Best Crabgrass Preventers 2022: Stop Those Weeds Now

Wondering how to get rid of Crabgrass? We all want a beautiful lawn, but sometimes annoying weeds like Crabgrass pop up. If you don’t take care of it early on, this weed can grow into something tough to control. Luckily, there are products on the market today that will help prevent and kill this weed for you! We’ve done the research and figured out which are the best crabgrass preventers on the market today. Our buyer’s guide includes detailed reviews and tips for using. This is the year to say goodbye to Crabgrass for good.

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Crabgrass is a common weed found in many lawns across the country. It makes your yard look unsightly and will take over your property if left unchecked. If you don’t take care of it, this weed will spread and grow out of control.

Luckily there are products on the market today that help with stopping Crabgrass from taking over your lawn. Some kill the weeds directly, while others prevent them from growing! But which one should you use and when?

This guide will help you choose the best product for your particular situation. You’ll learn about different brands and their ingredients, so make an informed decision when purchasing these chemicals. We’ll also give you some tips to help you use them safely and responsibly!

What is Crabgrass?

Crabgrass is the bane of many homeowners’ existence. It is an annual weed that grows in the spring, peaks during the summer months, and dies off as fall sets in. Crabgrass is a warm-season grass and germinates when soil temperatures reach between 60-55 degrees Fahrenheit. This can vary depending on where you live. In warmer climates, it can germinate as early as February and as late as May in cooler regions.

Crabgrass is a tough weed to get rid of because its roots form a crab-like structure that remains shallow in the ground. This makes it difficult to dig out by hand. Depending on where you live, Crabgrass can start as early as February and as late as May in cooler regions.

What Does Crabgrass Look Like?

Crabgrass leaves are typically lighter green and often have a purple tinge. They grow in a tight, compact crab-like circle (hence the name). The stems spread out like a star.

The seed heads form in the summer and fall months. They are pretty distinctive and look like protruding fingers, giving rise to its Latin name Digitaria which means “resembling fingers.”

The new seedlings may be hard to distinguish from your grass. However, when the Crabgrass starts to mature, the plant has thicker, courser blades than grass. It also grows much faster than the surrounding grass, making it quite noticeable.

What Is So Bad About Crabgrass?

Crabgrass will compete with your grass for water, nutrients, and light. It grows faster and can endure harsher climates. This gives it an advantage over your grass, and it can quickly become the dominant plant on your lawn. Like any other lawn weed, it will be very good at taking over and choking out your grass if left unchecked.

Finding this post helpful? See all our lawn care articles.

Crabgrass Preventer vs. Crabgrass Killer

Pre-emergent (crabgrass preventer), act before the seeds germinate. These products create a barrier that prevents the seeds from germinating and growing.

Crabgrass preventers play an essential role in any lawn care program, especially crabgrass control. Apply them BEFORE the weed seeds germinate. One application will usually protect you right through the germination period. It should be noted that any pre-emergent will prevent any roots from growing, so you do not want to apply this kind of product if you are seeding your lawn.

Post-emergent (crabgrass killer), on the other hand, is an herbicide you apply AFTER the weeds have already grown in your yard. It is applied directly to the leaves. The plants quickly absorb the active ingredients, and it dries quickly afterward.

Best Crabgrass Preventers (Pre-emergent)

Quali-Pro Prodiamine, Pre-Emergent Herbicide

Looking for an effective way to control weeds both spring and fall? Look no further than Quali-Pro’s Prodiamine 65 WDG! This commercial-grade product is perfect for crabgrass control. It works well on various pesky weeds like Annual bluegrass, Henbit, Knotweed, Chickweed, Spurge, Foxtail, and Goosegrass.

Prodiamine is sold as dry granules that need to be mixed with water. It is safe to combine with fertilizer and iron solutions to save time. The flexible application allows for both spring and fall use, making it an excellent choice for keeping your lawn looking its best all year round.

This video details how to mix and apply Prodiamine 65 WDG.

Reviewers rave about its performance, calling it the “best they’ve ever used.” Mix Prodiamine with water and apply it easily to your lawn for season-long crabgrass prevention.

• Commercial grade providing season-long crabgrass control
• Flexible application for both spring and fall
• Safe to mix with fertilizer and iron solutions
• Thousands of 5-star reviews

Active Ingredients

Prodiamine

Things you should know before buying.

Some reviewers complained that the mixing instructions and application ratios are poorly written. I found an online calculator here. Along with some application recommendations. The manufacturer does not recommend using a hose-end spraying device for the application. You should use a sprayer to apply, plus neoprene gloves, safety glasses. Some users also wore a face mask when mixing, applying, and cleaning up as an extra precaution.

Are you looking for a pre-emergent weed control option that will prevent Crabgrass from even germinating? Prodiamine 65 WDG from Quali-Pro is your answer. The flexible application allows you to use it in spring or fall, whichever is most convenient for your schedule. It also mixes wonderfully with fertilizers and iron solutions. Reviewers call this their go-to product because it works so well!

Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer

If you are a lawn enthusiast, then you will be familiar with the brand name Scotts. Scotts has been manufacturing high-quality lawn care products since 1868. Their Halts Crabgrass and Grassy Weed Preventer is one of the best crabgrass preventers around.

This product contains pre-emergent herbicide, which means it prevents crabgrass seeds from germinating in your lawn before they start to spread. It is safe for use on most turf grass, making it a versatile option for many homeowners.

Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer comes in a ready-to-use form which makes it easy to apply. All you need to do is put it in your spreader, adjust the settings and walk.

One bag will treat up to 5,000 square feet, and one spring application will last all season. It’s rain, snow, or freezing weather-resistant, so you can rest assured that your lawn will be weed-free regardless of the conditions.

Reviewers love it because of its ease of use, effectiveness, and value for money. You can’t get a better deal than this! If you’re looking for an easy way to keep your yard Crabgrass free, this will be your best friend.

• One application will protect your lawn from Crabgrass for the whole season.
• It will keep working no matter how bad the weather is after application.
• Treats up to 5,000 sq. ft.
• Your lawn will be the envy of your neighborhood.

Active Ingredients

Pendimethalin 1.71%

Things you should know before buying.

Shop around for the best price! I have seen it listed between $20-$100. I found this was the best price at writing, but you should shop around to make sure. Make sure you are getting a good deal.

You will need to purchase a broadcast spreader to ensure the product is applied evenly. The manufacturer says that this should not be used on bentgrass or dichondra. Also, this product should not be used on lawns that have just been seeded. You need to allow two months between applications.

Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer is a pre-emergent herbicide. It prevents Crabgrass and other problem weeds from growing in the first place. It’s easy to apply, rain or snow resistant and works well. Keep your yard looking great all season long.

Spectracide Weed Stop For Lawns

Spectracide Weed Stop for Lawns is a convenient 2-in-1 product that kills established weeds and prevents Crabgrass from growing. The protection lasts for up to 5 months.

It’s safe for use on established lawns when used as directed and eliminates 200 types of weeds. This 10.8-pound bag covers up to 3,000 square feet, so it is perfect for use on small lawns.

It is recommended for use on various grasses, including Fine and Tall Fescues, Kentucky Bluegrass, and Perennial Ryegrass. You can also use it on Buffalograss, Zoysia.

Active Ingredients

2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid 0.64%, Dithiopyr 0.16%, Mecoprop-p 0.14%, Dicamba 0.06%,

Things you should know before buying.

Shop around before purchasing. I have seen prices ranging from $13 – $79 a bag. If you have a more extensive lawn, you will need to buy multiple packs. You do not want to be paying $79 for each one! At the time of writing, the best price was here.

The manufacturer recommends applying this product to wet grass as it needs to stick to the leaves of the weeds to work. They warn that poor results will occur if you use it to dry grass. The lawn should not be watered or disturbed for 24 hours after application.

Again you will need a broadcast spreader to ensure the product is applied evenly.

Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action

Looking for an easy and effective way to get your lawn looking its best? Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action has you covered! This product gives you three products in one go. You can kill weeds, prevent Crabgrass, and feed your grass all with a single application. This product makes it easy to keep your lawn healthy and green. Simply apply it once and enjoy a weed-free lawn for up to four months. This product is perfect for Fine and Tall Fescue, Bahia, Blue Perennial, Kentucky, Centipede, Zoysia, Rye, and Bermuda Grasses.

The pellets are small, so you should be able to use any type of broadcast spreader. A 20 lb. bag will treat 4,000 sq. ft. of lawn.

Reviewers raved about how well it worked and reported that it was effortless to apply. More than one person said they fired their lawn care company and switched to this product. Now they have a great lawn at a fraction of the cost!

• Save time and effort with a three-in-one formula.
• Feed your grass, kill weeds, and prevent Crabgrass for 4 months.
• Save money on expensive lawn care services.
• Works on most grasses.

Active Ingredients

0.810% Pendimethalin, 0.690% 2,4-D, 0.345% methylchlorophenoxypropionic acid

Things you should know before buying.

This product does not kill existing Crabgrass. Apply to a wet lawn and water after 24 hours for best results. Keep people and pets off the treated area until the granules have settled. Some reviewers cautioned against applying this product when there is any breeze. The lightweight granules get blown around, and you will not end up with an even distribution.

If you’re looking for an easy and effective way to get your lawn looking its best, Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action makes lawn care easy! This three-in-one product saves time and money. Simply apply it once and enjoy a weed-free lawn for up to four months. So don’t wait any longer; order your bag today!

Pro tip: The Scotts “my lawn” app is a great tool. It makes custom lawn care recommendations based on your location, weather, and lawn size. It can even measure your lawn using GPS.

All of the above products are good choices for preventing the growth of Crabgrass. But what if it is already growing on your lawn? If that is the case, you will need the services of a crabgrass killer. Here are our top three recommendations.

Best Crabgrass Killers (Post-emergent )

Tenacity Turf Herbicide – 8 ounces

Stubborn Crabgrass is no match for Tenacity Turf Herbicide! This innovative product is a systemic herbicide that is absorbed and moves throughout the plant’s tissues.

The active ingredient is a sulfur compound called mesotrione. It works by preventing photosynthesis, thus depriving plants of nutrition. It’s a slower process than traditional herbicides, but it usually starts working within a few days.

Tenacity was granted a ‘reduced-risk’ status by the Environmental Protection Agency. This means you can rest assured that it is safe for children and pets once it has dried on your lawn.

Reviewers called this product magic, saying that it helped get rid of stubborn Crabgrass and other weeds. Stubborn weeds may require a second application, but Tenacity is still your best bet for an environmentally friendly product.

Some stubborn weeds may need several applications. Excessive use of this product can non- permanent whitening of the turfgrass foliage. This may last for several weeks, so do not be alarmed.

This small bottle lasts a long time as it only needs 1 tsp per gallon. Reviewers with large lawns commented that their bottle lasted for many seasons.

Tenacity can also be used as a crabgrass preventer, but the protection offered is only 30 days. This is much shorter compared to other products.

• Kills weeds without harming your lawn.
• Safer than a lot of herbicides.
• Doesn’t harm children or pets
• Lasts a long time, so it is economical over the long run.
• Just under 5,000 reviewers gave this a 5-star rating.

Active Ingredient

Mesotrione 40%

Things you should know before buying.

This product needs to be mixed with a surfactant. While products are available to buy, a squirt of soap like Dawn will suffice.

The date printed on the bottle is Manufacture Date, not expiration. This product will keep for 5-8 years if you keep it away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

This product is labeled for use on Tall and Fine Fescue, Kentucky Buffaloe, Centipede, Buffalo, Perennial Rye, and St Augustine Grasses. Other grasses may be killed alongside the weeds.

Roundup For Lawns3

Roundup For Lawns3 is the weed-killing formula that doesn’t harm your lawn. The Ready-to-Spray applicator makes it easy to cover a large area quickly. Simply connect it to your garden hose, and you’re good to go! There is enough to spray 5,000 sq. ft.

Kills over 250 types of weeds, including Crabgrass, dandelion, clover, and yellow nutsedge. This weed killer gets to work quickly and efficiently. After 3 hours, it no longer matters if it rains.

Reviewers reported that this product works very well on Crabgrass. Many commented that it was easy to use and killed Crabgrass that other herbicides left behind.

• Kills weeds without harming your lawn.
• Gets to work quickly.
• For use on St. Augustinegrass, Centipedegrass, and Zoysiagrass lawns.
• Easy to use
• Does not contain glyphosate

Active Ingredients

MCPA, dimethylamine salt 3.85%, Quinclorac 1.8% Dicamba, dimethylamine salt 0.43% Sulfentrazone 0.22%

Things you should know before buying.

Do not confuse this product with those from the company RoundUp. It is confusing as the name is similar, but this is actually a product made by the Bayer group for Scotts.

Some reviewers complained that this weed killer did not protect weeds for very long.

Select Source Quinclorac 75 Herbicide

Quinclorac 75 DF Select is a selective crabgrass killer that controls many grassy and broadleaf weeds without harming your grass. It works for up to 90 days and kills grassy and broadleaf weeds.

Quinclorac is selective because it does not harm turf, making it ideal for use around desirable plants. Crabgrass is one of the many weeds this product can control.

The active ingredient is Quinclorac. This herbicide works by imitating and replacing plant growth hormones. This stops the weed from growing correctly and kills the plant.

I debated including this product as it is formulated for commercial use and needs to be handled carefully. It seems to be more toxic than the other products listed. However, it got very high reviews from users who rave about its ability to kill Crabgrass. You can read the manufacturer’s recommendations here and see if you are comfortable using them.

• Works for up to 90 days.
• It is effective for both grassy and broadleaf weeds.
• Selective herbicide, so it will not kill your grass.
• It is particularly effective on Crabgrass.

Active Ingredients

MCPA, dimethylamine salt 3.85%, Quinclorac 1.8% Dicamba, dimethylamine salt 0.43% Sulfentrazone 0.22%

Things you should know before buying.

This is another product that works better with a bit of surfactant mixed in.

The manufacturer recommends using safety glasses, long-sleeved shirts and long pants, closed shoes, and chemical-resistant gloves made of waterproof material.

Safe to use on Bermuda, Blue, Kentucky Blue, Buffalo, Tall Fescue, Annual Rye, and Zoysia grasses. Be cautious about using it on any other types of grasses.

Looking to save time? Using a product that does more than one job can make a huge difference to your lawn care schedule. Check out our buyer’s guide for the best weed and feed products.

Tips For Applying Crabgrass Preventers

To get the most out of your pre-emergent herbicide, you need to follow the 3Cs. Use the correct product at the right time in the correct way.

Correct product: Crabgrass preventers are formulated to do one thing-prevent Crabgrass from germinating. They are not meant to control Crabgrass once it has started growing. If you have a problem with crabgrass plants on your lawn, then a pre-emergent is not the right product for you. You will need a post-emergent herbicide to kill them.

Correct time: There is a tiny window of time where crabgrass preventers can be applied. They must be used before the Crabgrass germinates and grows. This happens after the soil has warmed up in spring but before the seeds germinate. We cover this in more detail below.

Correct way: Each product must be applied in the right amount and in the right way to work. Some are granular and must be spread with a broadcast spreader. Others are in liquid form and must be applied with a sprayer. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions down to the last detail. They will give full directions regarding how much to apply, what concentrations to use, and how to spread.

Lawn Safety

Let’s face it, most herbicides are toxic to humans and their pets. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use them, but it does mean you should take the proper precautions. Here are a few tips.

Check your local and state regulations before you apply! You don’t want to discover you have used a banned product in your community.

do not use these products on windy days. Otherwise, the herbicide may not be applied evenly and could end up damaging your plants. Even worse, it might end up in neighboring yards and damaging their plants.

Be sure to keep children and pets out of the treated area until the product has had a chance to dry, usually 24 hours. Check and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Always wear long pants, closed shoes, and gloves when working with any herbicide. You may even want to wear a face mask. This document details the types of masks available.

Keep all chemicals in their original containers. Store well out of reach of children and pets. Read the instructions carefully and be sure to follow any safety directions.

Cleaning off the driveway or sidewalk following a spill is essential. This also prevents the substance washing down storm sewers and waterways with the rain.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to dispose of empty containers responsibly. Do not rinse or place in the recycling unless instructed to do so. If in doubt, simply take the open container to a waste site providing hazardous waste collection.

Common Ingredients

We’ve listed the active ingredients in all the products we have reviewed. Common ingredients found in the best crabgrass preventers include:

• Prodiamine: Prevents grassy and broadleaf weeds by inhibiting the formation of microtubules. These play a crucial role in plant growth.
• Pendimethalin: Controls annual grasses and some weeds by restraining cell division and cell elongation.
• Dithiopyr: Prevents root growth of grassy and broadleaf weeds.

Crabgrass Preventer and Killer FAQs

When should I apply a crabgrass preventer?

Scientists at Cornell University found that Crabgrass germinates between 59F to 65 F. So, you want to apply a crabgrass preventer before that happens. They suggest doing this when the soil temperatures between 0-2 inches consistently reach 50-55 F. You can

• Use a soil thermometer.
• Use the website GDD tracker (GDD growing degree-days). Enter your Zipcodes and click on “Crabgrass PRE
• Watch for the forsythia bush to bloom. Apparently, it is an excellent indication that the time is right to apply the pre-emergent products.

Applying the pre-emergent herbicides at the right time ensures the chemical is in the soil and prevents the germination of crabgrass seeds.

When is it too late to apply? When you see the Crabgrass starting to grow. At that point, you need to switch to a crabgrass killer.

How long does crabgrass preventer last?

That depends on the particular product you choose. The pre-emergents last from a few weeks to all season long in most cases (see our review for specifics). But remember that these products just prevent the germination of crabgrass seeds. They do not kill existing weeds or grasses.

Will rain wash away pre-emergent?

Rain will not wash away the pre-emergent product. In fact, it will make the product more effective. The pre-emergent needs to be watered in within a few days after application. The water will help the product move down into the soil and create a chemical barrier to keep the Crabgrass from growing.

Does crabgrass killer kill grass too?

Most crabgrass killers are selective herbicides, so they will not kill the grass. They are specifically designed to kill Crabgrass and other weed plants but not harm the grass.

Having said, that do check the label before purchase. Some crabgrass killers will kill certain species of grass types as well. Manufacturers will list what grasses the product is safe to use on.

Can you just pull Crabgrass out?

Yes, you can pull Crabgrass out by hand. But, it is much easier to just prevent them from growing in the first place. It will take more time and effort to remove the weed manually and probably require you to get down on your hands and knees. If you prefer to go this route, pull the weeds while they are young, leaving behind less of a hole. Also, mature Crabgrass contains seed heads that scatter thousands of seeds on that nicely prepared soil patch.

The proper tools will make it so much easier to pull the crabgrass out manually. Check out our buyer’s guide for the best weed puller tools.

What causes Crabgrass?

Crabgrass grows when a seed finds the right conditions to germinate. Seeds will usually lie dormant in the soil until the conditions are ideal. They sprout and grow into full-fledged crabgrass plants quickly. It tends to thrive in hot and dry conditions when the grass is struggling. It will also succeed in moist or poorly drained soils. Like many weeds, it is an opportunistic species and will take over any open space it can find.

The best way to prevent Crabgrass is to be diligent about lawn care. This would include

• Dethatching and aerating your lawn every year
• Mowing high and removing only the top third of the grass blade each time you mow
• Watering deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth in the grass.
• Applying a pre-emergent herbicide before Crabgrass germinates.
• Overseeding and repairing bare patches in the lawn
• Dealing with lawn disease and pests before they kill your grass, leaving bare spots.

Final Thoughts

Pre-emergent herbicides are an essential part of crabgrass prevention. Applying them at the right time and following the directions on the product label will give you the best chance to stop this weed before it gets started. If you find yourself with a few crabgrass plants, you can move over to a crabgrass killer. We hope this buyer’s guide has made choosing the best crabgrass preventer easier for you.

Why Should You Trust My Recommendations?

When I write one of these review posts, I do the kind of research I would do if I was buying the item. I have access to Consumer Reports, so I check to see what they say. I post questions on Facebook gardening groups and other forums to ask for recommendations. Finally, I look at the customer reviews to see what people have to say, both good and bad.

It is not unusual for me to recommend something that will not give me an affiliate commission. In this post, none of the links to Lowes are affiliate links. I will not get a penny if you purchase this item, but you will get the best deal on them, which is important to me. Unfortunately, I do not have the financial resources to buy every item. Still, I am a gardener with 40 years of experience. I know what works and what doesn’t. This post represents about 6 hours of research.