Imagine a perfectly green lawn, smooth as velvet. Then, suddenly, those unwelcome, spiky invaders appear: crabgrass! It spreads fast and ruins the look of your hard work. Does that sound familiar to anyone battling their backyard?
Choosing the right crabgrass preventer feels like a maze. You see so many bags and bottles at the store. Which one works best? When should you apply it? Using the wrong product wastes your money and leaves you fighting the same battle next summer. Nobody wants patchy, weedy grass when their neighbors have lush carpets.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will explain exactly what these preventers do and how to pick the perfect one for your yard. You will learn the secrets to stopping crabgrass before it even starts growing. Get ready to take control of your lawn care routine!
Top Crabgrass Preventer Recommendations
- Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer prevents the germination of listed lawn weeds so you can enjoy your lawn
- 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
- Apply this pre-emergent weed 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 product
- This lawn care product is for use on all grass types (with the exception of Dichondra or Bentgrass)
- One 20.12 lb. bag of Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer covers 10,000 sq. ft.
- Scotts Turf Builder Halts Crabgrass Preventer with Lawn Food stops crabgrass before it invades and feeds grass for a fast green-up after winter
- Prevents listed weeds including crabgrass, barnyard grass, foxtail, poa annua, chickweed, and oxalis
- Apply pre-emergent weed killer plus fertilizer to a dry lawn in early spring (prior to 3rd or 4th mowing) before temperatures are regularly in the 80s
- Rain, snow, or freezing conditions after application will not affect product performance
- One 37.38 lb. bag of Scotts Turf Builder Halts Crabgrass Preventer with Lawn Food covers 14,000 sq. ft.
- Scotts WeedEx Prevent with Halts prevents crabgrass all season long
- This pre-emergent grassy weed killer stops crabgrass before it starts
- Apply in early spring for season-long prevention of crabgrass, or apply in fall to prevent winter weeds such as Poa annua, henbit, and chickweed
- Do not apply this lawn care product to Dichondra and Bentgrass
- One 10.06 lb. bag of Scotts WeedEx Prevent with Halts covers 5,000 sq. ft.
- Stops crabgrass all season and can be applied up to 4 weeks after crabgrass emerges
- Prevents crabgrass and 40+ common lawn weeds
- Prevents crabgrass all season
- Can be used on cool and warm-season grasses: creeping bentgrass, Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue, tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, bahiagrass, bermudagrass,buffalograss, carpetgrass, centipedegrass, St. Augustinegrass, zoysiagrass, apply as directed
- 15 lbs. Covers 5,000 sq. ft
- Scotts Turf Builder Halts Crabgrass Preventer with Lawn Food stops crabgrass before it invades and feeds grass for a fast green-up after winter
- Prevents listed weeds including crabgrass, barnyard grass, foxtail, Poa annua, chickweed, and oxalis
- Apply pre-emergent weed killer plus fertilizer to a dry lawn in early spring (prior to 3rd or 4th mowing) before temperatures are regularly in the 80s; rain, snow, or freezing conditions after application will not affect the performance of this product
- Do not apply this lawn care product to Dichondra and Bentgrass
- One 40.05 lb. bag of Scotts Turf Builder Halts Crabgrass Preventer with Lawn Food covers 15,000 sq. ft.
- Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action1 is a three-in-one formula that kills weeds, prevents crabgrass, and feeds grass to build thick, green lawns
- Controls dandelion, clover, dollarweed, ground ivy, chickweed, plantain, henbit, and english daisy
- Prevents crabgrass for up to 4 months (will not kill existing crabgrass); prevents other listed grassy weeds from invading your lawn
- For use on Bahiagrass, Centipedegrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, Bermudagrass, Tall Fescue, Fine Fescue, and Zoysiagrass
- Apply to a wet lawn with a Scotts spreader, and then water in after 24 hours; apply in spring when dandelions are actively growing; an 11.31 lb. bag treats 4,000 sq. ft.
- One application prevents crabgrass all season long
- Apply in spring to prevent crabgrass and problem weeds all season long
- Fall application prevents winter weeds, such as poa annua, henbit and chickweed
- Rain, snow or freezing weather after application won't affect product performance
- Apply in fall to prevent moss
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Crabgrass Preventer
Crabgrass is a sneaky weed. It pops up in summer and makes your lawn look messy. A good crabgrass preventer keeps it away. This guide helps you choose the best one for your yard.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look closely at the product label. Certain features make a product work better for you.
1. Active Ingredients
The ingredient that stops the grass is the most important part. Look for common pre-emergent herbicides like:
- Prodiamine: This works for a long time. It stops seeds before they sprout.
- Dithiopyr: This is also very popular. It gives good, reliable control.
- Pendimethalin: This is another strong choice for preventing germination.
2. Application Type
How you put the product down matters for ease of use.
- Granular (Granules): These look like tiny pellets. You spread them with a spreader. They are easy to handle and measure.
- Liquid Concentrate: You mix this with water in a sprayer. This often covers large areas quickly.
3. Longevity of Control
How long does the product keep working? Some products last 8 weeks. Others last 12 weeks or more. Choose one that matches your spring weather. If spring is long where you live, pick a longer-lasting formula.
Important Materials and Formulation
The “stuff” inside the bag or bottle affects how well the product sticks to the soil.
Spreader Compatibility (For Granules)
If you buy granules, check the bag. Manufacturers often recommend a specific spreader setting. This ensures you apply the correct amount. Too little, and crabgrass wins. Too much, and you waste money.
Water Solubility (For Liquids)
Liquid products need to dissolve well in water. Good solubility means the active ingredient spreads evenly throughout the soil. This creates a strong protective barrier.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one product better than another?
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Timing: The best products work when soil temperatures hit 55 degrees Fahrenheit for several days. The product must be in the soil before the seed germinates.
- Soil Moisture: Most preventers need a little water after application. Rain or watering helps move the chemical into the top layer of soil where the seeds are waiting.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Late Application: Applying too late is the biggest mistake. If you see even one crabgrass sprout, the pre-emergent will not work well anymore. You missed the window.
- Improper Spreading: If you leave streaks of untreated lawn, crabgrass will grow in those gaps. Overlap your passes slightly for full coverage.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about your yard size and how much work you want to do.
Small Yards (Under 5,000 sq ft):
Liquid concentrates mixed in a handheld sprayer are often fast and easy. You can quickly treat small patches.
Large Yards (Over 10,000 sq ft):
Granular products used with a broadcast or drop spreader save time. You fill the spreader and walk back and forth until the lawn is covered.
Fertilizer Combinations:
Some products combine the crabgrass preventer with lawn food (fertilizer). This saves you a trip. If your lawn needs feeding in early spring, this is a great time-saver. Be careful not to apply this when temperatures get hot, as fertilizer can sometimes burn the grass if not watered in properly.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Crabgrass Preventer
Q: When is the best time to apply crabgrass preventer?
A: Apply the preventer in early spring. Wait until the soil temperature stays around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. A good rule of thumb is when the forsythia bushes start blooming.
Q: Will crabgrass preventer kill existing crabgrass?
A: No. Pre-emergent preventers only stop seeds from sprouting. They do not kill established, visible crabgrass plants. You need a post-emergent killer for those.
Q: How soon after applying can I water my lawn?
A: Most products require light watering (about a quarter inch of rain or irrigation) soon after spreading. This activates the chemical barrier in the soil.
Q: Can I spread grass seed after using a preventer?
A: Generally, no. Pre-emergents stop all grass seeds from growing, including your desirable turf seed. Wait until the preventer wears off (usually 8-12 weeks) before overseeding.
Q: What if I have a newly seeded lawn?
A: Do not use a preventer on a new lawn. It will stop your new grass seeds from sprouting. Wait until the new grass is established (usually after 2-3 mowings).
Q: Are liquid or granular products better?
A: Neither is strictly better. Granules are easier for beginners to spread evenly. Liquids often provide a slightly more consistent barrier if mixed and sprayed correctly.
Q: How long does the protection last?
A: Most standard products last between 8 and 12 weeks. Check the label for the exact guaranteed duration.
Q: Can I use a combination product with fertilizer?
A: Yes, many people do. This saves time. Ensure you apply it at the right time for both weed control and feeding needs.
Q: What happens if I apply it when it is too hot?
A: Applying too late in the season when temperatures are high can sometimes stress your desirable turfgrass, especially if you use a fertilizer combo and do not water enough.
Q: Do I need to use a spreader for liquid products?
A: You can use a pump sprayer or a hose-end sprayer attachment. A hose-end sprayer is often easier for large areas as it mixes the concentrate for you automatically.