How to remove Bermudagrass from a Zoysia lawn

[@djbdubbbpm6625]

If you are skeptical about mixing chemicals try Ornamec 170 which has some of the same ingredients as Fulisade. Mixing it is simple and it works on my zoysia lawn in NW Fla to eliminate Bermuda grass. Just remember to use a surfactant so it clings to the unwanted grass and not run off into the soil. Probably takes a few growing seasons to totally eliminate Bermuda grass. I used zoysia plugs to fill in bare areas as well. If you scarify the area between your plugs they will grow faster too. Most ppl have Bermuda invading their yard but just don't know it. Good luck

[@alexandersackman8611]

Hey Paul! Fellow North Carolinian here (in the Raleigh area). I’ve got Zeon and Emerald Zoysia. Love your videos, they are super informative and help me learn a lot about taking care of my zoysia. I have a small amount of wild Bermuda creeping in my lawn. I treated it yesterday using Ornamec 170. I’ve seen your videos where you mix Triclopyr in with the Fluazifop to make it safer on the zoysia. I was confused at first since I’ve read that Triclopyr by itself will kill or severely injure Zoysia. However I came across a study (conducted by researchers from University of Tennessee and Auburn, I believe) that concluded adding Triclopyr to Fluazifop does make it safer while not impacting the effectiveness of Bermuda control. Interesting how that works. I am curious about your experience using Fluazifop alone vs mixing the two. Since I applied only Fluazifop (at a low rate), I am anxious to see how my turf handles it. Zeon and Emerald seem to be a little more sensitive to these herbicides. Any advice or experience you can share would be super helpful. Thanks!

[@NCGrassPlugs]

I have never used either one alone but the mix is safe on Zeon. I have 2000ft² of zeon and they don't harm it at all. Fusilade by itself (at the rate that I recommend) won't kill zoysia but it'll injure it, as wrll as the bermuda. The problem with that is the bermuda will bounce back faster than the zoysia therefore grabbing a greater foothold in your lawn. My video was shot 2 weekends ago and the bermuda is just now showing signs of decline and discoloration.

[@alexandersackman8611]

@@NCGrassPlugs hey Paul, I applied the Ornamec 170 alone 10 days ago and I see the Bermuda is struggling a little bit, but nothing crazy. Thankfully zoysia is untouched. I picked some some Triclopyr ester to mix in for my second (and all subsequent) applications. Do you have any instructions specifically the steps to take to tank mix the two herbicides? And will I be okay to reapply my second treatment 2 weeks after the first? Will switch to every 4 weeks after that but the Bermuda is running around quite a bit.

[@NCGrassPlugs]

@@alexandersackman8611 start with a half tank of water. Mix one herbicide, mix, the next herbicide, mix, add the remaining water and mix.

[@subninja8069]

Am in central Indiana and I have the same problem in my zoysia lawn

[@alexandersackman8611]

@@NCGrassPlugs Thank you sir! I applied this combo one week ago. The zoysia had some yellowing tips for about five days but grew out of it pretty easily and zero real damage beyond that. The bermuda has stopped growing completely and has already started to brown and shrivel up. Happy with the results so far, will be re-applying at 4 week intervals.

[@markhouston4473]

Great Video! Yours plugs are looking good.

[@markhouston4473]

Did you apply the mixture to the new plugs as well?

[@cdavidhord]

I would recommend extreme caution in using this formulation. Do a small test area and not your whole lawn. Do not blanket spray, but just spot treat. I blanket sprayed my 1 year old Zeon zoysia lawn using this formulation and caused severe damage to the lawn. After 7 weeks am getting some recovery in my back lawn but my front has only partially recovered in patches. I may need to re-sod my front lawn next year. If you experiment, try reducing the concentration of the two products-you can go up for a subsequent application if you do not see damage. When I blanket sprayed, you can see where my spray overlapped with lines of very brown zoysia-be careful about spray overlap. I'm trying to nurse my lawn back, but it has been frustrating. Last year everyone remarked about how amazing my lawn was (it was), and now they ask what happened (its ugly)! The bermuda in the lawn has recovered and is growing, though it was stunted. (Edit-see my correction in the reply area-the damage may be from a fungal infestation in my Zeon. All seems improved after azoxystrobin spray application.

[@NCGrassPlugs]

Good advice. The Zeon that I have is unaffected when sprayed so I am thinking that your mix is a little hot. I also get some burn when I apply in the middle of the day, I think the heat and sunlight have something to do with it.

[@cdavidhord]

@@NCGrassPlugs I want to apologize for thinking perhaps the formula for bermuda control might be impacting my Zeon zoysia. I got suspicious that I may have a fungal infection affecting the anemic growth and responsible for the brown haze. I blanket sprayed azoxystrobin and in 4 days my grass is showing tremendous growth and color intensification. I see fine new growth in the browner areas. This is my first year with zoysia and am convinced that you should just apply an insecticide for grubs in May and in the early fall, and definitely apply an antifungal early in June and late July/early Aug. Also, newcomers, don't be foolish and impatient like me and scalp in early March. The subsequent cold weather we had in Charlotte really hurt that scalped Zeon. I'll wait till late May or early June next year. We learn by our mistakes. I just spot sprayed the the remaining bermuda last week and am hopeful my Zeon will smother it now that its growing.

[@NCGrassPlugs]

@@cdavidhord Thank you, no offense taken. I just received the new product that you mix with Fusilade for Bermuda control. I hope to shoot a video this weekend.

[@randallalderman2260]

Did you do a follow up video to show the results ?

[@NCGrassPlugs]

I did not. I am in the process of shooting a new video with the new formula. This is going to be a much better alternative

[@randallalderman2260]

@@NCGrassPlugs any updates ?

[@ObeyMorsa]

Is this good to use on 3 month old zoysia plugs? Ive noticed some bermuda growing where the zoysia is not spread to yet

[@NCGrassPlugs]

You can use it and it shouldn’t be a problem but there’s a chance it can make the zoysia yellow.

[@allinsuranceadvisors5534]

What's the mix rate for a 1 Gallon sprayer?

[@NCGrassPlugs]

You have to watch the video or read the description….this information is in both places.

[@davidburgos8233]

Is there a preferred height the lawn should be at when applying?

[@NCGrassPlugs]

I always apply 1-2 days after mowing. As long as the bermuda is exposed, you're good.

[@gamecock2465]

I have a cultivar called Royal zoysia a fine blade variety, is this mixture safe for it? The common Bermuda is taking over, alpha grass is no lie.

[@NCGrassPlugs]

I don’t know. This is safe on Zeon zoysia which is a fine bladed cultivar.

[@gamecock2465]

@@NCGrassPlugs guess I’ll just do a test patch I’d hate to smoke off the zoysia I do have remaining.

[@dennisdawes3842]

I contacted the maker of Triclopyr with a question re: safety of using product on Zoysia and never got a response. Looked it up online and it says it will kill zoysia. I've used Fusilade by itself with a non ionic surfactant and it appears to be working. Are you saying the Triclopyr is safe IF mixing with Fusilade? FWIW I'm in Tampa, Fl.

[@NCGrassPlugs]

Yes it is. I know it is safe on Zeon, Zenith, Compadre and Meyer.

[@TheSoloAsylum]

Why no videos since this application? I was hoping there was an update.

[@NCGrassPlugs]

I got rid of the Meyer zoysia and plugged in El Toro. After power taking, Bermuda has popped up everywhere and we will begin treatments this weekend if the rain holds out.

[@mntlblok]

@@NCGrassPlugs Whoa! Bermuda be unstoppable??

[@NCGrassPlugs]

@@mntlblok there’s a new recommended herbicide mix to get rid of the Bermuda and it has knocked out 100% of it in my lawn. I have a video on it on my channel. Recognition herbicide with a higher amount of Fusilade II.

[@tonyvol256]

Hi Paul. I applied the mix you outlined in your videos to remove bermuda from Zeon Zoysia. I applied the application on 6/28 and noticed a couple of days later some slight yellowing here and there on the Zeon blades but not much happening yet on the Bermuda blades. Is that normal?

[@NCGrassPlugs]

Within 2 weeks you should see the bermuda decline and the zoysia rebound.

[@davidburgos8233]

Does it matter time of day or how hot it is when applying?

[@NCGrassPlugs]

I always try to avoid applying in the heat of the day.

[@davidburgos8233]

@@NCGrassPlugs I applied it today around 7:30 so no extreme heat or sun. Should it sit for 24 hrs before watering the lawn?

[@NCGrassPlugs]

@@davidburgos8233 That is what I do

[@lobo11141]

Where’s the update?

[@CCCC-tq8yo]

?

[@NCGrassPlugs]

I will cover this in one of my videos. I lost half of my lawn to the severe drought and had grubs that I didn’t know about - though it could also be nematodes. The only Bermuda I see is popping up where I have zoysia die off from last summer. This herbicide combo doesn’t do a 100% job but keeps it knocked down to the dirt. There aren’t many options out there but a new one will hit the market next year.

[@CCCC-tq8yo]

??

[@NCGrassPlugs]

@@CCCC-tq8yo Are you not watching my current videos?

[@subninja8069]

Is cool season gas herbicide

[@NCGrassPlugs]

I don't understand what you're saying

[@CCCC-tq8yo]

@@NCGrassPlugs gas heebicide

[@williamp925]

How much Fusilade 2 should I use to make 1 gallon? Your new video has a different ratio.

[@NCGrassPlugs]

What are you mixing it with? The new mix that uses Recognition goes out at .55 oz of Fusilade

[@williamp925]

@@NCGrassPlugs triclopyr 4 and MSO

[@NCGrassPlugs]

@@williamp925 I believe it is .12 oz in that mix

[@jimmyanthony6557]

Did you stop making videos?

[@NCGrassPlugs]

No, just have had a super busy Spring. I have a vid to shoot next weekend and it will be a project video.

[@jimmyanthony6557]

@@NCGrassPlugs Awesome, what kind of mower do you use?

[@NCGrassPlugs]

@@jimmyanthony6557 I have a 27” TRUCUT reel and a Redmax CZT60X. We are not feel mowing this year….that’s what my first video will be about.

[@jimmyanthony6557]

@@NCGrassPlugs Thanks, just installed Zoysia last fall and looking forward to your vids.

[@jimmyanthony6557]

How’d you get your walk speed down to know you’d end up applying the 4 gallons evenly across the 4k square feet? Just practice with water first?

[@CCCC-tq8yo]

????

[@NCGrassPlugs]

Just uploaded a new video on the topic