There are a lot of issues you could face when it comes to your lawn. Weeds are the most common. Things like crabgrass Killer can take over your yard easily, and make it look eerie.
If your lawn is already overrun, you’ll need the best killer of crabgrass. It should work fast and target weeds. There is yet another way, though.
There are also preventive treatments that can prevent the crabgrass from forming at all. We’ll clarify the different items and send you 12 that can work with your needs.
The Life Cycle of Crabgrass
Crabgrass seeds usually remain dormant for a brief time period until they fall off the plants. Then, seed germination is dependent on soil temperature.
Soil surface temperature must be 55 °-65 ° F (13 °-18 ° C) for a total of four days in a row. The crabgrass can start to germinate when that happens. Sometimes, spring and late summer are the best time.
Crabgrass will keep on growing through midsummer, even as the days get shorter. Growth does, however, begin to slow in late summer, and plants begin their reproductive stages.
You will start seeing heads of purple seeds. This will continue until the first frost arrives and destroys the plants. Such seeds can still fall off and scatter, and lie dormant until the next spring.
When weed comes out earlier in the season, it’s got a long time to grow. Then it will get really large and it will be able to compete with the grass seeds.
12 Best Crabgrass Killer and Preventer
1. Tenacity Turf Herbicide
Tenacity is Syngenta Turf HerbicideTurf HerbicideTurf HerbicideTurf Herbicide. While it is targeted as a pre-emergence product if crabgrass is already present it can also work. It’s primarily a selective chemical that provides residual weed control within turfgrass.
When you apply the product as a pre-emergent, the weeds will absorb the chemicals as they spring out of the soil. It kills them on contact so they can not expand and develop spreadable seeds.
This drug is for targeting a range of weeds. Which include carpetweed, chickweed, and barnyard grass. It also kills large and smooth varieties of crabgrass, along with clover, dandelions, and thistles.
The main ingredient for this is Mesotrione. Like a number of other inactive products, it comprises 40 percent of the weed killer. These can enable the weed to stick to the chemical and penetrate it quickly.
Consider buying this product now, even if you need it not immediately. When stored correctly, it will last for up to eight years from its date of manufacture.
2. Southern Ag Amine 24-D Weed Killer
Southern AGSouthern AGSouthern AGSouthern AG produces the Amine 24-D weed killer. It is a selective compound, so it attacks only broadleaf weeds. Keep in mind that several species of crabgrass are known as narrow-leaf weeds.
This product does not have any hint on the types of weeds it destroys. You can use it for crabgrass though, and it could work. It can be found in ditches, in the grass, around fences, and much more.
You should use a sprayer with it. If your garden hose is appropriate, you can connect the hose to the container itself.
Please sure that it is a low-pressure spray and has a fan nozzle in it. This ensures even distribution of the chemical around the lawn where you have crabgrass.
Of course, you need the spraying technique to be accurate. Seek not to repeat the spray (go over a treated part again). This may yellow or cause the grass to die. Since it is selective, you should use caution around other plants you wish to hold.
3. Green Gobbler Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer
Those who like an organic weed killer may like Green Gobbler’sGreen Gobbler’sGreen Gobbler’sGreen Gobbler’s. Bear in mind that this product is meant to be non-selective. Therefore all the plants, including your grass, will be killed.
If you have only a few weeks, you may be able to spot treat them. Otherwise, the best way to use this product is to kill everything and start all over again.
The product can be used straight out of the bag. It also has its own sprayer handle, which will mount once the lid is removed.
This product is designed without any toxic chemicals to kill grasses and weeds and is made from corn. It is listed on OMRI, meaning it is organically certified. Plus, it does not contain any chemicals that cause glyphosate or cancer.
This product is about four times stronger than traditional vinegar although vinegar is used. It is made from distilled grain of corn, and it contains ethanol. So it can consume dandelions, crabgrass, and a number of species of clover.
4. Compare-N-Save 016869 Concentrate Grass and Weed Killer
You may want the Compare-N-SaveCompare-N-SaveCompare-N-SaveCompare-N-Save label when it comes to destroying both grass and weeds. It’s considered a non-selective weed killer and in just a few hours, it can be rainproof. So you can apply it later on to your lawn regardless of the weather.
In fact, once it’s applied you will want to water everything. This way, it soaks up the earth and consumes everything efficiently. Only note there aren’t immediate tests.
The weeds can require up to four days to die. This stuff isn’t organic, either. It contains about 41 percent glyphosate.
This product will, of course, cover a 25,000 square foot lawn. It is a liquid that is concentrated and you can mix it with water. While you only need three tablespoons to manage normal weeds, you can use up to five tablespoons in a gallon of brush and perennial to manage water.
One gallon of the combined substance occupies three hundred square feet. You don’t need to use all of that at once.
5. Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer
Those who want to be cautious would like brand ScottsScottsScottsScotts. It is a drug called a pre-emergent, preventer. You spray it right to kill weeds as they come up through the soil.
One bag will treat 5,000 square feet, and the season needs only one application. Using it in spring is best before the crabgrass has a chance to develop. Plus, it will keep weeds in check all season.
It should also be applied in autumn to prevent winter weeds from growing up. Which include henbit, chickweed, and Poa Annua.
It won’t matter if it is snowing, raining or freezing. The application will still be set, and will not affect the results.
You need a spreader for use with this device. You can use the brand of Scotts, but there are others available, too. Bear in mind that the spreader is a surcharge.
Add the product to the spreader and set calibrations to match. Then, run it over the lawn slowly, just like your lawnmower does.
6. Quali-Pro Prodiamine 65 WDG
If you want something to prevent the growth of crabgrass (and other weeds), the Prodiamine Quali-Pro may be perfect. It is a weed form of broadleaf, so it can be used on a range of unwanted plants.
The software has a versatile implementation process, so it can be implemented in fall or spring. The package contains 5 pounds of weed killer. Prodiamine is the active ingredient, and it contains 65 percent.
It can be used on turf, in the countryside, and in nurseries. These can be used by trees and other plants, as well.
It is successful against henbit, chickweed, knotweed, and foxtail, of course. Also, it can be used to avoid goosegrass and Poa Annua. While crabgrass is not explicitly listed, it can be successful since it targets weeds before they grow.
Only make sure you are using it until temperatures hit 55 degrees Fahrenheit in the morning. It is the best way of keeping weeds from taking over your yard all season.
7. Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer Concentrate
The brand SpectracideSpectracideSpectracideSpectracide contains a powerful grass and weed killer. It is non-selective, and you’ll probably kill both your turf and the weeds. When your yard is overrun, however, starting over could be ideal.
This product can be used on walkways and driveways, as well as in yard areas. The formula is built for swift work. You will see results in just 3 hours, in some situations.
This allows you to destroy the weeds and then replant all of your fresh plants, trees, or flowers during the same weekend. The commodity would, of course, be waterproof in just 15 minutes. Therefore, if after application of the product happens to rain it will still be effective.
For this product, you require a tank sprayer. This has to be combined with the correct amount of water and these amounts can easily be found on the bottle. Make sure you thoroughly cover the leaves to ensure it kills the entire plant.
8. BASF Drive XLR8 Herbicide 1/2 Gallon 64 OZ.
Anyone choosing a liquid solution would prefer the BASF brandBASF brandBASF brandBASF brand. This is a solution dependent on water, which can help manage several different forms of weeds. It refers to crabgrass.
One bottle will handle an entire hectare of land with the label’s standard full application needs. It is a full drug for weed control and works really easily. It will literally dry in just an hour, so it doesn’t matter if it rains later after you use it.
You can use this product when you have mature crabgrass in the lawn. It is designed as a selective chemical killer, therefore it targets only the crabgrass and not your turf.
While this is a standalone drug, along with it, the manufacturer suggests using Microyl Crop Oil Replacement to improve the herbicide ‘s effectiveness.
This drug is able to manage a variety of weeds. Which include dollarweed, crabgrass, and dandelion. This also works well on, among others, bindweed, Torpedograss, Foxtail, clover, and Signalgrass.
9. BioAdvanced 704140 All-In-One Lawn Weed and Crabgrass Killer Garden Herbicide
The brand Bio advanced is an all-in-one weed killer, and it can be used on crabgrasscrabgrasscrabgrasscrabgrass and a lot more. It’s perfect for dandelions and clover too. This guarantees the killing of more than 200 common broadleaf weeds, however.
You will get more killing power with the 40-ounce bottle, and the drug is concentrated. So you mix the correct quantities (found on the label) with water.
This drug is a selective weed killer so it won’t hurt the lawn. And you can spray it quickly in the yard without fear it will damage the grass. Please note, Bahia, Carpetgrass, St. Augustine, and Centipede grasses should not be used for this.
In one hour, it’s rainproof too. It ensures that if it rains the same day that you apply it, the product will stay in the plants and will continue to function.
One bottle treats six times that of 250 square feet. With this treatment, you can use a hose-end sprayer or dial-n-spray nozzle.
10. RoundUp 5200210 Ready-to-Use Weed & Grass Killer
RoundupRoundupRoundupRoundup is a common brand when it comes to weed-killer. The ready-to-use device comes with a convenient wand. It allows you to use it without combining it or using a different computer to apply it.
One bottle can treat 400 square feet, depending on the level of concentration you are using. The comfort wand is, of course, an extension of your hand. That means you don’t have to lean over with your hands or ‘spray’ continuously.
This weed killer can be used almost anywhere. Ideal for use in cracks on the road, in herb gardens, and in mulch beds. You can use it around patios, fences, and flower beds too, of course.
The product only requires 10 minutes to dry after you apply it. If rain happens it will stay on the weed. Even in just three hours, you will start seeing results.
This kills root plants. It means they will not be returning for the rest of the season.
11. Ortho Weed B Gon plus Crabgrass Control Concentrate
Weed B Gon PlusWeed B Gon PlusWeed B Gon PlusWeed B Gon Plus is sold by the Ortho company. This product has the potential to kill more than 200 weeds including crabgrass. It is designed to target only the weeds and when you use it properly, it does not harm the grass.
You’ll need to read the full product label to determine how much to use based on your lawn size. This weed killer can be used on a number of grasses, such as the grasses Fescues, Bermuda, Buffalo, and Zoysia.
Because this is a selective weed killer, if you see weeds growing, you can spray it over the lawn. This is a condensed solution, and it can occupy about 5,000 square feet of the 32-ounce bottle. This can be used with a configuration of a dial-n-spray or tank sprayer.
You can use it though with a standard garden hose, too. Either way, you won’t have to weigh or mix it up. Keep this in mind as a broadcast application works best but it can sometimes be used as a spot treatment.
12. Primesource Quinclorac 1.5L Select
PrimesourcePrimesourcePrimesourcePrimesource is a selective herbicide, therefore it is intended to target only the weeds. Without fear you can spray it over your grass, as long as you use the appropriate measurements. The active ingredient here is Dimethylamine or quinclorac salt of 18 percent.
Usually, it is used when weeds already shape and grow. Although it is preferred by many homeowners, commercial properties can benefit from its use as well. After you notice weeds, you have around 28 days to use this product most effectively.
Plus, it’s built to last 90 days, so you can still spray it once a season to get rid of weeds from your lawn. The product works on grassy and wide leaf weeds and makes it suitable for crabgrass.
People also use it along with supervision. Consider using this product 7 days before you seed the lawn to create new grass. This ensures it has enough time to work and when you seed the lawn, it does not harm the grass or ‘burn’ it.
Check HereCheck HereCheck HereCheck Here for More ProductsWhen to Apply Crabgrass Preventer?
Crabgrass seeds typically germinate as the soil rises to temperature. Emergence can occur at 55 degrees Fahrenheit but most seeds begin to grow at 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil temperature is influenced by wind, sunlight, shade, and humidity. Soil can generally reach such temperatures in the Spring in the Midwest.
With all that to say, if your soil reaches around 55-65 degrees Fahrenheit you will apply the preventer (pre-emergent) crabgrass killer. You can buy a special temperature tool every day to test it or use an online tool to help you determine generalized temperatures.
Timing is all because if you apply it too early it will dissipate before the seeds start developing. The crabgrass is likely to overwhelm the lawn if you plant it too late in the year.
How to Apply Crabgrass Killer?
There are two major forms of killer crabgrass. One of them is oil, the other a paste or small pellets. You need a spreader to apply the powder/pellet form. These can be bought separately, but most are not calibrated for precision.
For many homeowners, the liquid alternative is always better. Some of them are intended for water mixing (concentrated formulae). You can use your garden hose to this sometimes.
Other versions are up and running. Sometimes they come with spray wands that connect to the bottle.
Final Thoughts
We understand you may want to concentrate on killing crabgrass before it begins to grow. In that case, your best choice is the Tenacity brand. Additionally, it can also be used after crabgrass has taken over your lawn.
It is thus a two-edged knife, which can also be used to attack certain weed types. This product is also selective so it kills only the weeds and not your grass.
When you want a non-selective weed-killer, you may want to find Green Gobbler. If you want to kill the grass and start over again this product is ideal.
Take a look at these products from the same price range, that are available right now on Amazon:
Also, See Best 10 Fertilizer for Grass in Summer – Buying Guide
