricade is a great granular pre-emergent for Bermuda grass. It is a flexible, broad-spectrum herbicide that you can use on different grass types aside from Bermuda grass. It is formulated to stop the germination and growth of common grassy and broadleaf weeds on your turf.

One main product highlight is its .58% Prodiamine formulation, which can be applied on your lawn using a  broadcast spreader. You can count on this product to mix well, and it is easy to clean up after application.


Similar to Barricade, Quali-Pro offers an excellent weed killer for residential lawns that require watering.

In particular, it is specially formulated to get rid of more weeds and invasive grasses than other counterparts in the market today. It also has several application methods (through a handheld sprayer or spreader). One bottle (5 lbs.) can cover up to 44,000 sq ft. You can count on one bottle to last you through multiple applications if you have a small yard to treat.

Important Note: These granules are more effective in weed seed germination prevention instead in dealing with existing, active weeds. It can be effective for up to 6 months.

Advantages


  • One bottle (5 lbs.) is enough to cover up to 44,000 sq ft
  • It gives you the most bang for your buck
  • It is effective in preventing seed germination of many weed types

Disadvantage


  • This product is not so effective on already established weeds

Formulated to stop broadleaf weeds (and other grassy weeds) dead in their tracks, the Prodiamine 65 WDG can be used any time in the spring and summer months. It is a liquid pre-emergent herbicide that can protect your Bermuda grass from 50+ different broadleaf weed infestations. But, it is known for its effective elimination of crabgrass.

Prodiamine works fine with iron solutions and fertilizers. Since it is a dry, granular product– it must be mixed with water instead of applied directly on your lawn using a hose or other spraying device.


Fertilome also has an excellent pre-emergent for Bermuda grass, which contains the Dithiopyr active ingredient. It is formulated to stop roots from growing once they emerge from their seed.

This product is commonly used in established residential lawns and ornamental landscape areas. Compared to other commercial pre-emergence Crabgrass preventers, it can be applied up to 4 weeks later. You can count on the Hi-Yield Turf & Ornamental Weed And Grass Stopper to provide efficient control of crabgrass and other broadleaf weeds and annual grass.

Important Note: Since it has Dithiopyr, it would be best to wear protective clothing when applying the chemicals through a spreader.

Advantages


  • It has an easy application
  • It prevents weeds from thriving on your Bermuda grass
  • It prevents the roots from growing and spreading (if applied during the spring and fall months)

Disadvantage


  • Ideally, it must be applied at specific times to ensure the best results

Lastly, we're big fans of Anderson's Barricade as it is proven to eliminate grassy weeds growing on gardens and lawns without harming the surrounding ornamentals. It contains the active ingredient Prodiamine, a selective, contact herbicide that prevents seed germination and weed growth.

But just like the other products we've included in this list, you must follow proper application timing to ensure its maximum effectiveness. Don't forget to water in this pre-emergent, as the weeds that come in contact with the granules are the ones that will be killed off.

Advantages


  • This pre-emergent is commonly used on lawns and garden borders
  • It is especially effective on Crabgrass, poa annua, goosegrass, and henbit

Disadvantages


  • It needs adequate watering to be activated
  • It may leave behind some faint stains after application

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When should you apply pre-emergent on your Bermuda grass lawn?

They must be applied when the air temperature reaches 65 to 70°F for four successive days during the spring. They should also be used when nighttime lows get 55 to 60°F for four straight nights during fall. It is essential to treat the lawn's entire area using pre-emergent herbicides.

Does pre-emergent kill Bermuda grass?

Pre-emergent herbicides that have been approved for use help stop seeds from germinating. But even if home gardeners are permitted to use those containing active chemicals such as trifluralin, pendimethalin, and oryzalin, they are still all harmful to some extent.

Can you put too much pre-emergent down?

In addition to not being cost-effective and violation of label instructions, applying excessive herbicide may damage the turfgrass depending on the product used and the extent. Later in the season, too much herbicide can also hinder the grass seed from being correctly established.

What month should I apply pre-emergent?

The best time to apply pre-emergent herbicide is during early spring and fall. They may be used year-long and still prevent fresh weeds from growing. Weeds usually sprout during fall and spring, making it the ideal period for application.

Kenneth Wilson
July 14, 2022
2terra, Reviews, Yard & Garden

Kenneth Wilson

Retired contractor. Currently residing in Southwest Florida. Now in semi-retirement, I write and manage this blog focused on helping home owners make savvy decisions when it comes to finding contractors and getting their projects done. I also operate remodeling design service for homeowners.

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