Crabgrass is an invasive and undesirable weed. It sticks out like a sore thumb in a healthy lawn and readily fills the bare patches in a more needy lawn. While it is technically a grass, it is not a common perennial grasses that makes for a good yard. Crabgrass is an annual grass that grows in clumps that nobody wants to see.
Having worked in the industry for several decades, I know a thing or two about getting rid of crabgrass.
Today I bring you 8 fantastic crabgrass killers and preventers that work. Try em out and get yourself a crabgrass-free lawn!
At a Glance – Our Top Picks.
8 Best Products to Kill Crabgrass – Reviews
1) Roundup for Lawns: Crabgrass Destroyer
Roundup’s Crabgrass Destroyer is a proprietary chemical blend that is specifically formulated for crabgrass and grassy weeds. It is safe to use on lawns and will not damage perennial grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass, Fescue, and Ryegrass.
Pros:
- Safe to use before and during the seeding of new grasses.
- Typically works in a single application. The manufacturer recommends no more than two applications spaced 3-4 weeks apart for stubborn or severely affected lawns.
- Industry-leading manufacturer with a 100% money-back guarantee.
- Visible results in 4-7 days.
Cons:
- This product is not suitable for the first 28 days of newly seeded turfgrass or on drought-stricken lawns.
- This product is best suited for northern grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass and Fescue. Southern grasses like Bermuda will not tolerate this product well.
- Timing is key. This is an early growth stage treatment and works best when applied in the spring as soon as temperatures reach 45 – 90 degrees.
2) Drive XLR8 Herbicide
XLR8 is a powerful, liquid-based crabgrass killer that is suitable for both residential and commercial applications. It is effective against mature crabgrass plants and has potential efficacy for up to 45 days after application.
Pros:
- Very selective weed killer targets crabgrass.
- It’s a good value for the money. A little bit goes a long way.
- It has loads of rave reviews from customers who have bought and loved the product.
Cons:
- There are other products on the market that work on a variety of weeds, while this product seems to be best suited just for crabgrass. This may mean more products and more applications.
- Like many crabgrass killers, it is simply not suitable for southern turfgrasses.
- Some reviews suggest that the product did not work. One thing to consider is that reviewers may have had a different type of weed that they assumed was crabgrass.
3) All in One Lawn Weed and Crabgrass Killer
One product kills over 200 species of broadleaf weeds like dandelion and clover, in addition to crabgrass. All in One is a selective weed killer that is safe to apply directly onto most turfgrass. It is best applied in the afternoon after the dew has dried and becomes waterproof within one hour of application.
Pros:
- It is effective on most types of lawn weeds, so multiple products which can oversaturate desired lawn grass is not needed.
- Won’t harm lawns when applied as directed.
- Rainproof within one hour.
Cons:
- This product works best on current growth. It does not prevent new growth, so it may require two products to manage a healthy, weed-free lawn.
- Mixed reviews from users on its effectiveness. Some needed three or four applications, and others reported that it did not work at all.
4) Scotts Halts Crabgrass and Grassy Weed Preventer
Scotts stops crabgrass before it starts with an early spring application. It also works to prevent winter weeds like and is not susceptible to freezing temperatures, which also makes it suitable for fall applications.
Pros:
- It’s a powerful pre-emergent. A single application in the spring works all growing season.
- It is not susceptible to the elements. A late freeze or low temps will not affect its performance.
- Good for organic gardeners. It might not be an organic product, but as a pre-emergent with no added fertilizers, it reduces exposure during growth.
Cons:
- It can be hard to find. Most stores carry a lot of weed and feed combination products for added convenience.
- It is only a pre-emergent. Once crabgrass starts to germinate, it is too late to use this product.
5) Green Gobbler Organic Weed and Grass Killer
Green Gobbler provides a vinegar-based, natural weed and grass killer product that is safe to use anywhere that weeds grow. While it is not recommended to spray on lawns, it is good to eliminate crabgrass and other weeds in driveways and sidewalks where lawn grass does not grow.
Pros:
- It is a safe, natural, and organic solution to getting rid of crabgrass in mulch beds, driveways, and sidewalks.
- It works fast, completely desecrating weeds in less than 24 hours.
- It is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Cons:
- This is a powerful weed and grass killer. It is not suitable for lawn application or use near desired plants.
- Despite being marketed as a safe and natural weed killer, it does contain ingredients that may be harmful to pets, fish, or humans.
- It is a corrosive formula so that it may wear on patios and pavement.
6) Hi-Yield Crabgrass Killer
Hi-Yield is a pre-emergent, selective grassy weed killer that is effective against crabgrass and most other annual grasses. It is safe to use around flowers, trees, shrubs, and ornamentals. Hi-Yield effectively kills weed grasses within two days to two or three weeks.
Pros:
- Safe for southern grasses like Bermuda.
- Doubles as an effective winter weed killer against Poa Annua.
- Safe for use around ornamentals.
Cons:
- Most experts recommend a second application in six to eight weeks.
- It is a pre-emergent best suited for early spring applications to prevent crabgrass growth effectively.
7) BioAdvanced Extreme Crabgrass Killer
BioAdvanced offers a post-emergent, ready-to-use crabgrass killer that is suitable for northern lawns. This product works best when applied at the first sprouting of crabgrass when temperatures are still below 90 degrees.
Pros:
- This product comes to ready to use and will cover up to 5,000 square feet.
- It’s a post-emergent, so it works on adult crabgrass if you miss the first sprouting.
Cons:
- That the product did not work. However, most weed killers take two or three weeks to work fully, so, likely, many users did not wait an appropriate amount of time to assess results.
8) Ortho Weed-b-Gone
Ortho Weed-b-Gone comes in two convenient options, a ready-to-use formula, and a concentrate. It is a selective weed killer that is safe to apply directly on most lawns and is effective against many grassy weed types.
Pros:
- Use in any growing season: spring, summer, or fall.
- Effective against some of the toughest lawn weeds, yet safe enough not to harm desired grasses.
Cons:
- This product is a general weed killer and not a crabgrass formula.
- It is not rainproof for at least six hours after application. Most other products on the market achieve rainproofing within one hour.
Crabgrass Killer Buying Guide
There are a number of products on the market that claim to kill and eradicate crabgrass. The most important distinction is how they work. Some products are pre-emergent herbicides and need to be applied either before planting or early spring before crabgrass begins to grow.
Other products on the market are post-emergent herbicides that leach into the plant’s root system and kill it from the inside out. These products are typically selective herbicides and are safe to use on many types of lawn grasses. However, there is an important difference between northern grasses and southern grasses. Not all crabgrass killers are appropriate for all types of grass.
The most important consideration is choosing the right product for the need. Here is a quick round-up of some of the best products on the market to kill crabgrass and a variety of other grassy weeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is crabgrass?
Crabgrass is an annual grass that is considered undesirable in lawn grass. It is highly prolific and easily establishes itself among other turfgrass. It can be a little bit tricky to get rid of because it grows, among other desirable grasses.
When is the best time to treat crabgrass?
Crabgrass grows best in the dead of summer when typical turfgrasses become dormant. It grows best when daytime temperatures reach 90 degrees. A pre-emergent herbicide can be used in early spring to eradicate plants before they become established. Later in the summer, a post-emergent herbicide is necessary to treat grown plants.
How long does it take a crabgrass killer to work?
It typically takes three or four weeks to see real results from any herbicide. The most common pitfall that homeowners encounter is impatience. Always make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendation on wait times in between applications to avoid burning or killing desired turfgrasses.
Conclusion
There are great products on the market to prevent and kill crabgrass. The key is to select the right one for the need. Some products are selective and are safe to use directly on the lawn. Others are non-selective and are best on patios, pavement, and mulch beds. Some products work best when used early in the growing season, and others are effective on adult plants.
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