Bermuda Grass eradication - Ask Extension
Hello,
We are hoping to eliminate the Bermuda Grass in a back yard that was foolishly sown about 10 years ago.
The plan is to cover the entire are...
Knowledgebase
Bermuda Grass eradication #926823
Asked March 26, 2026, 1:50 PM EDT
Hello,
We are hoping to eliminate the Bermuda Grass in a back yard that was foolishly sown about 10 years ago.
The plan is to cover the entire area (with generous cover at the borders) using black plastic starting in April, ending in early September. Will this be effective and kill the deep roots? Early September we would like to till and reseed. Good plan?
Kent County Michigan
Expert Response
Good Afternoon,
Four basic steps to solarizing
1. Cut the bermudagrass as low as
possible, remove the clippings and
water the area well.
2. Make sure the area is as level as
possible because you will not want
air pockets between the ground and
the plastic that you will use in the
next step.
3. Place clear, ultraviolet-protected
polyethylene over the area. The
plastic should extend roughly 2 feet
beyond the bermudagrass stolons to
make sure the infested area is
covered.
4. Maintain the plastic in place and
intact for 4 to 6 weeks.
Shade reduces effectiveness.
Shade will reduce the effectiveness of
solarization. You will want to prepare
the area for planting before solarization.
It is recommended that cultivation occur
only in the top 2 to 3 inches of soil. This
is to prevent bringing viable weed seeds
or pathogens to the surface.
Unfortunately, soil solarization will take
your area out of cultivation for a season,
but it has the advantage of being
nonchemical and effective in controlling
other pests in the area.
To learn more, an in-depth explanation
of soil solarization is available from the
University of California at:
http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES
Solarization for Bermudagrass
Bermudagrass Control Options for Reseeding | K-State Turf and Landscape Newsletter
2008mar80.pdf
I hope this helps. Thanks for using our service.
Four basic steps to solarizing
1. Cut the bermudagrass as low as
possible, remove the clippings and
water the area well.
2. Make sure the area is as level as
possible because you will not want
air pockets between the ground and
the plastic that you will use in the
next step.
3. Place clear, ultraviolet-protected
polyethylene over the area. The
plastic should extend roughly 2 feet
beyond the bermudagrass stolons to
make sure the infested area is
covered.
4. Maintain the plastic in place and
intact for 4 to 6 weeks.
Shade reduces effectiveness.
Shade will reduce the effectiveness of
solarization. You will want to prepare
the area for planting before solarization.
It is recommended that cultivation occur
only in the top 2 to 3 inches of soil. This
is to prevent bringing viable weed seeds
or pathogens to the surface.
Unfortunately, soil solarization will take
your area out of cultivation for a season,
but it has the advantage of being
nonchemical and effective in controlling
other pests in the area.
To learn more, an in-depth explanation
of soil solarization is available from the
University of California at:
http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES
Solarization for Bermudagrass
Bermudagrass Control Options for Reseeding | K-State Turf and Landscape Newsletter
2008mar80.pdf
I hope this helps. Thanks for using our service.
