Lawn care requires selecting the right crabgrass treatment to protect cool-season and warm-season grasses alike. This guide reviews top lawn products designed to control crabgrass and other common weeds, with practical considerations for different grass types and climates. Learn how pre-emergents and post-emergents differ, when to apply, and how to choose a product that won’t harm your turf.
| Product | Brand | Type | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-To-Spray | Ortho | Post-emergent weed killer | Kills crabgrass and other listed weeds in lawns |
| Agralawn Crabgrass Killer | Agralawn | Post-emergent herbicide | Targets weeds with leaf uptake; safe for listed grasses |
| Scotts WeedEx Prevent with Halts | Scotts | Pre-emergent weed preventer | Prevents crabgrass all season; broad seasonal protection |
| Roundup for Lawns Crabgrass Destroyer2 | Roundup | Post-emergent weed killer | Kills crabgrass and other grasses to the root |
| BASF Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Killer | BASF | Post-emergent herbicide | Broad-spectrum control with 30-day residual |
| BioAdvanced All-in-One Lawn Weed & Crabgrass Killer | BioAdvanced | Post-emergent weed killer | Fast-acting on mature crabgrass and other common weeds |
Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-To-Spray
Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-To-Spray provides fast-acting control of crabgrass and common lawn weeds such as dandelion, clover, chickweed, and foxtail. Designed for broadcast treatment on common lawn grasses including Bermudagrass, Buffalagrass, fescues, Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass, and Zoysiagrass, this product targets listed weeds down to the root. It offers a one-application solution when used as directed, helping homeowners achieve visible weed reduction without harming established turf.
Agralawn Crabgrass Killer
Agralawn Crabgrass Killer is a post-emergent treatment designed for use on St. Augustine, Common Bermuda, Bahia, and Centipede grasses. It works when applied to the leaves, entering the plant to wipe out weeds at the root. The formulation emphasizes minimal impact on listed warm-season grasses, making it suitable for lawns dominated by St. Augustine or Bermuda varieties while targeting crabgrass and other broadleaf/weedy grasses.
Scotts WeedEx Prevent with Halts
Scotts WeedEx Prevent with Halts is a pre-emergent weed killer designed to prevent crabgrass and other grassy weeds before they germinate. It is recommended for early spring applications for season-long control and can also be used in fall to suppress winter weeds like Poa annua, henbit, and chickweed. This product helps maintain a weed-free lawn by stopping crabgrass before it starts, suitable for a variety of turf types when used as directed.
Roundup for Lawns Crabgrass Destroyer2
Roundup for Lawns Crabgrass Destroyer2 is a ready-to-use post-emergent solution designed to kill crabgrass and other grassy weeds down to the root. It is formulated for use on Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue, perennial ryegrass, and tall fescue, enabling targeted application in active lawns. The product emphasizes rapid weed kill and compatibility with common cool-season grasses when applied as directed.
BASF Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Killer
BASF Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Killer for Lawn & Turf features a water-based formulation that supports rapid plant uptake and faster visible results. It delivers up to 30 days of residual control, helping keep turfgrass free from crabgrass and other weeds for longer. The product is a broad-spectrum option addressing crabgrass, foxtail, kikuyu grass, signal grass, torpedo grass, and common broadleaf weeds like bindweed, clover, dandelion, and more when used as directed.
BioAdvanced All-in-One Lawn Weed & Crabgrass Killer
BioAdvanced All-in-One Lawn Weed & Crabgrass Killer is a ready-to-use solution formulated to target hard-to-control weeds like mature crabgrass, dandelion, clover, foxtail, and yellow nutsedge. It promises to be gentle on Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass, and Fescue when used as directed while delivering fast-acting control that lasts up to several months, helping maintain a weed-free lawn while protecting turf health.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Pre-emergent vs post-emergent: Pre-emergents prevent crabgrass before germination, ideal for early spring or fall applications; post-emergents kill existing weeds but may require multiple applications for persistent infestations.
- Grass type compatibility: Ensure the product is labeled for your lawn grasses (Bermudagrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Fescue, St. Augustine, etc.) to minimize potential turf injury.
- Weed spectrum: Some products target a broad range of weeds (dandelion, clover, foxtail), while others focus on crabgrass specifically. Choose based on the weeds present in your lawn.
- Environmental factors: Consider rainfast times and the potential for runoff. Water-based formulations may offer faster uptake but require proper weather conditions for application.
- Application method: Ready-to-use sprays are convenient for small-to-medium lawns; concentrates require mixing and may be more economical for large areas.
- Safety and timing: Follow label directions for mowing height, irrigation, and re-entry intervals to protect people, pets, and turf.
- Resistance management: Avoid over-reliance on a single mode of action. Rotate products with different active ingredients to reduce weed resistance.
- Lawn goals: If you want continuous prevention, integrate a pre-emergent into your annual plan; for immediate weed control, combine post-emergent treatments with proper lawn maintenance.