In this analysis, we present the top 10 crabgrass killers for 2024 to maintain your lawn's impeccable appearance and reduce tedious weeding efforts. Crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis) is an invasive weed that can detract from your lawn's aesthetic appeal due to its low-growing, branching stems resembling crab legs. There are two primary categories of crabgrass control products: pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides.
Pre-emergent crabgrass inhibitors function by preventing seed germination. When applied early in the spring season, they effectively thwart the emergence of crabgrass and various other weeds before they surface. However, these treatments do not affect already established crabgrass plants.
On the contrary, post-emergent crabgrass killers target actively growing weeds using a variety of chemical agents that eradicate them down to their roots. Visible wilting of the affected foliage often commences within hours of application, but complete root death may take several days more.
It is crucial to verify that the chosen crabgrass killer is selective, meaning it will not harm desirable turf grasses, as emphasized by Noah James, a professional landscaper and owner of Liberty Lawn Maintenance. He also advises checking product labels to ensure compatibility with specific lawn grass species.
Through meticulous evaluation, we have curated a list of premier crabgrass killers from leading lawn care brands, considering each product's effectiveness against crabgrass, safety across a broad range of turf grass types, ease of application, ability to eliminate additional weeds, overall value, and performance.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Preen Crabgrass Control at Amazon ($21)
Best Budget:
Spectracide Ready-to-Use Weed & Grass Killer at Walmart (See Price)
Best Post-Emergent:
BioAdvanced All-in-One Weed Killer Concentrate at Amazon ($13)
Best Pre-Emergent:
Scotts Halts Crabgrass and Grassy Weed Preventer at Amazon ($25)
Best Concentrate:
Ortho Weed B-Gon Lawn Weed Killer Concentrate + Crabgrass Control at Home Depot ($11)
Best Spray:
BioAdvanced Ready-to-Spray All-in-One Lawn Weed and Crabgrass Killer at Amazon (See Price)
Best for Spot Treatment:
Natria Grass and Weed Control With Root Kill at Amazon ($32)
Best for Flower Beds:
Miracle-Gro Garden Weed Preventer at Amazon (See Price)
Best for Lawns:
BioAdvanced 5-in-1 Weed and Feed at Amazon ($25)
Best for Bermudagrass Lawns:
BioAdvanced Season Long Lawn Weed Killer + Preventer for Southern Lawns at Home Depot ($25)
The best overall choice, Preen Crabgrass Control, offers dual-action efficacy, functioning both as a pre-emergent inhibitor and a post-emergent eliminator. It safeguards against over 40 types of weeds, including crabgrass, provided it is applied within four weeks of germination. This product is safe for most common lawn grasses and remains effective for up to four months.
Among budget-friendly options, the Spectracide Ready-to-Use Weed & Grass Killer provides quick results with visible effects within three hours, ideal for spot treatment without requiring any mixing or specialized equipment. However, it is non-selective and should not be used on lawns or near desirable vegetation.
BioAdvanced All-in-One Weed Killer Concentrate stands out as the best post-emergent solution, eliminating crabgrass and over 200 other weed species, while offering fast-acting results and a non-staining red colorant for even coverage.
Each recommended product has been carefully assessed based on its unique attributes, compatibility with specific lawn conditions, targeted weed spectrum, and effectiveness in maintaining a lush, healthy lawn free from crabgrass infestations.