This is a procumbent type of plant and easily grows on any surface whether it is a lawn, driveway, or a simple crack in the sidewalk. If you don’t take care of crabgrass in time, it will soon take over your lawn and remove all nutrients from the soil that are necessary for plants. In order to remove and prevent crabgrass, you will have to invest in a decent crabgrass killer. But before that, make sure you acknowledge some important factors of a crabgrass killer.
Shelf Life: When you buy a crabgrass killer, you won’t definitely know exactly how much you will have to use to cover your lawn. In most cases, there will be a significant amount of solution left in the container. If you don’t want to invest in yet another container after a year, you should prefer the one that has a long shelf life. This way, you can keep some spare crabgrass killer in your house and use it in the future if required.
Quantity: Crabgrass killers are available in both, small containers, as well as, large packages. The difference in quantity is provided so that you can select the one that is perfect for your lawn size. If you buy a smaller canister of the crabgrass killer which does not cover your lawn completely, the procedure will be ineffective since it won’t remove the crabgrass completely from your lawn. Effectiveness of the Compound: Crabgrass killers are basically chemical compounds designed to target and destroy crabgrass and other similar anomalies that usually appear in a lawn. But before you buy a crabgrass killer, you need to make sure what other elements it can remove from your lawn. For that, you can simply check the active ingredient in the compound.
Today, we are bringing you the best crabgrass killers present in the market. For this list, we are selecting the most popular as well as effective options you can buy right now. Therefore, you will certainly get satisfying results with the crabgrass killers mentioned on this list. If you are not sure how you can select the perfect crabgrass killer for your lawn, worry not. We will also discuss these products in detail in our Buying Guide for the best crabgrass killers.
Best Crabgrass Killers 2023
Best Crabgrass Killer Reviews
1. Roundup Control Grass Killer Plus Weed Preventer II
It is usually a smart choice to buy a gardening compound that has guaranteed results and is trusted by thousands of users. Thus, our first pick is coming from Roundup which has managed to achieve just that with its crabgrass killer. In the 1st position, we have the Roundup 5101910 crabgrass killer. It is a considerably cheaper option present on our list compared to many other choices. But, it still comes with 16 ounces compound volume and offers a long shelf life that varies from 4 years to 8 years. The Roundup 5101910 is powered by a dual-action formula so that it can remove the crabgrass while preventing the later generation. Roundup is promising nearly 4 months of crabgrass free lawn with the Roundup 5101910Thus, you will be able to use his product on multiple locations such as driveways, sidewalks, and patios. Also, the Roundup 5101910 becomes completely rainproof just after 10 minutes of installation. This makes the compound an ideal choice even if you live in a rainy region. And, once you apply the Roundup 5720010, you will be able to notice the results within just 3 hours. Best Features
Offers about 4 to 8 years of shelf life Visible results under 3 hours 16 ounces quantity Nearly 4 months of crabgrass free lawn is guaranteed Solution becomes rainproof in 10 minutes
Pros
One of the affordable choices in the market Highly popular option Suitable for multiple locations
Cons
Active ingredients should have been better
2. Tenacity Turf Herbicide
In Case you’re wondering if there are any options available for compact lawns or small places, don’t worry. Syngenta is bringing just the right option for you if you want a crabgrass killer for single use. In the 2nd place, we are putting the Tenacity Turf Herbicide. This is a rather compact crabgrass killer solution that offers only 8 ounces of compound volume. But, it is definitely one of the highly effective options since it belongs to the premium range of herbicides. The Tenacity Turf Herbicide Mesotrione 40% active ingredient that allows the solution to work as both, pre-emergence and post-emergence herbicide. Once applied, the Tenacity Turf Herbicide will be absorbed by the crabgrass before it can flourish, offering complete prevention against its growth. The Tenacity Turf Herbicide works for many other problems such as barnyard grass, carpetweed, clover, foxtail, and much more. As for the shelf life, you will be able to store the Tenacity Turf Herbicide for about 5 to 8 years without any problem. Best Features
Offers about 5 to 8 years of shelf life Comes with 40% Mesotrione active ingredient 8 ounces quantity Offers great protection against multiple anomalies Strong solution that works as pre-emergence and post-emergence herbicide
Pros
Great option for single usage Suitable for light applications Offers reliable results
Cons
Not suitable for large lawns
3. Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer
Ortho is also a popular brand name when it comes to gardening equipment and compounds. The following weed killer designed by Ortho also offers desirable results against crabgrass. Our 3rd pick for the best crabgrass killer is the Ortho WeedClear. Unlike most other options, the Ortho WeedClear ships with a container that has a built-in sprayer. This makes it much easier to use, even for beginners. As for the quantity, you will get about 32 ounces of compound in the canister. The Ortho WeedClear solution is designed in such a way that it can remove crabgrass without harming your lawn’s health. Thanks to the design, the Ortho WeedClear is ready-to-use right after you unbox it. This solution works best against problems like dandelion, chickweed and crabgrass. Once installed, the Ortho WeedClear solution becomes completely rainproof within just 1 hour. Therefore, you will be able to use the solution even in monsoon. And once installed, the Ortho WeedClear promises visible results within a couple of hours. The Ortho WeedClear is suitable for up to 5000 sq. ft. wide lawns, which is for this quantity. Best Features
Suitable for up to 5000 sq. ft. lawns Ready-to-use design 32 ounces quantity Offers visible results under a few hours Solution becomes rainproof within an hour of application
Pros
The solution works against nearly 200 types of weeds One of the easiest herbicides in terms of applications Great option for beginners
Cons
Shelf life should have been better
4. Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer
If quantity is what you are looking for, stop right here. The following herbicide made by Scotts offers a great alternative for large lawns. The Scotts Halts Crabgrass Preventer is also a great option for those who own a large lawn. Despite being one of the affordable options, the Scotts Halts Crabgrass Preventer ships in a large package with about 160 ounces volume. As for the active ingredients, the solution features 1.71% Pendimethalin that is suitable for all-season applications. And with such a high quantity, you will be able to cover about 5000 sq. ft. area with ease. One of the ideal timings to apply the Scotts Halts Crabgrass Preventer would be around spring. If done correctly, the solution will prevent the crabgrass problem throughout the season. You can also use the solution around fall to avoid the generation of winter seeds like poa annua, henbit, chickween, etc. Even if it rains or snows after you have applied the product, it will not degrade its performance and you will get the same results. Best Features
Offers about 3 years of shelf life Comes with 1.7% Pendimethalin active ingredient 160 ounces quantity Suitable for all seasons Offers protection throughout the season
Pros
Great option for large lawns Active ingredient is powerful Can be applied in any season
Cons
Application is rather complicated compared to other options
5. BioAdvanced 704140 All-in-OneCrabgrass Killer
BioAdvanced, as the name suggests, is a brand that specifically deals with gardening problems and its solutions. Thus, there are a lot of popular choices designed by BioAdvanced like the one mentioned here. The BioAdvanced 704140 is an all-in-one option present on our picks for the best crabgrass killer. Even though it only arrives in an 80 ounces canister, it is still capable of covering a large area and offers dominant results thanks to the range of active ingredients such as Quinclorac 1.61%, Dicamba, Dimethylamine salt 0.45%, Other Ingredients 93.09%, etc. Even with such powerful content, the solution only targets crabgrass and keeps your lawn health intact. As for the applicability, the BioAdvanced 704140 is suitable for nearly 200 different types of broadleaf weeds. Thus, it is an all-in-one solution for all. And since this compound directly attacks the crabgrass root, it manages to clear even the toughest of crabgrass without any problem. Once the solution is applied, you will only have to take care of it for an hour or so. After that, it becomes rainproof. Even with 40 ounces volume, the BioAdvanced 704140 manages to cover about 6250 sq. ft. area without any problem, Best Features
Offers about 5 years of shelf life Comes with Quinclorac 1.61%, Dicamba, Dimethylamine salt 0.45%, Other Ingredients 93.09% active ingredients 40 ounces quantity Offers coverage of 6250 sq. ft. coverage area
Pros
Offers rainproof results within just an hour Coverage area is pretty large Comes with powerful active ingredients
Cons
Canister does not have a built-in sprayer
6. The Andersons Barricade Granular Pre-Emergent Weed Control
The Andersons is also a premium brand that deals with heavy-duty gardening solutions designed for large lawns and gardens. If you want to apply the solution before noticing the crabgrass, this might be the right choice for you. The Andersons Barricade Weed Control is a pre-emergent herbicide that is designed for about 5800 sq. ft. wide lawns. Such a high coverage area is manageable since the product ships in a 288 ounces volume pack. But, The Andersons Barricade Weed Control should only be applied in early spring and fall since it is a pre-emergent herbicide. Once applied, the compound will manage to keep your lawn clean and healthy by preventing the crabgrass generation altogether. The Andersons Barricade Weed Control contains about 0.48% Prodiamine, making it a compatible option against nearly 30 different types of grass and broadleaf weeds. Since this is a highly premium choice, it is trusted by professionals. The compound is designed with DG Pro formulation so that more particles will be applied per square inch area for much better results. Best Features
Designed with DG Pro formulation Comes with Quinclorac Prodiamine 0.48% active ingredients 288 ounces quantity Suitable for 5800 sq. ft. coverage area Trusted by professionals
Pros
One of the premium choices for a crabgrass killer DG Pro formulation offers much better results Suitable for about 30 different types of broadleaf weeds
Cons
It does not clear existing weeds that are generated before application
7. BASF Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Herbicide
BASF is also a preferable brand within gardening enthusiasts as it is also a highly premium alternative for a crabgrass herbicide. It offers a reliable performance along with a long shelf life. Our next pick for the best crabgrass killer is the BASF Drive XLR8. This compound utilizes the latest technology for the formation of a compound having 18.92% Quinclorac as the active ingredient. This is a water-based herbicide that offers increased control over most types of weeds. A single bottle of the BASF Drive XLR8 is enough for nearly 1 acre after installation. Such a high coverage area is certainly missing from most other alternatives in the market. The BASF Drive XLR8 also dries within just an hour, making it completely rainproof. On top of that, it is capable of controlling mature crabgrass with 4 tillers or more. Once you are done with the product, you will be able to store it for about 45 days before another application. As the shelf life of the BASF Drive XLR8 is quite short, it is apparent that it is designed for a single-time use. Best Features
Offers about 45 days of shelf life Comes with Quinclorac 18.92% active ingredients 64 ounces quantity Suitable for about an acre of land Clears almost all types of weeds
Pros
Comes in a strong can of 64-ounce Covers a lot of surface area even in such a small quantity Can be stored for 45 days without any degradation in quality
Cons
Shelf life is too compact for the given price range
8. Roundup for Lawns Crabgrass Destroyer1 – Tough Weed Killer
As we mentioned earlier, ROundup is a very popular brand for gardening solutions since it offers more than 1 product for all types of problems. The following crabgrass killer from Roundup is also a perfect option within a cheaper price range. Similar to our first choice from Roundup, the Roundup Crabgrass Destroyer1 is also available within a very cheap price range. But, this unit comes with 128 ounces compound volume and covers nearly 1000 sq. ft. area without any problem. This product offers promising results on turfs like bluegrass, fine fescue, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, etc. And with the 0.0092% Topramezone content, it manages to clear the crabgrass without harming the regular lawn grass. The Roundup Crabgrass Destroyer1 is specifically designed for northern lawns since the above-mentioned problems are quite common there. Once you apply the Roundup Crabgrass Destroyer1 compound, you will notice the crabgrass or other type of weeds turn white, which is an indication of the product working as expected. You can apply the Roundup Crabgrass Destroyer1 at any time, whether it is before seeding, or even the day of seeding. Best Features
Offers a coverage area of 1000 sq. ft. Comes with Topramezone 0.0092% active ingredients 128 ounces quantity Suitable for bluegrass, fine fescue, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, etc Comes with a dedicated sprayer
Pros
The included sprayer makes the job very easy Offers visible results within 4 to 7 days Can be applied at any time
Cons
Coverage area is very short despite the large quantity
9. BIOADVANCED Extreme Crabgrass Herbicide Weed Killer
BioAdvanced is also offering yet another great herbicide on our picks of the best crabgrass killer. This herbicide is a highly reliable option that will last a very long time on your shelf. The BioAdvanced 704119A Extreme Herbicide is also a cheaper alternative for a crabgrass killer. Thus, a lot of users are slowly shifting to this option rather than spending nearly twice the sum on its competitors. Even though it is a cheaper compound, it has 0.41% Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl as an active ingredient that attacks even large and fully-grown crabgrass along with smooth crabgrass. The special formula used for the production of the BioAdvanced 704119A helps a lot when it comes to its performance. With the formula, the chemical manages to attack the root of the crabgrass directly and clear the problem from within. This is also a great alternative for northern turfs. As for its shelf life, you can expect a flawless performance by the BioAdvanced 704119A for nearly 5 years. Best Features
Offers about 5 years of shelf life Comes with Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 0.41% active ingredients 32 ounces quantity Special formula that attacks the root of the crabgrass Solution becomes rainproof within 1 hour
Pros
Cheaper alternative for crabgrass killer Covers nearly 5000 sq. ft with 32 ounces quantity Built-in sprayer on the canister
Cons
Might not be compatible against all type of crabgrass
10. Primesource Quinclorac Liquid Crabgrass Killer
In the end, we are bringing a herbicide from Primesource. Even if you didn’t hear about the brand before, worry not. This is also a powerful solution designed for the best results. The Primesource Quinclorac is also a fairly large crabgrass killer since it arrives in a can of 64 ounces. This is also a stronger option since it contains about 18.92% Quinclorac active ingredient. Therefore, this post-emergence herbicide can be safely applied to most types of turfs and keep them safe from problems like broadleaf and grassy weeds. It is suitable for both residential as well as non-residential turfs. Since this is a premium option, you won’t have to worry about the recurrence of the problem once you have applied the solution. It covers a wide range of lawn anomalies thanks to active ingredients such as crabgrass, foxtail, kikuyu grass, torpedo grass, and many more. This solution also works as both pre and post-emergence herbicide. But, you will have to apply the product at least 7 days before seeding or after 28 days of emergence on some specific type of weeds. Best Features
Premium crabgrass killer Comes with Quinclorac 18.92% active ingredients 64 ounces quantity Suitable for both residential and non-residential turfgrass Effective against many different types of weeds
Pros
Powerful active ingredient Quantity is good enough for multiple applications Works as both pre and post-emergence
Cons
Application is difficult compared to a few other options
Buying Guide For The Best Crabgrass Killer
Generation of crabgrass is a very serious problem that is usually observed around late winter in the majority of lawns. As you may have guessed, private lawns are not an exception for it. If you love your lawn and work really hard to preserve its health and looks, you should definitely consider getting a decent crabgrass killer right now. Crabgrass grows really fast since there are thousands of seeds present in every flower cluster present on the crabgrass. If left unnoticed, it takes over the entire lawn. Clearing crabgrass is quite difficult with traditional methods like a lawnmower since it is very short. But, you can use the crabgrass killer to take care of the problem quickly. If you have gone through our picks of the best crabgrass killers, you must have noticed some recurring properties in all of our options. If you want to know more about these qualities of a crabgrass killer, consider reading our buying guide present here.
1.Effectiveness of the Compound
One of the first things you should check before buying a crabgrass killer is its active ingredients list and how effective they will be in your case. Generally, crabgrass killer manufacturers mentioned the active ingredients of the compound along with the product. This should provide you with the necessary insight into the product and also specify whether the product is compatible with your application or not. Apart from that, you also need to check how effective the compound is going to be for your lawn. One of the easiest ways to check that is by checking the time of action guaranteed by the manufacturer. While some products will offer instantaneous results, some will guarantee results after a week or 2 of application. Also, make sure you check the longevity of the compound by checking how long it will keep your lawn safe from problems like crabgrass.
2. Application Method
Herbicides are definitely one of the best compounds you can use to take care of your lawn. It helps a lot to all lawn owners, especially newcomers that don’t know a lot about lawn maintenance procedure. However, the method of application slightly differs from product to product. Before you buy a crabgrass killer, you should check how you can apply it in your lawn. While some chemicals are simply needed to be sprayed throughout the lawn, some require advanced procedure that also includes adding another chemical in the mixture. Also, you will have to make sure that you either own a sprayer already, or one arrives along with the crabgrass killer as it is necessary for application of all types of herbicides including crabgrass killers. If you are not sure how to check the application method of the crabgrass killer, simply check the box or container that contains the solution as you will find clear instructions for the same right on the packaging.
3. Shelf Life
The shelf life is yet another important factor when it comes to chemical and essential compounds, especially in the case of gardening related peripherals. Once you are done with the application, you will certainly have some crabgrass killer left in the container that you will have to store in a safe place. But, it will gradually degrade in terms of integrity and offer comparatively lesser results after a while. To avoid that, simply pick up an option that has a long shelf life. The shelf life is basically the property of the crabgrass killer where it gives you an idea about how long you can store the compound without degrading its quality. The shelf life is usually mentioned with every compound. Even if a product comes with a long shelf life, you should not consider it as a solid proof of quality as the shelf life may vary based on installation location. In the majority of cases, you will have to avoid a location where the product may come under direct sunlight. Other than that, many other external factors such as surrounding environment, temperature, humidity, etc. also affect the shelf life of a crabgrass killer.
4. Quantity
Coming to the most important parameter of a crabgrass killer, the quantity. You would definitely want to avoid seeing your crabgrass killer go to waste once you’re done with the application. It would be the case if you end up with an overly large canister that won’t be utilized even 50% even after you have covered your lawn entirely. To avoid that, simply take a look at the quantity of the product you are buying before placing your order. A lot of manufacturers also mention the approximate coverage area along with the product that gives you a fairly clear idea about the applicability of the product for your lawn. Even if you are buying a larger option just to be on the safe side, just make sure that it has a long shelf life so that you will be able to use it multiple times over the span of a couple of years. Q. When should I apply crabgrass killer? Crabgrass killers usually appear around late winter season and it is most dominant as the soil temperature increases. Generally, you will start noticing crabgrass in your lawn when the surrounding temperature is about 55 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. As for the application of the crabgrass killer, the best time would be as soon as you start noticing it in your backyard. But, even if you don’t see any visible crabgrass, you should still apply the crabgrass killer around this time. Applying it too soon will be ineffective, and your lawn might get covered by crabgrass if you are too late. Q. How to apply crabgrass killer for best results? Applying the crabgrass killer is a very simple process and you can do it yourself without needing any professional help. Before you start applying the crabgrass killer, make sure that the soil is properly soaked. And before applying the compound, try to pull out the large crabgrass so that the compound can reach the bottom. Most importantly, make sure you cover your hands and skin with protective gear before using the compound. As for the application, you can simply spray or sprinkle the compound. Just make sure that you don’t miss any spots while doing so. Q. Does heavy rain affect crabgrass killer? No. Heavy rain will not have any effect on the crabgrass killer once you have applied it. If anything, it helps the process as the rain pushes the compound even deeper into the soil. On the other hand, pulling crabgrass or digging the soil after you have applied the compound might affect the results since it will take out the compound from the ground.
Conclusion
Taking care of your lawn is very difficult, especially in certain seasons when problems like crabgrass are at peak. If you have experienced the crabgrass problem on your lawn, you must know how difficult it is to take care of the issue if the crabgrass grows out of hand. If you identify the problem at an early stage, you can quickly take care of the issue with the help of a decent crabgrass killer. On our list, you will find the best crabgrass killers available in the market right now. To help you understand the product in detail, we have offered detailed information about each of our picks along with a dedicated buying guide. If you are still not sure which crabgrass killer you should choose, don’t worry. We will drop some handy recommendations right here that you can prefer. It would be entirely unnecessary to buy an overly large crabgrass killer container if you are planning to use it on a compact space such as a crack in the driveway. For such instances, the Tenacity Turf Herbicide will be a perfect choice. This crabgrass killer compound is available within an 8 ounces canister and works as both pre-emergence as well as post-emergence herbicide. This compound is designed to target various anomalies such as barnyard grass, carpetweed, crabgrass, foxtail, and much more. On the other hand, The Andersons Barricade will be the ideal pick for you in case you own a large backyard. Since you will have to cover the entire field with the compound to get rid of the crabgrass, The Andersons Barricade offers 288 ounces which is suitable for about 5800 sq. ft. converge area. This is a professional grade herbicide that will surely take care of the problem fir you. Thanks to the 0.48% prodiamine active ingredient, it is capable of controlling over 30 grassy and broadleaf weeds. Lastly, we will suggest going with the Roundup 5720010 since it is the most popular option in the market. As problems like crabgrass are pretty common for all types of lawns, it would be wise to choose an option that is trusted by tens of thousands of users based on its results. The Roundup 5720010 comes in a 16 ounce can and offers dual-action that kills existing weeds and also prevents new weed growth for nearly 4 months. Comment * Name * Email * Website
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