How to Kill Bermuda Grass in Flower Beds


Bermuda grass is a creeping grass that grows along the surface of the soil. It will slowly cover an entire area with its shoots and choke out other grasses and weeds. Bermuda grass has its place in lawn areas of your yard, but that doesn't prevent it from attempting to make its way into flower beds and other landscaping. This can be taken care of fairly quickly as long as you keep on top of it and don't wait until it gets out of control.

Step 1

Trim Bermuda grass as it starts growing into the plant beds. Use a weed eater or cut it with a knife.

Step 2

Dig a narrow trench around flower beds with a shovel. The trench will help keep landscaping from being damaged if you are using a weed eater, and it will also allow you to see the grass more easily if it tries to creep across.

Step 3

Spray the trench area with an herbicide to kill the grass along the edges. You can also sprinkle salt in the trench to keep all vegetation from growing in that area for long periods of time.

Step 4

Spray flower areas with a selective herbicide that kills grass and not plants. As you spray, avoid getting it on the flowers just to be on the safe side.

Step 5

Spread a layer of mulch 4 to 6 inches thick. This will block out the light and keep grass and weeds from easily growing in the flower beds. It will also kill grass that is already there.

Things You'll Need

  • Weed eater
  • Shovel
  • Herbicide or selective herbicide
  • Salt
  • Mulch


  • Gardening Know How: Pet Friendly Weed Killer
  • Utah State University: Bermuda Grass Control
Keywords: kill Bermuda grass, flower bed care, keep grass out