How to Kill Goosegrass (Silver Crabgrass) in Bermudagrass Without Hurting Your Lawn
Direct Agronomic Answer
To selectively kill Goosegrass (Silver Crabgrass) in Bermudagrass without damaging your turf, apply Barricade 4FL (Prodiamine 65 WDG) (Prodiamine 40.7% (or 65% WDG)) when air temperatures are between 45°F and 90°F.
Quinclorac does not control Goosegrass. For Bermudagrass turf, use Metribuzin or Revolver, or apply pre-emergent Prodiamine or Dithiopyr 2 to 3 weeks after crabgrass timing as Goosegrass germinates at warmer soil temperatures (60°F–65°F).
1. Labeled Safe Herbicides That Kill Goosegrass (Silver Crabgrass) in Bermudagrass
| Recommended Product | Active Ingredient & Group | Application Temp (°F) | Surfactant & Mixing Protocol | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barricade 4FL (Prodiamine 65 WDG) EPA Reg. 100-1139 |
Prodiamine 40.7% (or 65% WDG) Group 3 (Microtubule Assembly Inhibitor / Dinitroaniline) |
45°F – 90°F Rainfast: 0h |
Pre-emergent soil barrier: do NOT use foliar surfactant. Must be watered in with 0.5 inches of irrigation or rainfall within 14 days of application to activate. | Check Price at DoMyOwn View on Amazon |
2. What NOT to Spray on Bermudagrass When Treating Goosegrass (Silver Crabgrass)
Warning: Common Goosegrass (Silver Crabgrass) Killers That Damage Bermudagrass
Many retail herbicides advertised for Goosegrass (Silver Crabgrass) are formulated for different turf zones and will severely injure Bermudagrass:
- AVOID Tenacity (Mesotrione 40%): Rated 'avoid_actively_growing' on Bermudagrass — high risk of turf phytotoxicity or stunting.
- AVOID Acclaim Extra (Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 6.59%): Rated 'avoid' on Bermudagrass — high risk of turf phytotoxicity or stunting.
- AVOID Pylex Herbicide (Topramezone 29.7%): Rated 'avoid' on Bermudagrass — high risk of turf phytotoxicity or stunting.
3. Optimal Seasonal Timing & Temperature Thresholds
Apply pre-emergents in late spring when soil temperatures reach 62°F, and spray post-emergents when tillers are small (1 to 4 tillers) in early summer.
Mature Goosegrass plants form thick tough crowns that resist herbicides. Relieving soil compaction with core aeration significantly reduces re-infestation.
4. Diagnostic Checklist: Confirm It Is Goosegrass (Silver Crabgrass) Before Spraying
- Flattened, prostrate rosette with a prominent whitish to silvery center
- Folded vernation with dark green, smooth, fibrous blades
- Zipper-like seedhead spikes arranged in 2 to 6 terminal segments
Not 100% sure? Use our AI Photo Weed Scanner or review the full Goosegrass (Silver Crabgrass) Botanical Profile.