Best Crabgrass Preventer for 2023 [Our Reviews and Comparisons]

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If you are a homeowner, a landlord, an agriculturalist then there are set of must-haves that constitute everyday maintenance. From overseeing large tracts of land to watering and mowing your lawns, everything needs to be in order.

One of the most important products that are commonly used by peopl3e who have green fingers is weed control or preventer. This product has been widely used by many people over the years to get rid of unwanted grass and various other weeds that could hamper the growth of otherwise useful plants including those of flowers, vegetable fruits, etc.

Weed control is the key to maintaining a healthy luscious lawn and one of the most effective ways to do it is to keep an effective weed control product at hand.

They often come under various categories such as pre-emergent and post-emergent which in turn indicates when would be the best time to use it. Investing in a good Crab Grass Killer or preventer will ensure that you save hours on maintenance while also creating a good environment.

Best Crabgrass PreventerComparison Table

Product	Features	Latest Price
1. Tenacity Turf Herbicide	Very effective Affordable Non-poisonous	Check Price
2. Ortho 9994110 Weed B Gon	Very effective Affordable Non-poisonous Shows results immediately	Check Price
3. Scotts TouchUp Weed Control	Very effective Easy to Use Works well	Check Price
4. Roundup For Lawns3	Very effective Affordable Shows good results Can cover large areas	Check Price
5. Spectracide 95702	Very effective Convenient Can eradicate multiple weeds Used in most weather conditions	Check Price
6. Preen 2464064 Lawn Crabgrass Control	Very effective Removes crabgrass easily Easy to Use User-friendly	Check Price
7. RoundUp 5200210 Ready-to-Use	Very effective Affordable Battery-powered	Check Price
8. Quali-Pro Prodiamine	Great price Convenient to use Shows results soon	Check Price
9. Barricade Pre-emergence	Affordable Effective Large area coverage	Check Price
10. Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer	Affordable Effective prevention Large area coverage	Check Price
11. Bonide	Affordable Wide Range Large area coverage	Check Price

Our Best Crabgrass Preventer Reviews and Comparisons

1. Tenacity Turf Herbicide

Product Highlights

A popular product on the market. Its versatility lies in the fact that it can be used as a pre- and post-emergence control. It can work on more than 46 broadleaf weed and grass species.

The highlight of this product is that has an active ingredient, called mesotrione. This occurs in a naturally occurring compound produced by the bottlebrush plant also known as Callistemon citrinus. It inhibits photosynthesis in susceptible plant species. The plants absorb it through the roots, shoots, and leaves and distribute them by both xylem and phloem translocation.

Features

Measuring 2×2.5×4.5 inches, and weighing in at 10.6 ounces the Tenacity Turf Herbicide is a good control for the systemic growth of crabgrass both pre-emergence and post-emergence. It is ideal for contact and residual control of weeds that grow along with turfgrasses.

If you want to use it as a pre-emergent, then you will notice that the weeds absorb Tenacity during emergence from the soil. This product is quite effective in removing other pests such as Chickweed, Clover, Barnyardgrass, Dandelion, Foxtail, Goosegrass, Henbit, Yellow Nutsedge, Purslane, and others.

It contains 40 % Mesotrione and has a shelf life of 5 – 8 years if it is properly stored. It should be kept out of direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Its key feature lies in the fact that it can control weeds at seeding thus reducing weed competition so that your new grass can grow and flourish.

What We Like About Tenacity Turf Herbicide

The best thing about this product is that it is non-poisonous and a chemical that retards the weed from photosynthesizing. They show results within weeks.

What We Don’t Like About Tenacity Turf Herbicide

Some customers have claimed it hardly kills certain other growths like nimbleweed.

2. Ortho 9994110 Weed B Gon

Product Highlights

This product is quite effective in preventing crabgrass from growing permanently killing its roots. In addition to that, it kills dandelions and other common lawn weeds, including almost 200 types of weeds. It is quite effective.

Features

This product contains Quinclorac that plays a central role in eliminating unwanted weeds like crabgrass which takes a long time to kill. You can increase the dosage but you might end up taking a risk of killing the good grass as well. It makes the crabgrass turn colors of red, purple, or orange.

If not eliminated early enough, Crabgrass spreads a lot of seeds every year. Although it takes time to disappear it hardly ever reappears. It will not disappear completely like dandelions or any broadleaf.

This product enables you to have a lush thick lawn and which will keep the soil temperature down preventing the germination of parasitic weeds. Since crabgrass and other weeds tend to sprout near driveways, etc. as the temps are higher this product can provide the much-needed riddance. It can be used in the spring as a pre-emergent which lasts about 90 days…

What We Like About Ortho 9994110 Weed B Gon

When used with a sprayer mist this product works better, especially when you use a sprayer.

What We Don’t Like About Ortho 9994110 Weed B Gon

This product seems to work for crabgrass but only after multiple applications.

3. Scotts TouchUp Weed Control

Product Highlights

The Scotts TouchUp Weed Control is ready to use spray that comes with an adjustable nozzle. All you need to do is spray it over the crabgrass and watch them disappear to make your lawn look luscious.

Whether you have Bermudagrass, buffalograss, Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, and Zoysiagrass this product will ensure that you can maintain your lawn under any weather without causing any kind of harm.

Features

To apply this product you must spray it when the weeds are actively growing. If you spray it when the daytime temperatures are above 45º Fahrenheit and below 90º Fahrenheit, then it would be most ideal.

You can use them on lawns although you might have to be careful while spraying. Yet this is great for spot treatments of individual lawn weeds. As this product is not entirely non-poisonous it is suggested that you avoid using it in vegetable gardens, flower beds, or around shrubs or ornamental plants. You should spray only the weed and not the entire lawn.

In addition to that, you must not use clippings as mulch or compost. Once you are done using it you must not reuse or refill it and make sure to dispose of it properly or send the empty container for recycling.

What We Like About Scotts TouchUp Weed Control

It is perfect for people who maintain small yards or landscaped areas that need constant attention.

What We Don’t Like About Scotts TouchUp Weed Control

This product cannot be used around desirable plants, including within the dripline of roots of desirable trees and shrubs, as this may cause injuries to long-lasting damage to the plant.

4. Roundup For Lawns3

Product Highlights

If you are looking for long term solutions to the fighting the weeds in your lawn, then the Roundup For Lawns3 is a formula that kills unnecessary weeds and controls problematic ones like crabgrass. The best part is that your lawn is safe.

Controls the growth of over 250 common lawn weeds including their roots. It was specially formulated for northern grass types but is known to be quite effective in removing hard-to-kill weeds such as crabgrass, dandelion, clover, and yellow nutsedge.

Features

The ready-to-spray applicator is perfect for broadcast application to your entire lawn and can cover up to 5,000 square feet. The moment you spray you can expect this product to do its work.

It has a fast-acting formula that starts killing on contact and kills weeds down to the roots, so you can expect no growth the next time.

Besides, it is rainproof and lasts for around 3 hours. Roundup For Lawns 3 Ready-To-Spray works great on lawns, as well as patios and driveways for weedkilling solutions all-around you are home.

What We Like About Product Name

This is non-poisonous rather it is a chemical that retards the weed from photosynthesizing. The effects are visible within 2 -3 weeks of spraying.

What We Don’t Like About Product Name

Some customers have claimed that the product works only temporarily on large lawns.

5. Spectracide 95702

Product Highlights

Weighing in at 2.15 pounds the Spectracide 95702 can be considered one of the best products on the market for Crabgrass kills. It goes tough on the weed but easy on your lawn. It is one of those selective herbicide formulas that target more than 250 tough weed types down to the root.

So if you own a lawn, courtyard, or backyard that is covered in crabgrass, dandelion, yellow nutsedge, chickweed, and clover, then this is the perfect product for you.

Features

It kills over 250 types of weed especially crabgrass and yellow nutsedge, while also taking care of your lawn. It is more effective when used with a tank sprayer.

It is most effective under dryer weather conditions. You should spray when no rain is expected for at least 6 hours or check the weather forecast before you do. In this way, the weed preventer has nothing to dilute its efficiency. You can wait for 1-2 weeks to check for stubborn weeds and spray again.

What We Like About Spectracide 95702

This product is highly effective in removing all kinds of grass and therefore is a one-stop-solution for many lawn issues.

What We Don’t Like About Spectracide 95702e

This product seems to be a bit pricy as it requires multiple applications at certain times.

6. Preen 2464064 Lawn Crabgrass Control

Product Highlights

If you are looking to prevent crabgrass then the Preen Lawn Crabgrass Control is the perfect product for you. When applied before their germination in lawns and turf grasses, it prevents crabgrass and other grassy and broadleaf weeds for at least up to 4 months.

This ensures that you can rest easy for the next few months after application and look forward to a hassle-free ad luscious lawn. It can be used for both pre-emergent and post-emergent control making it the most ideal product in the market.

Features

If you are looking for long term solutions and have gotten a wide lawn then this product will give you both the pre and post-emergent control of crabgrass. It should be applied either in spring or fall. Once applied it controls or suppresses the weeds for approximately 4 months when you apply it before germination. It is also effective for up to 4 weeks even if it has germinated.

In addition to preventing crabgrass, it suppresses other broadleaf weeds and grasses including barnyard grass, foxtail, carpetweed, henbit, knotweed, and spurge. This product can be used for treating both patches as well as large lawns.

Another feature is that it is compatible with all grass types and therefore can be used in the cool and warm-season grasses listed on the label. You need to apply it using a drop or rotary spreader designed for granular lawn care products.

What We Like About Preen 2464064 Lawn Crabgrass Control

The product is quite effective as in the chemical components easily prevent the grass from sprouting up.

What We Don’t Like About Preen 2464064 Lawn Crabgrass Control

Although the product is meant for multiple types of grasses some users have claimed otherwise.

7. RoundUp 5200210 Ready-to-Use

Product Highlights

This product is one of the most commonly ordered products in the market. Conveniently designed and safe as well as easy to use, it provides the user with a much-needed assurance about their lawn maintenance.

You will be pleased with the quick results you will see in your flower beds, tree rings, mulched beds, and vegetable gardens.

It helps get rid of unwanted crabgrass around your driveway as well as patio, by getting rid of it by the roots.

Features

Known for its tenacity and effectiveness the Roundup 5200210 Ready-to-Use weed killer and preventer kills the toughest weeds and grasses from the root.

It comes in a conveniently shaped container that is ready to use. No need to mix it with anything else. All you have to do is simply connect it and extend the wand, then spray unwanted weeds and grasses. This can treats up to 400 sq. ft.

It is extremely user friendly and quite easy to use in and around vegetable gardens, flower beds, tree rings, and mulched beds, as well as on cracks in driveways, walkways, and patios.

Another highlight of this is that it easily shows results in 3 hours and remains rainproof for 10 minutes

Not to mention the unique comfort wand comes with an Easy-to-use extended reach with a continuous spray. So you do not need to bend anymore and say goodbye to fatigue.

What We Like About RoundUp 5200210 Ready-to-Use

This product comes with a battery-operated sprayer that makes it very convenient to use.

What We Don’t Like About RoundUp 5200210 Ready-to-Use

In some cases, customers have complained of the sprayer getting clogged.

8. Quali-Pro Prodiamine

Product Highlights

This fantastic commercial grade herbicide provides the much needed pre-emergent grass and broadleaf weed control. It is the perfect answer to your question of crabgrass control as it allows you Flexible application. This means that you can use this either in the spring or fall seasons depending on the amount of crabgrass you want to suppress.

Features

Available in a 5-pound bottle this pre-emergent herbicide is enough to cover your main woes about suppressing crabgrass and its seeds.

This product can cover areas such as landscapes, turfs, trees, and golf courses and is effective against annual bluegrass, Chickweed, Foxtail, Goosegrass, Henbit, Knotweed, Spurge, and more.

It contains the active ingredient Prodiamine 65% which is found to be quite effective and brings lasting results to your lawns as it prevents seeds from rooting. It does not kill existing plants as it’s not a herbicide in the traditional sense

You are required however to use nitrile gloves when mixing or spraying this beast as well as safety glasses and a face mask. Ideally, you can use two teaspoons to a gallon of water.

What We Like About Quali-Pro Prodiamine

Unlike a lot of other products that have granules this product dissolves well and does not clog the sprayer.

What We Don’t Like About Quali-Pro Prodiamine

In some cases, customers have stated that it did not work as effectively as they had expected to work.

9. Barricade Pre-emergence

Product Highlights

The Barricade Herbicide by Nitrophos contains a vital ingredient – Prodiamine – designed for the pre-emergent control of grassy and broadleaf weeds such as crabgrass. If you have a lawn or lawns or occupy other non-crop areas then this is the perfect product to use.

For better results, the product must be applied previously before the seed germination begins or following the removal of existing weeds if you want to obtain control of target weeds.

Features

This product contains the active ingredient Prodiamine which constitutes around 58% of it. Is quite effective in the removal of crabgrass and its seeds. It can be applied with a broadcast spreader at a rate of 10 pounds per 5000 square feet.

It is essentially used to establish turf grass, lawns, sod nurseries, and several other grassy areas.

WWhat We Like About Barricade Pre-emergence

The best thing about this product is that it shows results in effective crabgrass prevention.

What We Don’t Like About Barricade Pre-emergence

This product is granular and requires a broadcast spreader otherwise it might clog regular sprayers.

10. Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer

Product Highlights

Weighing in at 4.37 Kilograms the Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer is quite an effective product like any other. If you keep a track of the changes in your lawn and plan the time right then you can actually select the rate and on time, approximately two weeks before soil temperatures are warm enough for crabgrass seeds to germinate and then use this product to control the growth.

This product must be measured well and applied. Most importantly, you need to check the soil temperature before applying it. If you choose the right time then you can see effective results.

Features

This product is so effective that in most cases the results are visible after one application. This prevents the crabgrass from emerging all season long. The best time to apply this is in the month of spring. In case you want to apply them in the Fall then it will prove equally effective as it prevents winter weeds, such as poa annua, henbit, and chickweed.

If it rains, snows, or if you experience harsh or freezing weather conditions then this is the best product. The application will not affect product performance. If you are living in a particularly mossy area then you must apply it in the Fall as this prevents moss.

What We Like About Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer

The Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer is ideal for pre-emergence weed control as it is effective and keeps the weeds away for a long time.

What We Don’t Like About Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer

The nature of this product demands that you choose the right time to spray it otherwise it does not work at all.

11. Bonide

Product Highlights

Weighing in at around 10.2 pounds the Bonide Weed Beater is perfectly capable of preventing crabgrass and other weeds such as nutsedge, goosegrass, ground ivy, and way more. If you are looking for a long term solution to kill the toughest weeds especially one that covers a systematic removal from the leaves down to the root.

This formula is equally effective for pre-emerging as well as post-emerging control of both grassy and broadleaf weeds. You can cover vast areas in one go and is quite convenient to use, protecting your lawn at all times. It delivers excellent results.

Features

This product can cover up to 5,200 square feet of just 10 pounds making it ideal for people who have large gardens or lawns. The formula is quite effective and has a wide range of control. This means that it permanently eradicates many types of weeds in addition to crabgrass.

Since it can specifically remove any remains right down to the root is one of the best products you can use. Unlike other weed killer concentrate formulas, this is a dry-application granule that can be used both on warm and cool-season grasses, producing equally effective results in both cases.

What We Like About Bonide

The Bonide Weed Beater is ideal for pre-emergence weed control as completely eradicates every part of the weed including leaves and roots.

What We Don’t Like About Bonide

It has to work only under certain conditions or else it would not be very effective.

12. GreenView 2129267

Product Highlights

Weighing in at 18 lb. this product can cover 5,000 sq. ft. GreenView Fairway Formula Spring Fertilizer Weed & Feed plus Crabgrass Preventer performs three tasks: (a) crabgrass preventer, (b) lawn fertilizer, and (c) broadleaf weed killer. All this combines to form the almost perfect product suitable for all environments but especially more effective during the spring.

It is effective on over 200 weeds as listed on the label, and reduces enormous amounts of time in maintaining and checking the crabgrass.

So if you are worried about use on established bahiagrass, bermudagrass, buffalograss, centipedegrass, fine fescues, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescues, and Zoysiagrass then you do not need to worry.

Features

For pre-emergents like crabgrass other undesirable annual grasses, this product delivers results in 4 weeks after germination. Features include immediate release and controlled-released nutrients continuously feeding for up to 12 weeks.

A barrier is set up at the soil’s surface, preventing normal crabgrass growth and deterring seeds from sprouting. Additionally, it also kills broadleaf weeds while preventing the emergence of others such as dandelion, clover, chickweed, carpetweed, and many more.

As a lawn care product, it can feed the lawn for up to 12 weeks. It has the highest slow-release nitrogen content on the market, which is 65% slow-release nitrogen that provides steady delivery of nutrients. This means that more of the nutrients will be used by the plants and not washed away.

It is not suitable for St. Augustine grass in certain places like Florida, or on dichondra and carpet grass as serious lawn injury may occur. It can cover 5,000 sq ft giving you enough range.

What We Like About GreenView 2129267

It provides an almost permanent solution to crabgrass control weeding out the seeds and preventing further growth.

What We Don’t Like About GreenView 2129267

As a fertilizer, it has not been very effective.

13. BioAdvanced

Product Highlights

The BioAdvanced All-in-One Weed & Feed is the one product that you must use if you want to maintain your lawn for a long time and reduce the number of hours spent in fixing it.

While it feeds and optimizes your turf it also as an effective crabgrass killer at every level. If you are looking for a better-nourished lawn with great weed and feed applications then this product is the one for you. It improves nutrient uptake, fortifies roots, and increases resistance to heat and drought.

Features

This product can be applied anytime between spring and early fall. Its most noticeable feature is the 25% slow-release formula.

Most importantly it kills crabgrass as well as dandelion, clover, chickweed, and more. If you use 12 lbs then you can treat up to 5000 sq ft. and if you use 24lbs then you can treat up to 10,000 sq. ft.

The functions of this formula include feeding, greening, and strengthening your lawn. Its Micro-Feed Action enhances nutrient uptake during and between feedings to strengthen roots and improve resistance to heat and drought.

This is also specially formulated for northern lawns with turf types such as Bermudagrass, Fescue, Zoysiagrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass, Buffalograss, and Seashore Paspalum.

You can also use any rotary or drop spreader to apply granules evenly over the lawn. If you want to apply it uniformly you must start by treating lawn borders then filling in the center. If you are using a broadcast or rotary spreader, then ensure that each strip overlaps the previous strip to ensure complete coverage. In case you decide to use a drop spreader, then check for overlapping wheels that make marks in the grass as a hint from the previous strip to ensure complete coverage.

What We Like About BioAdvanced

This product has smaller granules making it easy for distribution and preventing clogging.

What We Don’t Like About BioAdvanced

Some customers have complained of burn spots all over the lawn.

Final Verdict

To sum up, if you want to select something that will not be too heavy on the pockets and which will do the job effectively then the best product to go for would be Tenacity Turf Herbicide. It is hassle-free, extremely effective, and non-poisonous and can cover large areas that have any type of weeds growing on them especially crabgrass.