Weed Control On Dormant Bermuda And Zoysia

Controlling weeds on dormant bermudagrass and zoysiagrass is a popular practice during the winter months. Many superintendents and athletic field managers choose to use glyphosate to control annual bluegrass and broadleaf weeds on dormant turf. Although very cost effective, timing is critical and it may take multiple applications for the tougher to control weeds. Miss your spray window and you will find yourself using a more expensive approach.

Be very cautious during applications! Injury, delayed green-up, and, possibly, death could be observed during spring transition if the turfgrass plant is not in full dormancy. If there is any sign of green tissue on the bermudagrass or zoysiagrass, reframe from doing it. Do not just do a drive by – get down on your knees and look under the canopy for green stems or leaves. Be sure to check protected areas and south facing slopes first, since, they will green up first.

If you feel you have missed your spray window for using glyphosate – no problem! There are some non-glyphosate options (Katana, Negate, Revolver) that can be used safely on partially green bermudagrass or zoysiagrass. Use caution as these sulfonylureas can move easily. A heavy rain after application can wash these products off your targeted area and into your desired cool season roughs.

Another common practice when spraying dormant turf with glyphosate is tank mixing a pre-mergent for your summer annuals, such as, oxidiazon, prodiamine (Armortech Kade), or flumioxazin (Sureguard). Think of it as killing two birds with one stone. The trick of the trade is waiting to spray as late into winter as possible before green-up, so, your pre-emergent lasts longer into the summer.