The best crabgrass killers fall into two categories:
- Pre-emergent herbicides prevent crabgrass seeds from germinating.
- Post-emergent herbicides kill crabgrass after it has already appeared.
Choosing the right product depends on when you notice the problem.
Below are six of the best crabgrass killers available.
Best Crabgrass Killers
1. Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer
- One application prevents crabgrass all season long
- Apply in spring to prevent crabgrass and problem weeds all season long
- Fall application prevents winter weeds, such as poa annua, henbit and chickweed
Scotts Halts is one of the most trusted pre-emergent crabgrass preventers available. It creates a protective barrier in the soil that prevents crabgrass seeds from germinating throughout the season. It’s ideal for homeowners looking to stop infestations before they begin.
Features
- Pre-emergent formula
- Prevents crabgrass before germination
- Controls many grassy weeds
- Long-lasting seasonal protection
- Easy-to-spread granular formula
- Compatible with most lawn spreaders
- Suitable for many cool- and warm-season grasses
Best For
Preventing crabgrass in spring before weeds emerge.
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2. BioAdvanced All-In-One Lawn Weed & Crabgrass Killer
- ALL-IN-ONE FORMULA: BioAdvanced’s All-in-One formula kills listed lawn weeds and crabgrass without harming the lawn
- KILLS TOUGH WEEDS: Control over 200 broadleaf weeds like dandelion, clover, and crabgrass using our powerful weed killer…
- DOWN TO THE ROOT: BioAdvanced All-In-One Lawn Weed and Crabgrass Killer I penetrates and removes tough listed weeds down…
If crabgrass has already invaded your lawn, BioAdvanced All-In-One is an excellent post-emergent option. It kills existing crabgrass along with hundreds of other broadleaf weeds while leaving most established turf grasses unharmed when used as directed.
Features
- Post-emergent weed killer
- Controls crabgrass and over 200 lawn weeds
- Rainproof within hours
- Fast visible results
- Ready-to-spray hose-end application
- Safe for established lawns when used properly
- Covers large lawn areas
Best For
Killing actively growing crabgrass.
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3. BASF Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Herbicide
- Water-Based Formulation: Experience the power of our unique water-based formulation that ensures superior control and fa…
- Extended Residual Control: Enjoy up to 30 days of residual control, keeping your turfgrass free from troublesome weeds f…
- Broad-Spectrum Weed Control: Effectively targets a wide range of weeds, including crabgrass, foxtail, kikuyu grass, sign…
Drive XLR8 is considered a professional-grade crabgrass herbicide. Landscapers frequently use it because it works on both young and mature crabgrass, making it one of the most effective post-emergent solutions available.
Features
- Professional-strength formula
- Contains the quinclorac active ingredient
- Controls mature crabgrass
- Works on numerous grassy weeds
- Concentrated formula
- Large coverage area
- Can be mixed with compatible surfactants for improved performance
Best For
Heavy crabgrass infestations and professional lawn care.
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4. Syngenta Tenacity Herbicide
- Tenacity is a systemic pre-emergence and post-emergence herbicide for the selective contact and residual control of weed…
- When applied as a pre-emergent, weeds absorb Tenacity during emergence from the soil.
- Target pests: Barnyardgrass, Carpetweed, Chickweed, Clover, Crabgrass (large & smooth), Dandelion, Foxtail, Goosegrass, …
Tenacity has become extremely popular among homeowners because it offers both pre-emergent and post-emergent control. Unlike many herbicides, it can even be used during lawn seeding for certain grass types, making it highly versatile.
Features
- Pre- and post-emergent control
- Controls crabgrass and many other weeds
- Professional-grade concentrate
- Safe on many cool-season grasses
- Excellent for lawn renovations
- Long residual activity
- Small bottle treats large areas
Best For
Lawn renovation and comprehensive weed management.
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5. Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer
- Kills Crabgrass, Dandelion, Clover, and other common weeds found in your lawn with Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Read…
- Fast-acting weed killer, with results in one application
- Kills Weeds – Won’t Harm Lawns (when used as directed)
Ortho WeedClear is designed primarily for broadleaf weeds but also provides control of certain grassy weeds, including young crabgrass. It’s easy to use and widely recommended for residential lawns.
Features
- Ready-to-use spray
- Fast-acting formula
- Kills visible weeds quickly
- Won’t harm lawns when used correctly
- Hose-end sprayer available
- Easy application
- Suitable for many common turf grasses
Best For
Spot-treating smaller crabgrass patches.
6. Spectracide Weed Stop For Lawns Plus Crabgrass Killer
- KILLS WEEDS – NOT THE LAWN: When used as directed
- VISIBLE RESULTS IN 5 HOURS: Conquer unruly weeds and see visible results in as fast as 5 hours
- KILLS 470+ WEED TYPES AS LISTED: Kills broadleaf and grassy weeds including dandelion, chickweed and clover as well as c…
Spectracide Weed Stop combines broadleaf weed control with effective crabgrass management. It provides excellent value for homeowners looking to control multiple lawn weeds with a single product.
Features
- Selective post-emergent herbicide
- Controls crabgrass and broadleaf weeds
- Quick visible results
- Rainfast after drying
- Available in concentrate and ready-to-use versions
- Covers large lawns
- Easy application
Best For
Treating mixed weed infestations in residential lawns.
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How to Choose the Best Crabgrass Killer
Not every product works the same. Before purchasing, consider the following factors.
Pre-Emergent vs. Post-Emergent
This is the most important decision.
Pre-emergent herbicides prevent crabgrass seeds from sprouting. Apply them before soil temperatures consistently reach around 55°F in spring.
Post-emergent herbicides kill crabgrass that’s already growing. They’re best used while the weeds are still young and actively growing.
Some products, such as Tenacity, provide both types of control.
Lawn Type
Always verify that the product is compatible with your grass type. Some herbicides are safe for Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass but may damage St. Augustinegrass, centipedegrass, or other warm-season grasses.
Coverage Area
Granular products often cover between 5,000 and 15,000 square feet, while concentrated liquids may treat even larger areas depending on dilution rates.
Ease of Application
Choose a formulation that matches your equipment:
- Granules for broadcast spreaders
- Hose-end sprays for convenience
- Concentrates for backpack or pump sprayers
- Ready-to-use bottles for spot treatments
Active Ingredients
Common active ingredients include:
- Quinclorac
- Mesotrione
- Prodiamine
- Dithiopyr
- Pendimethalin
Each works differently depending on whether you’re preventing or killing crabgrass.
Tips for Better Crabgrass Control
Using a herbicide correctly greatly improves your results.
- Apply pre-emergent products in early spring before germination.
- Mow your lawn at the recommended height to shade out crabgrass seedlings.
- Water deeply but less frequently to encourage healthy turf.
- Fertilize appropriately to maintain dense grass.
- Repair bare spots quickly since crabgrass thrives in thin areas.
- Follow all label instructions regarding watering, mowing, and reseeding.
A thick, healthy lawn is one of the best long-term defenses against crabgrass.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kills crabgrass permanently?
No product permanently eliminates crabgrass because new seeds can germinate each year. Combining a pre-emergent herbicide with proper lawn maintenance offers the best long-term control.
When should I apply crabgrass preventer?
Most homeowners should apply pre-emergent herbicides in early spring before crabgrass seeds begin germinating. Timing varies by climate but generally occurs when soil temperatures consistently reach about 55°F.
Can I seed my lawn after using crabgrass preventer?
Many pre-emergent herbicides prevent desirable grass seed from germinating as well. Always check the product label for reseeding intervals. Some products, like Tenacity, are more compatible with new lawn establishment.
Is crabgrass killer safe for pets?
Many products are considered safe once they have dried or been watered into the soil according to label instructions. Keep pets off treated areas until the label indicates it is safe to return.
Which is better: granular or liquid crabgrass killer?
Granular products are generally best for preventing crabgrass over large areas, while liquid herbicides are more effective for killing existing crabgrass and spot-treating problem areas.
Final Thoughts
Crabgrass can quickly ruin the appearance of an otherwise healthy lawn, but the right herbicide makes it much easier to control. If you’re trying to prevent crabgrass before it starts, Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer is an excellent choice.
For existing infestations, BASF Drive XLR8, BioAdvanced All-In-One, and Spectracide Weed Stop offer powerful post-emergent control. Meanwhile, Syngenta Tenacity provides exceptional flexibility with both pre- and post-emergent performance.
Whichever product you choose, proper timing, correct application, and maintaining a dense, healthy lawn will provide the best defense against crabgrass year after year.
