If you find yourself caught in a relentless battle with crabgrass growing in the yard, then don’t fret about being alone!
Crabgrass and other weed types often infest the lawn, occupying bare patches and hindering the growth of your grass. What makes it worse is that it multiplies at an uncontrolled rate, and before you know it, its growth will be out of hand.
It is best to use chemicals specially designed to prevent or eliminate crabgrass and other weeds in such a situation. After all, you don’t want to let these opportunistic weeds destroy the beauty of your lawn.
Hi there! I’m Stacy. And, today, I will help you choose the best crabgrass killer for your yard. So, without further ado, let’s begin.
Top 5 Crabgrass Killers Reviewed
1. BioAdvanced 704140 Weed And Crabgrass Killer
If you are looking for an all-in-one solution for your weed and crabgrass problem, then the BioAdvanced 704140 concentrate will be the right pick. Aside from crabgrass, it can effectively kill up to 200 different varieties of broadleaf weeds, and its lawn-friendly formulation makes it non-toxic for your garden and its crops.
Product Highlights
To begin with, this 704140 BioAdvanced crabgrass killer is a concentrated solution and needs to be mixed with water. Thus, 40 fluid ounces of the product can effectively cover up to 6,250 sq ft with the help of a hose-end sprayer, making it ideal for large lawns.
The herbicide can kill stubborn weed roots, different varieties of weeds, especially crabgrass, all the while ensuring there’s no damage to your grass or any flowers or crops. It works pretty well in eliminating turfgrass weeds such as barnyard grass, foxtail, panicum, etc.
Moreover, it becomes rainproof merely an hour after application and works on bermudagrass, buffalograss, fescue, zoysia, and ryegrass, among others. Earlier known as Bayer Advanced, the product name was changed to signify a shift in ownership and emphasize its bio-friendliness.
Lastly, for proper absorption, always apply this product between temperatures of 50 to 90℉.
What’s There To Like About It?
I came across this product a couple of years ago while flipping through Country Gardens, and it has become a staple in my yard ever since. Its ability to effectively eliminate weeds, particularly crabgrass, without harming the lawn grass is quite commendable, as is the concentrated formula that allows you to dilute the mixture when required.
In addition, if applied under the right temperature, the product gets absorbed quickly and becomes rainproof.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
This BioAdvanced herbicide is quite versatile, working as a weed and crabgrass killer on different grass varieties. However, it takes time to work, and you might have to apply it more than once. So, be patient while working with it and remember to follow all the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Pros and Cons of BioAdvanced 704140 Weed And Crabgrass Killer
Pros
Cons
- ALL-IN-ONE FORMULA: BioAdvanced's All-in-One formula kills listed lawn weeds and crabgrass without harming the lawn
- KILLS TOUGH WEEDS: Control over 200 broadleaf weeds like dandelion, clover, and crabgrass using our powerful weed killer concentrate
- DOWN TO THE ROOT: BioAdvanced All-In-One Lawn Weed and Crabgrass Killer I penetrates and removes tough listed weeds down to the root
2. Scotts 49915 Crabgrass Preventer
My next recommendation is slightly different from the rest. Unlike the others, which can efficiently kill crabgrass and weed, the 49915 product from Scotts Halts is better known as a weed preventer. Aside from crabgrass, it can prevent other weed varieties and moss throughout the year without compromising lawn health.
Product Highlights
If you are looking for a product that will kill crabgrass and other weeds even before they germinate, then your search ends here! Scotts is one of the leading manufacturers of lawn care products, and 49915 pre-emergent controllers are no different.
20 pounds of the product can cover a yard as large as 10,000 sq ft and withstand rain, hail, or snow without failing in performance.
The best part is that you can use it throughout the year - in spring to prevent crabgrass and in fall to keep moss and winter weeds such as chickweeds at bay. Thus, this product manages your lawn care needs throughout the year.
If you follow all instructions while applying, you don’t need to use the product more than once. However, if the crabgrass in your lawn is persistent, re-applying the product after a couple of months will be a good idea.
What’s There To Like About It?
If years of gardening have taught me one thing, it is that prevention is better than cure. So, this crabgrass and weed preventer comes in handy when I want to keep unwelcome visitors out of my lawn, no matter the season.
In addition, it doesn’t contain any chemical fertilizers and poses no threat to the plants in your lawn. Besides, this herbicide is resistant to rain, snow, and hail damage.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
I had to re-apply the product over my lawn after three months, which was inconvenient since this weed preventer is more expensive than most other crabgrass killers. However, after speaking with a few of my fellow gardeners, I realized that the need for re-application depends on the lawn type and the frequency of crabgrass growth, and most yards won’t need a re-application.
Pros and Cons of Scotts 49915 Crabgrass Preventer
Pros
Cons
- WEED PREVENTION: Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer prevents the germination of listed lawn weeds so you can enjoy your lawn
- CRABGRASS PREVENTER: Prevents the germination of crabgrass, foxtail, spurge, barnyardgrass, and more as listed in the early spring all season long, and moss (except in California), Poa annua, henbit, corn speedwell, and chickweed in the fall
- APPLICATION: Apply this pre-emergent weed and crabgrass killer in the early spring to a dry lawn or in the fall; rain, snow, or freezing weather after application will not affect the performance of this lawn care product
3. Ortho 0447805 Crabgrass Killer
The 0447805 Ortho WeedClear comes in a standard 32oz bottle with a ready-to-spray nozzle. This ensures even application, be it around tight nooks or large spaces. One bottle can effectively cover up to 5000 sq ft and kill about 200 different weed varieties, including dandelions, chickweed, and crabgrass.
Product Highlights
For starters, the spray bottle is ergonomically designed with a comfortable handle to minimize fatigue. Thus, you can attach it directly to a hose to start spraying. Besides, the product has a fast-acting formula and becomes rainproof within an hour of application.
The results are visible from the first use itself, and you can trust the product to eliminate weed right down to the root without harming your lawn health. Furthermore, not only does it keep unbridled weed growth in check, but it also does so instantly, as you notice yellowing of the crabgrass soon after application.
Moving on, the product can work on a variety of grass types, including Kentucky bluegrass, buffalograss, ryegrass, and zoysia. It is best applied during spring or fall when the temperatures are well below 90 degrees Fahrenheit for proper absorption and quicker results.
Lastly, the nozzle of the bottle is adjustable for even spraying.
What’s There To Like About It?
My friend Beth recommended this product, which she uses to keep dandelions and clover out of her yard.
The best part about it is its quick absorption and fast action formula that propels it to work from the get-go. In addition, it can kill both summer and winter weeds and keep your lawn in proper shape all year round.
Not to forget, it was easy on my wrist, thanks to the ergonomic design and adjustable nozzle.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
I think it is essential that I point out that this Ortho product is a crabgrass killer and doesn’t work as a pre-emergent. Also, a quick heads-up: it caused some discoloration on my ryegrass. That said, the grass was back to normal within a few days.
Pros and Cons of Ortho 0447805 Crabgrass Killer
Pros
Cons
- WEED KILLER SPRAY FOR LAWNS: With a simple hose-end application, kill weeds in your lawn, including dandelions, chickweed, clover, crabgrass and foxtail with Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-to-Spray
- FAST-ACTING WEED CONTROL: This weed killer hose sprayer kills listed weeds like crabgrass, dandelion, clover, chickweed and creeping charlie down to the root and gets results with 1 application
- COVERAGE: This 32 fl. oz. container of Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-to-Spray provides up to 5,000 sq. ft. of lawn care
4. Roundup 4385010 Crabgrass Killer
If you are looking for a product that can effectively kill stubborn weeds such as dandelions, clover and yellow nutsedge, then the Roundup 4385010 crabgrass killer is for you! Specially formulated to cater to Northern grasses, it can eliminate weed right down to the root, thus preventing its re-appearance.
Product Highlights
Let me start by pointing out that this Roundup 4385010 weed killer can eliminate 250 different weed varieties efficiently without harming your lawn in any way. So, be it stubborn winter weeds or pesky summer crabgrass - this product will be the perfect solution for all your lawn care woes.
What makes it easy to work with is the extended wand, which facilitates spot treatment and allows you to spray the product in tight nooks and corners. The ready-to-use formulation ensures that you waste no time preparing the solution and can start working with it directly. It’s also rainproof and absorbs quickly, thus showing immediate results.
1.33 gallons of the product can cover an area up to 1330 sq ft and can work on grass types such as perennial ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, bermudagrass, and fescue, among others. It is best to apply the solution to newly-growing weeds at temperatures of 45 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
What’s There To Like About It?
I follow several gardening blogs for tips and tricks to keep my lawn in a proper form throughout. On one of these blogs, I came across this product while I was looking for a suitable solution for ryegrass. Once I used it, I’ve never had to look back ever since.
The best part about this herbicide is its attached, extendable wand that goes up to 2 ft to reach crannies that a regular spray bottle cannot. Thus, your lawn is uniformly sprayed to eliminate weeds.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
Although this Roundup product works very well on Northern grasses, the manufacturers do not recommend it for lawns with vegetable gardens, fruits, and flowerbeds growing. Thus, its application is quite limited.
In addition, do not make the mistake of using the product on lawns that have carpetgrass, bentgrass, or bahiagrass - there is a different formula available for Southern grasses.
Pros and Cons of Roundup 4385010 Crabgrass Killer
Pros
Cons
- Weed killer with an extended wand to make it easy to spot-treat lawn weeds
- Kills over 250 weeds, including crabgrass, dandelion, clover, and yellow nutsedge-won't harm your lawn
- Lawn weed killer for use on Northern grasses, including Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, fescue, bermudagrass, buffalograss, and zoysiagrass
5. BASF Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Herbicide
Any reliable list of the best crabgrass killers would be incomplete without the inclusion of the BASF Drive XLR8 herbicide. With its water-based formula, it guarantees effective crabgrass control within a few days. Keep reading to know what makes this product one of my favorites.
Product Highlights
For starters, this Drive XLR8 product has 18.92% of Quinclorac as its active ingredient. For those of you who don’t know, Quinclorac is known to be highly efficient in eliminating crabgrass and other weed types like foxtail, dandelion, and clover. However, despite its efficiency, it does not kill your turfgrass or hamper its growth.
What is unique about this product is its ability to control crabgrass even when it has reached mature stages (with four or more tillers). This makes it suitable for several surfaces such as industrial or residential turfgrasses, golf courses, sports fields, etc.
Besides, its water-based formula is quickly absorbed by the plants and becomes rainproof in less than an hour. As per instructions, I applied the product with a mix of methylated seed oil which acts as a surfactant and improves its efficiency. The results were evident within the first few days, as the weeds began to lose their natural color.
What’s There To Like About It?
I had used the Drive 75 DF crabgrass killer on my lawn for several years and wanted to try out its upgraded version ever since I heard it was available on the market.
Due to the new water-based formulation, the efficiency of the Drive XLR8 product is greatly enhanced. The roots and foliage absorb the product, which is then translocated to the rest of the plant, thereby ensuring quick action. Besides, it works well on my buffalograss, so that’s a bonus!
What’s There Not To Like About It?
I have two minor gripes with this otherwise fantastic product. For starters, the Drive XLR8 is not suitable for every grass type, some of which include bentgrass, centipede, and bahiagrass. Moreover, you might have to re-apply the product a few times before crabgrass or other weed types are eliminated.
Pros and Cons of BASF Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Herbicide
Pros
Cons
- Water-Based Formulation: Experience the power of our unique water-based formulation that ensures superior control and faster plant uptake, delivering results you can see quickly
- Extended Residual Control: Enjoy up to 30 days of residual control, keeping your turfgrass free from troublesome weeds for longer periods and reducing the need for frequent applications; Rainfast in less than an hour
- Broad-Spectrum Weed Control: Effectively targets a wide range of weeds, including crabgrass, foxtail, kikuyu grass, signal grass, torpedo grass, and key broadleaves like bindweed, clover, dandelion, black medic, and horseweed
Buyers Guide
Those were my recommendations for the best crabgrass killer. When it comes to chemicals for weed elimination, several products are easily available on the market. However, not every product is compatible with your lawn and, more often than not, can adversely impact your grass.
It is imperative that you choose a sustainable crabgrass killer that has a gentle yet effective formula and can differentiate between weeds and turfgrass. To make things easier for you, I’ve decided to compile this buyer’s guide.
So, let’s take a look at some of the factors you need to keep in mind while purchasing a crabgrass-killing solution.
1. Type Of Grass
Using the wrong type of chemicals on your lawn can result in discoloration, stunted growth, and eventual death. So, while purchasing a crabgrass killer, remember to read the product label and verify whether the product is suitable for your grass type.
Most manufacturers list down the grass varieties that their product works on and if your turfgrass isn’t on the list, look for some other alternative. After all, you don’t want to invest in a high-end product only for it to destroy your neatly manicured lawn instead of eliminating weeds.
2. Versatility
A considerable advantage of most crabgrass killers is that they are pretty versatile and can kill different types of weeds. So, you can hit two birds with one stone by purchasing an all-in-one weed killer.
Manufacturers make it a point to advertise the type of weeds the product can kill. Some common weed types that crabgrass killers can work on include chickweed, clover, dandelion, and foxtail. In fact, all the five products that I have listed in this guide can efficiently kill hundreds of different weed types.
Look for products that can eliminate weeds right from the root to reduce the frequency of recurrence. Also, read the product label before purchase to check whether the crabgrass killer can work on the weeds that have been pestering you.
3. Killer Versus Preventer
Often, buyers get confused between crabgrass killers and preventers - these two are not interchangeable, contrary to what most shop owners or internet blogs will tell you.
Crabgrass killers are post-emergent products. They have a liquid form and are poured or sprayed over the lawn to eliminate patches of weeds or crabgrass. They work on patches that have already grown and need to be removed. Lawn owners often use this product as a form of spot treatment.
On the other hand, crabgrass preventers are pre-emergent products. They usually have a powdered form that is poured onto a spreader before being evenly distributed across the entire lawn. As the name suggests, the purpose of preventers is to keep crabgrass and other weeds at bay.
Some manufacturers use lawn fertilizers in combination with crabgrass preventers to nourish the lawn and prevent the growth of weeds.
4. Safety
It is important to remember that crabgrass killers are heavy-duty chemicals, and even the slightest mistake made during application can damage the turfgrass. In addition, excess herbicide can adversely affect your lawn by turning the grass brown or hindering its growth.
Therefore, always purchase a herbicide which is specifically designed to cater to your lawn type and is formulated to kill certain weed types. Also, some crabgrass killers can destroy vegetables, fruits, and flowers. So, make it a point to go through the instructions on the label before application.
To sum it up, do not trust a product that doesn’t provide detailed instructions regarding product ingredients, the frequency of application, dilution, etc.
5. Coverage
You need to consider the coverage your herbicide provides. Usually, it is specified by the manufacturer in square footage. Ensure that you purchase the right amount to treat weed patches all over your yard.
Besides, since most lawns need to be re-touched, a surplus amount always comes in handy and will not be wasted.
6. Weather Proof
Last but not least, you need to check whether the herbicide is weatherproof and can be used during the rainy months. Also, go through the detailed product guide to determine how fast it works. All the products on my list of recommendations become rainproof in an hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most high-quality crabgrass killers are formulated to act on different weed types only. Therefore, the chances of them killing your edible plants or lawn grass, for that matter, are negligible.
The good news is that most high-quality crabgrass preventers and killers become rainproof within an hour. Thus, instead of washing away the herbicide, rain helps in ensuring better absorption into the roots and soil.
In fact, if it doesn’t rain post-application, remember to water your lawn for better absorption.
My Final Recommendation
That’s all, folks!
I hope going through the product reviews and the buyer’s guide can help you make a decision. While crabgrass or other weeds can be pesky – a damaged lawn is a far worse fate. So, take time to do your due diligence before settling for a product.Â
Before taking my leave, here are a few of my favorites. The BioAdvanced 704140 all-in-one concentrated herbicide is excellent if you are looking for an affordable and safe product that can work on stubborn weeds. Alternatively, if you are looking for a pre-emergent herbicide, the Scotts 49915 Crabgrass Preventer will be a fantastic choice.Â
Now, it’s time for me to tend to my bonsai but do let me know which crabgrass killer is your favorite in the comments below. I’m always eager to learn more.Â
Until next time, happy gardening!