Does a carpet of spiky, unwelcome crabgrass ruin your beautiful green lawn every summer? You are not alone! That tough, fast-spreading weed loves warm weather, and it pops up right when your grass should look its best. Trying to pull it out by hand feels like a losing battle, and using the wrong chemical can hurt your healthy turf.
Choosing the right way to eliminate crabgrass can feel confusing. Do you need a pre-emergent to stop it before it starts, or a post-emergent to kill the invaders already growing? The wrong timing means wasted money and another season of frustration. We understand that frustration, and we are here to clear up the confusion.
In this guide, we break down the most effective, easy-to-understand methods for tackling this stubborn pest. You will learn exactly when and how to strike for a lasting victory. Get ready to finally reclaim your lawn’s perfect look. Let’s dive into the best ways to eliminate crabgrass for good!
Top Way To Eliminate Crabgrass Recommendations
- Weed killer for lawns: Kill weeds in your lawn, including dandelion, chickweed, clover, crabgrass and foxtail with the Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-to-Spray
- Fast-acting weed control: This weed control product kills listed weeds like crabgrass, dandelion, clover, chickweed and creeping charlie down to the root and gets results with 1 application
- Broadcast treatment for weeds: Won't harm lawn grasses when used as directed - use on lawn grasses including Bermudagrass, Buffalograss, Fescues, Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass and Zoysiagrass
- Spray weed killer: Apply to weeds that are young and actively growing by connecting your garden hose to the sprayer, sliding the switch to "ON" and spraying evenly until the lawn is wet
- Ready to spray: This 32 oz. container of Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-to-Spray treats up to 5,000 sq. ft.
- Roundup for Lawns Crabgrass Destroyer2 kills crabgrass and grassy weeds to the root
- This weed killer for lawns is formulated to kill even the toughest crabgrass and grassy weeds
- Apply this product to Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue, perennial ryegrass and tall fescue
- Apply this product to actively growing weeds (during the early growth stages for the best results), when daytime temperatures are between 45°F and 90°F
- This 64 oz. container of Roundup for Lawns Crabgrass Destroyer2 is ready-to-use with a trigger sprayer
- High Concentration, Maximum Power: Boasting an impressive 18.92% concentration of Quinclorac, this solution packs a powerful punch, ensuring that every application is optimized for maximum weed control. Our solution provides a residual control that prevents weeds from reappearing, allowing you to relish in a weed-free environment for an extended period.
- Rapid Action, Visible Results: Our Quinclorac formulation is engineered for swift and visible results. Say goodbye to persistent weeds as this fast-acting solution begins to take effect. From lawns to gardens, landscapes to commercial spaces, our Quinclorac Weed Control Solution is versatile and ready to combat weed challenges in various outdoor environments.
- Common Broadleaf Weeds Quinclorac Controls: Clover: Various species of clover, including white clover and red clover. Dandelion: The familiar yellow-flowered weed. Chickweed: A low-growing weed with small, white flowers. Ground Ivy (Creeping Charlie): A creeping perennial with round leaves and purple flowers. Henbit: A winter annual with purple flowers. Black Medic: A low-growing annual or perennial with yellow flowers. Dollarweed (Pennywort): A broadleaf perennial often found in wet areas.
- Common Grassy Weeds Quinclorac Controls: Crabgrass: An annual grass that can quickly invade lawns and other turf areas. Foxtail: Annual grasses with distinctive seed heads resembling a fox's tail. Barnyardgrass: A common annual grass found in various environments. Dallisgrass: A perennial grass often found in warm-season lawns.
- It's important to note that the effectiveness of quinclorac can vary depending on factors such as the specific weed species, growth stage, and environmental conditions. Always follow the product label instructions for proper application and use, and consider consulting with a local gardening or landscaping professional for advice tailored to your specific situation.
- LESCO Quin-Way post emergently controls crabgrass and other major weeds
- Enhance broadleaf control activity when tank-mixed with other broadleaf herbicides like LESCO Three-Way Selective Herbicide
- Quin-Way can provide excellent control of broadleaf weeds like white clover and dandelions when applied as a stand-alone application
- Quin-Way can be applied at the same time as seeding (read label for details)
- Active Ingredients Dimethylamine salt of quinclora
- High Concentration, Maximum Power: Boasting an impressive 18.92% concentration of Quinclorac, this solution packs a powerful punch, ensuring that every application is optimized for maximum weed control. Our solution provides a residual control that prevents weeds from reappearing, allowing you to relish in a weed-free environment for an extended period.
- Rapid Action, Visible Results: Our Quinclorac formulation is engineered for swift and visible results. Say goodbye to persistent weeds as this fast-acting solution begins to take effect. From lawns to gardens, landscapes to commercial spaces, our Quinclorac Weed Control Solution is versatile and ready to combat weed challenges in various outdoor environments.
- Common Broadleaf Weeds Quinclorac Controls: Clover: Various species of clover, including white clover and red clover. Dandelion: The familiar yellow-flowered weed. Chickweed: A low-growing weed with small, white flowers. Ground Ivy (Creeping Charlie): A creeping perennial with round leaves and purple flowers. Henbit: A winter annual with purple flowers. Black Medic: A low-growing annual or perennial with yellow flowers. Dollarweed (Pennywort): A broadleaf perennial often found in wet areas.
- Common Grassy Weeds Quinclorac Controls: Crabgrass: An annual grass that can quickly invade lawns and other turf areas. Foxtail: Annual grasses with distinctive seed heads resembling a fox's tail. Barnyardgrass: A common annual grass found in various environments. Dallisgrass: A perennial grass often found in warm-season lawns.
- It's important to note that the effectiveness of quinclorac can vary depending on factors such as the specific weed species, growth stage, and environmental conditions. Always follow the product label instructions for proper application and use, and consider consulting with a local gardening or landscaping professional for advice tailored to your specific situation.
- CRABGRASS KILLER: Extreme Crabgrass Killer kills even large, hairy and smooth crabgrass
- SPECIAL FORMULA: The special crabgrass solution kills to the root
- USE ON: Norther turfs such as Fescue, Perennial Ryegrass, and Kentucky Bluegrass
- RAINPROOF PROTECTION: Rainproof in 1 hour
- WON’T HARM LAWNS: Won’t harm lawns when used as directed – kills more than 200 types of weeds as listed.
- PRE-EMERGENT CRABGRASS KILLER: Prevents crabgrass and other undesirable annual grasses.
- UP TO 5 MONTHS CONTROL: Apply with a spreader at the rates directed on the product label.
- APPLY SPRING THROUGH FALL: Apply when weeds are actively growing.
- COVERAGE: This 10.8 pound bag covers up to 3,000 square feet of lawn.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Winning the War Against Crabgrass
Crabgrass can ruin a beautiful lawn. It pops up fast and spreads even faster. This guide helps you pick the best product to stop it. We look at what matters most so your grass stays green and healthy.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a crabgrass killer, certain features make a product better. You want something that works hard and keeps the grass safe.
- Pre-Emergent vs. Post-Emergent: This is the biggest choice. Pre-emergent products stop seeds from sprouting. Think of it as a shield. You apply it early in spring. Post-emergent products kill the grass that has already grown. These are for active outbreaks. Look for a product that fits your timing needs.
- Active Ingredients: The ingredients do the heavy lifting. For pre-emergents, look for chemicals like Pendimethalin or Prodiamine. For post-emergents, look for Quinclorac. Check the label to ensure the ingredients match your goal.
- Lawn Safety: The product must be safe for your main lawn grass (like Fescue or Bermuda). A good product targets the weed without harming your good turf. Always check the label for grass compatibility.
- Longevity (for Pre-Emergents): How long does the protection last? Longer protection means fewer applications. A good product offers 10 to 14 weeks of control.
Important Materials and Formulation
The way a product is made affects how well it works.
Most crabgrass solutions come in liquid or granular form. Granular products mix easily with soil and often last longer. You usually need a spreader to apply these evenly. Liquid concentrates mix with water in a sprayer. They often act faster on existing weeds.
Consider the carrier material for granular products. Silica or clay bases help the active ingredient stick to the soil. A high-quality carrier ensures the chemical spreads evenly. Uneven spreading leaves gaps where crabgrass can sneak through.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one crabgrass killer better than another? It often comes down to timing and application.
Quality Boosters: Applying a pre-emergent right before the soil temperature hits 55 degrees Fahrenheit greatly improves results. Weather also matters. Light rain after application helps move the chemical into the soil where it needs to work. Products that list high percentages of the active ingredient are usually higher quality.
Quality Reducers: Applying too early or too late reduces effectiveness. If you apply pre-emergent too early, the product breaks down before the seeds sprout. If you wait until the grass is tall, post-emergents struggle to cover the whole weed. Over-diluting liquid products or under-applying granular products also reduces quality. You must follow the label instructions exactly.
User Experience and Use Cases
How easy is the product to use? This impacts your overall experience.
If you have a small yard, a ready-to-use spray bottle might be best. These are simple; you just spray and go. For large lawns, buying a concentrate and using a backpack sprayer saves money and time in the long run. Granular products require owning or renting a lawn spreader, which adds a step but ensures even coverage.
Use Case Example: If you see tiny sprouts of crabgrass already in July, you need a strong post-emergent. If it is early April and you have a history of crabgrass, use a pre-emergent now to prevent the problem entirely.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Crabgrass Eliminators
Q: When is the best time to apply a pre-emergent crabgrass killer?
A: Apply it in early spring when soil temperatures consistently reach 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This is usually before your tulips bloom.
Q: Can I use a post-emergent killer if I already used a pre-emergent?
A: Yes, you can, but check the label carefully. Some products are designed to work together, but others might conflict. Always read the safety warnings.
Q: Will crabgrass killer harm my established garden flowers?
A: Most standard lawn crabgrass products are dangerous to many desirable plants, especially if they are broadleaf plants. Avoid spraying near flower beds or vegetable gardens.
Q: How long after applying a pre-emergent can I seed my lawn?
A: This varies widely. Some modern pre-emergents allow seeding just a few weeks later, while older types require waiting eight to twelve weeks. Check the specific product label before seeding.
Q: What if it rains right after I put down my granular product?
A: A little bit of rain is good! It helps move the chemical into the soil. Heavy rain immediately after application might wash the product away, reducing its effectiveness.
Q: Are organic crabgrass killers as effective as chemical ones?
A: Organic options, often based on corn gluten meal, work best as pre-emergents. They are less potent than chemical options and usually require multiple applications for good control.
Q: My crabgrass is already tall. Should I use liquid or granular post-emergent?
A: Liquid is usually better for tall weeds. It coats the leaves better, allowing the chemical to enter the plant faster.
Q: Do I need to water my lawn after applying a liquid post-emergent?
A: Usually, you should wait 24 hours before watering. Watering too soon can wash the killer off the leaves before it has time to work.
Q: How do I know if the pre-emergent is still working?
A: If you do not see any new, tiny crabgrass sprouts popping up a month or two after application, the product is likely still active and working well.
Q: Can I use the same spreader for fertilizer and crabgrass killer?
A: Yes, you can use the same spreader, but you must clean it thoroughly between uses. Residue from a weed killer can harm your grass if you spread fertilizer next.