This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission at no cost to you if you make a purchase through a link.
If you’re trying to keep your yard looking clean and healthy, choosing the best Crabgrass killer for lawns can make a big difference. Crabgrass can spread quickly, crowd out your turf, and leave your lawn looking uneven. The right product depends on whether you need to stop crabgrass before it starts, kill it after it appears, or handle both along with other common lawn weeds.
When comparing the products below, pay close attention to whether they are pre-emergent or post-emergent, the size of the area they cover, and whether they’re designed for lawns or for spot treatment in other outdoor areas. It’s also smart to consider whether you want a concentrated formula, a ready-to-use spray, or a weed-and-feed option that combines weed control with lawn care.
Let’s get started!
Our Top Picks at a Glance
| Product | Best For | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|
| BASF Drive XLR8 | Post-emergent weed control for lawns and turf | Buy |
| Scotts Halts Crabgrass Preventer | Pre-emergent crabgrass prevention for larger lawns | Buy |
| Ortho WeedClear Ready-to-Use | Ready-to-use spot treatment for crabgrass and common weeds | Buy |
Best Crabgrass Killer For Lawns
1. Best Overall: BASF Drive XLR8
- 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
BASF Drive XLR8 is a post-emergent weed control concentrate designed for lawn and turf use. It’s built around quinclorac, and the listing notes 30-day residual protection. For homeowners dealing with visible crabgrass and other grassy or broadleaf weeds, this is one of the strongest options in the lineup.
Because it’s a concentrate, it offers flexibility for treating larger problem areas. That makes it especially appealing if your lawn has widespread weed pressure rather than just a few small patches. The 64-ounce size also gives you more product to work with than many ready-to-use sprays.
If you want a lawn-focused solution and need to tackle established crabgrass, this product stands out for its purpose-built formulation. It’s best suited for users who are comfortable mixing concentrate and applying it carefully across turf.
Pros
- Post-emergent weed control for lawns and turf
- Active ingredient quinclorac
- 30-day residual listed
- Large 64-ounce concentrate format
Cons
- Requires mixing
- Not a ready-to-use option
- Primarily for users comfortable with concentrate application
2. Best Pre-Emergent Pick: Scotts Halts Crabgrass Preventer
- 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
Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer is designed as a pre-emergent weed killer for lawns. That means it’s meant to help prevent crabgrass before it becomes a visible problem. The product covers up to 10,000 square feet, which is a useful size for many homeowners.
This is a practical choice if your main goal is prevention rather than treatment of existing weeds. It fits well into a seasonal lawn care routine and is aimed at keeping crabgrass from taking over during the growing season. The granule format also makes it easy to apply over larger lawn areas.
If you’re planning ahead and want to reduce the chance of crabgrass showing up in the first place, this is a strong option to consider. It’s best for those who value coverage and prevention over spot-killing convenience.
Pros
- Pre-emergent crabgrass prevention
- Covers up to 10,000 sq. ft.
- Good fit for seasonal lawn care
- Simple granule application
Cons
- Not for killing established crabgrass
- Best used as part of prevention timing
- May not suit users needing spot treatment
3. Best 2-in-1 Formula: Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action1 4,000 sq. ft.
- 3-IN-1 FORMULA: Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action1 is a three-in-one lawn fertilizer and weed control formula that kills listed lawn weeds, prevents crabgrass, and feeds grass to build thick, green lawns
- WHERE TO USE: This grass fertilizer, crabgrass preventer, and clover and dandelion killer for lawns is for use on Bahiagrass, Centipedegrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, Bermudagrass, Tall Fescue, Fine Fescue, and Zoysiagrass
- LAWN WEED CONTROL: This lawn care product is a weed killer for lawns that controls dandelion, clover, dollarweed, ground ivy, chickweed, plantain, henbit, English daisy, and other listed lawn weeds
Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action1 combines weed control, crabgrass prevention, and lawn fertilization in one product. It’s designed for lawns up to 4,000 square feet, making it a solid choice for smaller properties that need more than one type of lawn care support.
Because it includes lawn fertilizer, it may appeal to homeowners who want to simplify their routine. Rather than using separate products for feeding and weed control, this one offers a combined approach. That can save time and reduce the number of applications needed.
This product is a good pick if your goal is to help the lawn while also addressing weed pressure. It’s particularly useful for users who want a more complete lawn maintenance product with crabgrass prevention included.
Pros
- Weed control and crabgrass prevention in one
- Includes lawn fertilizer
- Good for up to 4,000 sq. ft.
- Useful for simplifying lawn care
Cons
- Not ideal for larger lawns
- Not a dedicated post-emergent crabgrass killer
- Best for users who want a combined product
4. Best Ready-to-Use: Ortho WeedClear Ready-to-Use with Comfort Wand
- Weed killer for lawns: Kill crabgrass, dandelion, clover and other listed common weeds in your lawn with Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-To-Use
- Fast-acting weed control: This weed control product kills like crabgrass, dandelion, clover, chickweed and creeping charlie down to the root and gets results with 1 application
- Spot 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
Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-to-Use comes with a Comfort Wand and is designed to kill crabgrass, dandelion, and clover. Since it’s ready to use, it’s a convenient choice for targeted lawn weed control without mixing or measuring.
The 1-gallon format makes it easy to keep on hand for spot treatments around the yard. This is helpful when you don’t need a full concentrate system and prefer a straightforward spray-and-go product.
If convenience matters most, this formula is a practical lawn weed solution. It’s especially well suited for homeowners who want a ready-to-use crabgrass treatment for smaller or localized weed problems.
Pros
- Ready-to-use format
- Includes Comfort Wand
- Kills crabgrass, dandelion, and clover
- Easy for spot treatment
Cons
- Not a concentrate
- May be less economical for large areas
- Best for targeted use rather than broad coverage
5. Best Lawn Food Combo: Scotts Turf Builder Halts Crabgrass Preventer with Lawn Food
- Stops crabgrass before it invades and protects your lawn all season long
- Lawn fertilizer feeds for a fast green-up after winter and builds strong, deep grass roots
- Rain, snow or freezing conditions after application won't affect product performance
Scotts Turf Builder Halts Crabgrass Preventer with Lawn Food is another prevention-focused product, but with the added benefit of lawn food. It’s made to help stop crabgrass before it starts while also supporting lawn feeding at the same time.
This product covers 5,000 square feet, which makes it a convenient option for medium-sized lawns. If you want to combine prevention and feeding into one seasonal step, it can be a useful time-saver.
It’s a solid pick for homeowners who want an all-in-one spring lawn product. The combination of prevention and feeding makes it appealing for routine lawn maintenance.
Pros
- Crabgrass prevention plus lawn food
- Useful for seasonal lawn care
- Covers 5,000 sq. ft.
- Combines two tasks into one
Cons
- Not for killing established crabgrass
- Coverage is smaller than some other options
- Best for prevention-focused users
6. Best for Harder-to-Treat Spots: Ortho GroundClear Weed & Grass Killer with Comfort Wand
- FAST-ACTING WEED CONTROL: This weed and grass killer spray absorbs on contact to produce results in just 15 minutes, allowing you to reclaim your outdoor spaces including walkways and driveways, under trees, and in landscape beds
- RAINPROOF IN 2 HOURS: Once dry, the formula becomes rainproof in 2 hours, ensuring that your efforts with the grass and weed killer sprayer are not washed away by unexpected weather
- WEED & GRASS KILLER: This grass and weed spray targets and kills listed weeds and grasses, including dandelions, chickweed, crabgrass, and moss, providing comprehensive coverage for your outdoor spaces
Ortho GroundClear Weed & Grass Killer with Comfort Wand is designed to kill dandelions, chickweed, crabgrass, moss, and more. It is OMRI listed and comes in a ready-to-use spray format, making it easier to apply directly where needed.
This product is labeled for use in and around outdoor areas rather than as a typical turf feeding product. That makes it more suited to problem spots where you want broad weed and grass control.
If your crabgrass issue is part of a broader weed problem in non-lawn areas or tough spots, this product is worth considering. It offers a convenient wand applicator and simple use case for targeted treatment.
Pros
- Kills crabgrass and several other weeds
- Ready-to-use with Comfort Wand
- OMRI listed
- Useful for spot treatment
Cons
- Not a lawn fertility product
- Best for targeted treatment areas
- Not specifically a lawn-care combo product
7. Best Large-Area Lawn Feed: Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action1 12,000 sq. ft.
- 3-IN-1 FORMULA: Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action1 is a three-in-one lawn fertilizer and weed control formula that kills listed lawn weeds, prevents crabgrass, and feeds grass to build thick, green lawns
- WHERE TO USE: This grass fertilizer, crabgrass preventer, and clover and dandelion killer for lawns is for use on Bahiagrass, Centipedegrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, Bermudagrass, Tall Fescue, Fine Fescue, and Zoysiagrass
- LAWN WEED CONTROL: This lawn care product is a weed killer for lawns that controls dandelion, clover, dollarweed, ground ivy, chickweed, plantain, henbit, English daisy, and other listed lawn weeds
Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action1 in the larger 12,000 square foot size offers the same general idea as the smaller version: weed control, crabgrass prevention, and lawn fertilizer in one product. The main difference is the larger coverage area, which better fits bigger lawns.
For homeowners with more turf to cover, this version can reduce the need to buy multiple smaller bags. It is designed for users who want a broad lawn-care solution while still keeping crabgrass prevention in the mix.
This is a good fit if you’re managing a larger yard and want an all-in-one approach. It’s best for homeowners who value convenience across a wider coverage area.
Pros
- Weed control, prevention, and fertilizer combined
- Designed for up to 12,000 sq. ft.
- Good for larger lawns
- Reduces the need for multiple products
Cons
- Bulkier product size
- Not for users wanting only crabgrass control
- May be more product than smaller lawns need
8. Best for Beds and Edges: Roundup Weed and Grass Killer₄ with Pump ‘N Go 2 Sprayer
- Roundup Weed & Grass Killer₄ kills tough weeds and grasses to the root, including dandelion, crabgrass, poison ivy, clover (red & white), spotted spurge, and other broadleaf weeds
- It is rainproof in as fast as 30 minutes and produces visible results in hours
- Allows for planting 1 to 30 days after application (see booklet for details)
Roundup Weed and Grass Killer₄ with Pump ‘N Go 2 Sprayer is made for use in and around flower beds, trees, and more. It is not a typical lawn weed-and-feed product, but it can be very useful where crabgrass and other unwanted growth appear outside the lawn.
The inclusion of the Pump ‘N Go 2 Sprayer makes application more convenient for larger treated spaces or repeated spot control. It’s designed for users who want a ready-to-use outdoor weed and grass treatment.
If your crabgrass problem extends beyond the lawn itself, this is a helpful option to have. It’s best when you need direct control in landscaped areas, not lawn feeding or turf maintenance.
Pros
- Ready-to-use spray system
- Useful in and around flower beds and trees
- Includes Pump ‘N Go 2 Sprayer
- Can help with broader outdoor weed control
Cons
- Not a lawn fertilizer
- Not designed as a turf care product
- Best for non-lawn areas
9. Best Weed and Feed Value: Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed5
- WEED AND FEED FOR LAWNS: Apply this combination weed killer for grass and lawn food to your wet lawn when weeds are actively growing and daytime temperatures are consistently between 60°F and 90°F; don't apply more than 2X per year
- WEED KILLER PLUS LAWN FOOD: Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed5 weed killer plus fertilizer for grass is a clover and dandelion killer for lawns that also feeds to thicken your lawn and crowd out future weeds
- DO NOT USE ON: Do not use this grass fertilizer for lawns plus yard weed killer on St. Augustinegrass (including Floratam), Dichondra, Lippia, Carpetgrass, and Bentgrass lawns
Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed5 combines weed killer and lawn fertilizer for up to 4,000 square feet. Although the listing highlights dandelion and clover control, it stands out as a simple weed-and-feed product for routine lawn care.
This type of product is appealing if you want to handle weeds while also supporting lawn growth. It’s an easy way to simplify spring or early-season lawn maintenance.
For users looking for a balanced lawn-care product rather than a dedicated crabgrass specialist, this option may fit well. It’s best for general lawn upkeep with weed control built in.
Pros
- Combines weed control and fertilizer
- Suitable for up to 4,000 sq. ft.
- Simple lawn-care solution
- Good for routine maintenance
Cons
- Not a dedicated crabgrass killer
- Coverage is limited compared with larger products
- Best for general weed control needs
10. Best Concentrate Spot Treatment: Ortho Weed B Gon Plus Crabgrass Control Concentrate2
- Kills crabgrass, dandelions and other common lawn weeds
- Kills weeds, not lawns
- Kills crabgrass plus broadleaf weeds
Ortho Weed B Gon Plus Crabgrass Control Concentrate2 is a 40-ounce concentrate made for crabgrass control along with other weed issues. As a concentrate, it gives users more flexibility than a ready-to-use spray.
This product is a practical option if you want to treat a lawn area with a mixed weed problem and prefer to measure out your own application. It’s designed for users who want a familiar lawn-care concentrate format.
For homeowners looking for a straightforward crabgrass-focused lawn product, this is a dependable choice. It fits well if you’re already comfortable with mixing and applying concentrate weed killers.
Pros
- Concentrate format
- Designed for crabgrass control
- Useful for lawn weed treatment
- 40-ounce size offers flexibility
Cons
- Requires mixing
- Not as convenient as ready-to-use sprays
- May take more setup than a wand applicator
11. Best Northern Lawn Spray: Roundup For Lawns Ready-To-Spray (Northern)
- The Ready-to-Spray applicator is great for broadcast application to your entire lawn, just connect to your garden hose and it's ready to use--covers up to 5,000 sq. ft.
- 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
Roundup For Lawns Ready-To-Spray (Northern) is a lawn-safe weed killer designed for northern lawns. The listing says it kills crabgrass, dandelion, clover, and yellow nutsedge while not harming the lawn when used as directed.
The ready-to-spray format makes it convenient for homeowners who prefer an easier application method. Because it is intended for northern lawns, it’s a better fit for users whose yard matches that lawn type.
If you want a lawn-targeted product with multiple weed targets and you live in the right region, this can be a strong option. It’s especially useful for users looking for a spray-and-apply solution.
Pros
- Ready-to-spray format
- Designed for northern lawns
- Kills crabgrass and other listed weeds
- Lawn-safe when used as directed
Cons
- Regional lawn type matters
- Not a concentrate
- Best for users in northern lawns only
12. Best Long-Lasting Outdoor Control: Roundup Dual Action 365 Weed & Grass Killer Plus 12 Month Preventer
- Roundup Dual Action 365 Weed & Grass Killer Plus 12 Month Preventer with Comfort Wand provides one-step weed protection for up to 12 months
- Our weed control kills and prevents many types of tough weeds and grasses for up to 12 months, including clover, dandelion, large and smooth crabgrass, poison ivy, and other broadleaf weeds, grassy weeds and brush
- Roundup Dual Action 365 Weed & Grass Killer Plus 12 Month Preventer with Comfort Wand is rainproof in as fast as 30 minutes and produces visible results in hours
Roundup Dual Action 365 Weed & Grass Killer Plus 12 Month Preventer combines killing and preventing in one product. The listing says it can kill and prevent for up to 1 year, and it comes with a Comfort Wand for easier application.
This is not a standard lawn fertilizer or turf feed product. Instead, it’s aimed at longer-term weed and grass control in outdoor areas where prevention matters as much as removal.
If you want a product that goes beyond immediate weed killing, this is a compelling choice. It is best for users who want extended prevention after treatment.
Pros
- Kills and prevents for up to 1 year
- Includes Comfort Wand
- Useful for long-term outdoor control
- Ready-to-use format
Cons
- Not a turf fertilizer
- Best for outdoor problem areas, not general lawn feeding
- Long-term use depends on application needs
13. Best Simple Lawn Concentrate: Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Concentrate
- WEED KILLER FOR LAWNS: Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Concentrate weed killer spray kills crabgrass, dandelions, clover, and other listed common weeds in your lawn
- HOW TO USE: Dilute this weed killer concentrate for sprayers per label directions and apply using a tank sprayer or apply with the Ortho Dial N Spray
- FAST-ACTING WEED CONTROL: This fast-acting grass and broadleaf weed killer for lawns kills listed weeds down to the root and gets results with just 1 application
Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Concentrate is a 32-ounce concentrate made to kill crabgrass, dandelion, and clover. It offers a simple, lawn-focused weed control option in a compact concentrate format.
This product is a good match for homeowners who prefer concentrate formulas but don’t need a larger gallon jug or a ready-to-use wand. It gives you control over how much product you mix and apply.
If your main goal is lawn weed treatment with crabgrass included, this is a straightforward option. It’s best for users who want a manageable concentrate bottle for occasional lawn use.
Pros
- Concentrate format
- Kills crabgrass, dandelion, and clover
- Compact 32 fl. oz. size
- Good for lawn weed control
Cons
- Requires mixing
- Not ready-to-use
- May not suit users wanting a larger coverage size
14. Best Higher-Rated Concentrate: Ortho GroundClear Weed and Grass Killer Super Concentrate1
- ORTHO WEED KILLER SPRAY KILLS WEEDS TO THE ROOT: Ortho GroundClear Weed & Grass Killer Super Concentrate1 kills the toughest weeds and grasses to the root, including clover, dandelion, oxalis, chickweed, and crabgrass
- HOW TO USE: To apply this weed killer concentrate for sprayers, mix with water and use a tank sprayer to spray weeds when they're actively growing and the air temperature is above 60°F
- WHERE TO USE: Use this grass and weed killer around perennial landscape plants, trees, shrubs and fences, and on patios, paths, sidewalks, sidewalk cracks, walkways, and driveways
Ortho GroundClear Weed and Grass Killer Super Concentrate1 is a weed killer concentrate in a 32-fluid-ounce bottle. The listing says it kills crabgrass, dandelion, clover, and more as listed, making it a broad-control product for outdoor use.
With a 4.5-star rating in the provided data, it stands out as one of the higher-rated products in the list. The concentrate format also gives a bit more flexibility for customizing application than a ready-to-use spray.
This is a strong contender if you want a widely used concentrate and are comfortable mixing before treatment. It fits users who want a more intensive weed and grass control solution.
Pros
- Higher provided rating
- Concentrate formula
- Kills crabgrass and other listed weeds
- Good for users who want flexible application
Cons
- Requires mixing
- Not a lawn fertilizer
- Best for users comfortable with concentrates
15. Best Budget Pick: Spectracide Weed Stop For Lawns Plus Crabgrass Killer Concentrate
- KILLS WEEDS, NOT THE LAWN: Controls listed weeds – including crabgrass – not the lawn (when used as directed).
- KILLS CRABGRASS: Apply the first time you see crabgrass in your lawn.
- KILLS 470+ TYPES OF WEEDS: Controls all types of listed broadleaf and grassy weeds, including crabgrass, dandelion, chickweed, clover and yellow nutsedge (see product label for complete list).
Spectracide Weed Stop For Lawns Plus Crabgrass Killer Concentrate is the most budget-friendly option in this list based on the provided price. It’s a 32-ounce concentrate that targets weeds and includes crabgrass control.
For homeowners who want to spend less while still choosing a lawn-focused crabgrass product, this is a practical choice. It may be especially appealing if you’re handling a smaller area or want a lower-cost concentrate to keep on hand.
This product is a good fit for value-conscious buyers who still want a weed-control formula for lawns. It offers a simple, budget-friendly path to crabgrass treatment.
Pros
- Lowest provided price in the list
- Concentrate format
- Includes crabgrass control
- Good value for budget shoppers
Cons
- Requires mixing
- Not ready-to-use
- May be better for smaller or moderate applications
Buying Guide
Choosing the Best Crabgrass Killer For Lawns starts with understanding when and where you need help. Crabgrass products fall into different categories, and the wrong type can waste time and money. A good match depends on whether the crabgrass is already visible, whether you’re trying to prevent it, and whether the product is meant for lawns or other outdoor areas.
Pre-Emergent vs. Post-Emergent
Pre-emergent products are designed to stop crabgrass before it sprouts. They are useful when you want seasonal prevention and don’t yet have a visible crabgrass problem. Post-emergent products are used on weeds that are already growing, which makes them better for active infestations.
Lawn-Safe vs. Non-Lawn Use
Some products in this list are intended specifically for lawns and turf, while others are better suited for flower beds, edges, or outdoor problem areas. Always match the product to the area you want to treat, since lawn-safe formulations are different from general weed and grass killers.
Concentrate vs. Ready-to-Use
Concentrates are usually better if you want more control over application and may need to treat larger areas. Ready-to-use sprays are easier and faster, especially for spot treatments. If convenience matters most, a spray or wand applicator is often the simpler choice.
Coverage Area
Check how much lawn or area each product covers. A small bottle may be enough for spot use but not practical for a full yard. Larger bags or concentrates can be more efficient for bigger spaces, especially if crabgrass is spread across a wide lawn.
Extra Lawn Care Benefits
Some products combine crabgrass control with fertilizer or other lawn care benefits. These can be convenient if you want to simplify your routine. If your main goal is only weed control, though, a dedicated crabgrass product may be the better fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to apply crabgrass preventer?
Crabgrass preventer is generally used before crabgrass appears. It is designed for prevention rather than treatment of existing weeds, so timing matters.
Can I use a crabgrass killer on any lawn?
No, not every product is suitable for every lawn. Some are made for northern lawns, some are lawn-only products, and others are intended for non-lawn areas. Always check the label carefully before use.
Should I choose a concentrate or a ready-to-use spray?
If you want convenience and easy spot treatment, ready-to-use spray is usually simpler. If you want better value for larger areas or more control over application, a concentrate may be the better choice.
Do weed-and-feed products kill crabgrass?
Some weed-and-feed products included here provide crabgrass prevention, while others focus on different weeds. Make sure the label specifically mentions crabgrass if that is your main concern.
Is a post-emergent product better than a pre-emergent product?
Not always. If crabgrass is already growing, a post-emergent product is more appropriate. If you are trying to stop it before it appears, a pre-emergent product is the better choice.
Conclusion
The Best Crabgrass Killer For Lawns depends on your specific lawn problem. If you need to treat existing crabgrass, a post-emergent concentrate like BASF Drive XLR8 is a strong option. If your goal is to stop crabgrass before it starts, a pre-emergent like Scotts Halts Crabgrass Preventer is the better fit. And if convenience matters most, ready-to-use sprays can make spot treatment much easier.
For the best results, match the product to your lawn type, treatment goal, and coverage needs. With the right pick, you can take control of crabgrass and keep your lawn looking cleaner and healthier through the season.