How Does Bermudagrass Get Into My Lawn? (And How to Stop It!)

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Bermudagrass is one of the most stubborn and aggressive grasses that can invade a lawn. While some homeowners intentionally plant it because of its resilience and drought resistance, others find it a persistent nuisance that spreads uncontrollably. If you have ever battled Bermudagrass, you know that once it takes root, it’s incredibly difficult to remove. It spreads through various methods, including wind-blown seeds, creeping stolons, and underground rhizomes, making it a formidable opponent.

If you’ve noticed patches of coarse, wiry grass taking over your lawn and are wondering how it got there, this guide will help. We’ll explore the many ways Bermudagrass infiltrates lawns and, more importantly, how you can stop it before it spreads further.

The Many Ways Bermudagrass Invades Your Lawn

Bermudagrass is relentless. Unlike some grasses that stay where they’re planted, Bermudagrass actively spreads through multiple pathways. If you’re wondering why it keeps showing up in your yard, here are the most common ways it finds its way in.

Seeds Traveling by Wind, Animals, and Equipment

One of the primary ways Bermudagrass gets into your lawn is through seeds dispersed by wind, birds, and animals. Because the seeds are small and lightweight, they can travel long distances before landing in a new location. Birds, squirrels, and even insects often carry seeds from one area to another, unknowingly introducing them into new lawns.

Lawn equipment can also transport seeds without homeowners realizing it. If a mower, rake, or trimmer is used in a yard with Bermudagrass and isn’t properly cleaned, seeds and small fragments can get carried into another lawn. This is especially problematic for people who use shared landscaping services, where the same equipment is used for multiple properties.

For proper lawn maintenance, check out these fall lawn care tips to keep your yard in top shape.

Stolons: The Above-Ground Creepers

Bermudagrass spreads not just by seeds but also by stolons, which are above-ground runners that extend outward from an existing patch of grass. These stolons creep over sidewalks, flower beds, and driveways, rooting wherever they touch the soil. If you’ve ever noticed Bermudagrass suddenly appearing near the edge of your lawn, it’s likely spread from a nearby patch via stolons.

Even if you try to remove the grass by pulling it up, any stolons left behind can continue growing and expanding, making eradication difficult.

Rhizomes: The Underground Invaders

Perhaps the most frustrating way Bermudagrass spreads is through rhizomes, which are underground stems that grow deep beneath the soil’s surface. Unlike stolons, which you can see and remove, rhizomes are hidden underground, making them even more difficult to control.

Even if you remove the visible portion of Bermudagrass, the underground rhizomes can continue growing and sprouting new grass. This is why simply mowing or pulling up Bermudagrass doesn’t work—it will just grow back unless you remove it at its roots.

For improved lawn aeration and healthier grass growth, check out how to aerate your lawn.

Contaminated Sod, Soil, and Mulch

Bermudagrass can also be accidentally introduced into a lawn through contaminated sod, soil, or mulch. Many people purchase topsoil, compost, or sod from garden centers without realizing that it contains Bermudagrass seeds or root fragments. Once planted, these fragments take root and start spreading, often unnoticed until the grass has firmly established itself.

Before bringing in new sod or soil, always inspect it carefully for any signs of Bermudagrass or unwanted weed growth.

Foot Traffic, Pets, and Lawn Equipment

Even everyday activities like walking across an infested area can contribute to Bermudagrass spreading into new locations. Pets, shoes, and even lawnmowers can carry stolon fragments, seeds, or rhizome pieces from one location to another.

If a neighbor’s yard has Bermudagrass, there’s a good chance it could creep into your lawn over time—especially if there’s no physical barrier between the two properties.

How to Stop Bermudagrass Before It Spreads

Once Bermudagrass starts growing in your yard, it becomes much harder to eliminate. That’s why prevention is key. Here are the best ways to stop Bermudagrass before it becomes a bigger problem.

Use a Pre-Emergent Herbicide in Early Spring

Applying a pre-emergent herbicide is one of the most effective ways to prevent Bermudagrass seeds from germinating. These herbicides create a protective barrier in the soil, stopping seeds from sprouting.

Look for pre-emergent herbicides containing prodiamine, pendimethalin, or dithiopyr—these ingredients specifically target Bermudagrass and other invasive grasses.

Maintain a Thick, Healthy Lawn

A strong, well-maintained lawn is the best defense against Bermudagrass. When your yard is thick and full, it leaves less room for invasive grasses to take root.

Tips for Strengthening Your Lawn:
  • Overseed with dense turfgrass in the fall to fill in bare patches.
  • Fertilize regularly to keep your lawn healthy and resilient.
  • Water deeply but less frequently to promote stronger root systems.

For essential watering tips, check out easy lawn watering tips to keep your grass healthy even in hot weather.

Mow at the Right Height

Bermudagrass thrives when it’s cut short. To suppress its growth, adjust your mower height to 3-4 inches—this shades the soil and prevents Bermudagrass from establishing itself.

Additionally, be sure to bag your clippings to prevent stolon fragments or seeds from spreading further.

Use Deep Landscape Edging

Because Bermudagrass spreads through both stolons and rhizomes, installing deep landscape edging can act as a physical barrier against its invasion.

Use metal, plastic, or concrete edging at least 6 inches deep to block both underground and above-ground spread.

How to Remove Bermudagrass If It Has Already Spread

If Bermudagrass has already taken over parts of your yard, removal is necessary. However, because it spreads so aggressively, getting rid of it requires a thorough approach.

Manually Dig It Out (Best for Small Patches)

If you only have a few small patches, you may be able to dig out the Bermudagrass manually. However, you must remove it at least 6 inches deep to get rid of all rhizomes.

Kill It Using Solarization (Best for Larger Areas)

For larger infestations, solarization is an effective way to eliminate Bermudagrass without chemicals.

How to Solarize an Area:
  1. Cover the affected area with clear plastic sheeting.
  2. Weigh down the edges to trap heat underneath.
  3. Leave in place for 4-6 weeks during the hottest months.

The intense heat will cook the grass and its underground roots, killing it completely.

Use a Selective Herbicide

If manual removal isn’t practical, using an herbicide specifically formulated for Bermudagrass can be effective. Look for products containing fluazifop-p-butyl or fenoxaprop, as these target Bermudagrass without harming other grass types.

Final Thoughts

Bermudagrass is a stubborn invader, but with the right strategies, you can prevent and remove it effectively. By understanding how it spreads and using prevention techniques, you can stop it before it takes over your lawn.

If you’re considering a complete lawn transformation, check out how to turn your lawn into a vegetable garden for an eco-friendly alternative.

If Bermudagrass is already established, don’t wait take action now using solarization, manual removal, or herbicides to regain control of your yard.

Joel Cunningham
Joel Cunningham
Forestry Author

I'm Joel Cunningham, an expert in pruning and weed management with over a decade of experience. My skills are rooted in formal training and extensive practice, focusing on advanced pruning techniques and efficient weed control. I'm known for my quality work, precision, and deep understanding of plant health and soil dynamics. My contributions extend to educational initiatives where I share sustainable practices and advice, establishing myself as a reliable and authoritative figure in the gardening community.

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