10 Best Crabgrass Killers for the Money | Reviews & Buyers Guide

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Weeds in your lawn, specifically crabgrass, make it look untidy and unkempt, and if left untreated, can spread, and soon your grass becomes overrun with it. A crabgrass killer will get rid of this unsightly weed giving your lawn a fresh new look.

Crabgrass killers come in either liquid or granular form. Most crabgrass killers provide some form of preventative or post-emergent treatment to help restore your lawn. This is achieved by killing off and preventing crabgrass from seeding or germinating using various organic or inorganic treatments and different from other general weed killers available. 

Controlling a crabgrass infestation early is crucial to promote healthy lawn grass and turfgrass growth. To help you to decide which product would be right for you, we have compiled ten reviews on the best-performing crabgrass killers available on the market.


Here’s a quick rundown of what we cover in this best crabgrass killer review article:

  • First, we’ll compare the top-performing crabgrass killers side-by-side in a comparison table.  Ideal if you’re short on time!
  • Next, we’ll share the features and benefits of each product
  • Then, we’ll explore their drawbacks we feel you should know about
  • And lastly, our buying guide will give you a better insight into the product range

Sound good? Let’s begin!

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10 Best Performing Crabgrass Killers Compared

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10 Best Crabgrass Killers | Reviews

 

1. Roundup Ready-To-Use Extended Control Weed & Grass Killer Plus Weed Preventer II (Best Overall)

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Has long-lasting effect
  • Fast visible results
  • Has pre and post-emergent weed control features
Cons
  • Can be easily washed away

 

2. Natria 706500A Grass & Weed Control with Root Kill Herbicide Weed Killer (Best Value)

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Organic
  • Can be applied to areas up to 600 square feet
  • Affordable
Cons
  • More expensive for plots larger than 600 square feet

 

3. BioAdvanced 704125A Crabgrass Killer

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Ready to use
  • Affordable
  • Rainproof protection
  • Smarttrack marker
Cons
  • Does not have a preemergence weed control feature

 

4. Roundup Weed & Grass Killer

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Affordable
  • Can be used in big lot areas
  • Rainproof
  • Results can be seen in 12 hours
Cons
  • Can affect existing edibles when accidentally sprayed
  • Has lesser rainproof protection feature

 

5. Ortho 447805 WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • User friendly
  • Ready to use
  • Affordable; can be purchased with refill
Cons
  • No preemergence weed control feature

 

6. Spectracide HG-96590 Lawn Weed Killer

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Last long even after 3 hours of raining
  • User friendly
Cons
  • Does not have a pre-emergent weed control feature

 

7. BASF Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Herbicide

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Water-based
  • Can be used in big lot areas
  • Easily dries up when applied
Cons
  • Does not have a pre-emergent weed control feature

 

8. Primesource Quinclorac 1.5L Select Crabgrass Killer

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Can be applied to residential and non-residential turf
  • Effective to large and smooth crabgrass
Cons
  • Does not have a pre-emergent weed control feature

 

9. Scotts 4,000 Sq. Ft Turf Builder Triple Action Prevents Crabgrass 

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Contains pre and post-emergent weed control features
  • Can be applied in big lot areas
Cons
  • Season for applying the product must be considered
  • Would not kill active crabgrass

 

10. Bonide Crabgrass Killer

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Easy and ready to use
  • Good for small lawn areas
Cons
  • Not ideal for big lot areas
  • Not designed for pre-emergent weed control

Video: When to Put Down Crabgrass Preventer

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Crabgrass Killer Buyers Guide

As problems with crabgrass could grow serious, prevention and action must be immediately applied, and choosing the best product will be your most crucial key. However, after reading the reviews of each product, you are probably still undecided as to which crabgrass killer is suitable for you. In this Buyer’s Guide, we hope to fully explain what a crabgrass killer does and list the essential features to look out for before buying. 

What Does Post-emergent and Pre-emergent Weed Control Mean?

A Post-emergent weed killer is a herbicide applied when weeds have already grown either in the lawn or yards. Used correctly, this will kill off any crabgrass and even other weeds effectively.

Pre-emergent weed killer is a herbicide that can stop the seeds from germinating in early spring. It is essential to get the timing right for pre-emergent killers, and here are three things to remember that will help you. Usually, the best time is early spring, late March-early April, and the soil temperature should be around 55 degrees F, apply just before it is going to rain, do not apply to wet grass.  

Important, always read the instructions on the product before using a Post-emergent or Pre-emergent herbicide killer.

Liquid or Granular?

Liquid products are usually applied by either a tank or garden sprayer. A tank sprayer will spot spray-specific weeds on the lawn. In contrast, the garden sprayer is connected to the garden hose where the water and weed killer solution is mixed correctly, making it a quick and easy way to apply the herbicide.

Granular products are spread over the lawn. This can be done either by a hand spreader or a wheeled spreader. A wheeled spreader has either a bowl or tank and, when pushed over the lawn, spreads the granules evenly. You can adjust the spreader’s opening to give the correct setting. You may find some granular products have a bonus of a fertilizer helping the grass to green up, thicken and strengthen the roots.

crabgrass killer

Organic or Inorganic?

Organic weed killers are made from corn gluten, and when used, the gluten will stop the seeds from germinating. Over time the lawn will become weed-free. Often an organic weed killer contains a nitrogen base. This helps the yard to become green and vibrant.

Inorganic weed killers are often referred to as a herbicide meaning they are chemical-based. As the chemicals travel through the entire plant, this effectively kills the root. Because they are chemical-based, it is essential to note they may be harmful to children and pets, so always read the label on the product.

Health and Safety Warning 

Killing crabgrass and weeds is our goal. But, what if your other plants and existing edibles might also be affected? It is wise to say that those who do not specify its effects on different plants aside from our target might be a problem. It is essential always to choose which is the safest for people, pets, and other edibles in the lot area. Always remember these herbicides can be harmful, so keep away from children and pets.

Also, crabgrass killer products are commonplace in a large state with vast open spaces or a relaxed environment. Still, it is essential to know that some products might lead to allergies in sensitive people and are banned in densely populated areas. So before you buy any crabgrass killer product, make sure it is not restricted to your specific location.

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Crabgrass Killer Conclusion 

After reading the reviews on each product and its pros and cons, you may already have your pick which one is suited for controlling crabgrass. We have identified Roundup Ready-To-Use Extended Control Weed & Grass Killer as our Best Overall product for crabgrass killers. Though you can easily wash it away, it does have a long-lasting effect, fast visible results, and has pre and post-emergent weed control features that make it stand out among other crabgrass killers. 

Meanwhile, the Natria 706500A Grass & Weed Control with Root Kill Herbicide is our Best Value product which is organic, safe to use even amongst other plants, can also be applied to a large lot area, and is, of course, economically priced.

Searching around the internet for the right product is a tiring task, but we hope the reviews and buyer’s guide have helped you to choose the product that is right for you.


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Walts DIY is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.

Walter Snyder