How to Get Rid of Bahia Grass

Bahia grass is a native Brazilian grass that was imported for use in the U.S. Southeastern pastures and lawns because of its heat and drought tolerance. Bahia grass has deep roots, tough stolons and a flat habit of growth, making it sturdy and stubborn. Although newer varieties grow more evenly and are hardy further north than the original cultivars, Bahia grass has proven unattractive in lawns. Some of its better attributes also give lawn owners good hints as to how to get rid of it.

Lawn mower

Lawn irrigation system

Nitrogen-rich fertilizer

Post-emergent broadleaf weed and feed

"Cimarron" (previously "Ally") weed killer

Plant trees. The vigor of Bahia grass fades in the shade. Shade trees, shrubs or a healthy stand of centipede or Bermuda grass will weaken it. Bahia's flat crowns die off as new ones are formed and shade retards the growth of new plants. Over time, the more attractive lawn grasses will win out as the Bahia thins. Newer varieties of Bahia grass may be more shade-tolerant than older types.

Keep Bahia grass cut short all season long. Optimum length for this thick-bladed grass is 3 to 4 inches. Use a sharp rotary mower to keep it at a height of 1 to 2 inches so it can't store water effectively. Bahia grass vitality depends in part on its ability to set seed on V-shaped racemes. Frequent mowing helps slow the formation of these double seed stems. Remove more than 1/3 of the leaf whenever possible to put added stress on your Bahia.

Fertilize heavily. Bahia's low fertility needs make it a popular pasture grass. It responds poorly to acidic soil, any soil with a pH of more than 7.0. It also often needs a shot of iron mid-season. Use these needs to discourage your Bahia. Use a nitrogen-heavy fertilizer early and often. Check with your local U.S. Department of Agriculture extension service to find out how to amend your soil to make it less healthy for Bahia grass and more inviting to centipede or Bermuda grass. Since soil conditions vary within every climate area, your extension officer can best advise you on soil amendments, fertilizer types and schedules to kill your Bahia with kindness and temporarily raise the pH of your soil.

Use post-emergent broadleaf Weed-n-Feed. Thicker-leaved varieties of Bahia grass, like Argentine and Pensacola, are more susceptible to broadleaf weed killers than are newer, finer-leaved varieties. Always use herbicides in the recommended strengths; wear protective clothing; and wash equipment and hands after finishing applications.

Use a targeted herbicide like "Cimarron" (previously known as "Ally"). Tifton-9 Bahia grass is 1 of the most-recent types of Bahia grass to be developed. This variety tolerates some shade, over watering and can be mowed fairly short. It is, however, susceptible to "Cimarron." The variety Pensacola, common in the southernmost tier of states including Florida, is also susceptible to this herbicide. Older varieties, like common, Argentine, and Paraguayan varieties, were found to be tolerant to the herbicide in tests conducted by the University of Florida in the 1990s. A more general herbicide would be needed for these varieties.