10 Best Weed and Crabgrass Killer

I’ve found the most effective weed and crabgrass killers target both broadleaf weeds like chickweed and grassy invaders through proven active ingredients such as 2,4-D, quinclorac, and dicamba. The best products cover up to 5,000 square feet, work within 45°F to 90°F temperatures, and require precise timing before soil warms for ideal prevention. Top performers include Ortho WeedClear, Spectracide Weed Stop, and BioAdvanced concentrates that deliver reliable, season-long control. Below, you’ll discover specific application methods and coverage details for each recommended product.

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Notable Insights

• Look for herbicides containing quinclorac for targeted crabgrass control and 2,4-D for effective broadleaf weed elimination.
• Choose products covering 5,000 sq. ft. that target multiple weed types including crabgrass, foxtail, spurge, and chickweed.
• Apply pre-emergent herbicides before soil temperatures rise, within 45°F to 90°F range for optimal effectiveness.
• Consider ready-to-use sprays for small areas or concentrates for larger lawns based on your coverage needs.
• Verify local regulations and ensure compatibility with your grass type before purchasing any herbicide product.

Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-To-Spray (32 oz.)

If you’re dealing with a lawn overrun by dandelions, crabgrass, and other persistent weeds, the Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-To-Spray offers an extensive solution that targets over 200 major weed varieties with a single application. This ready-to-use formula connects directly to your garden hose, making application straightforward and efficient across up to 5,000 square feet of lawn area. The product’s combination of 2,4-D, quinclorac, and dicamba provides fast-acting results while remaining safe for popular grass types like Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, and zoysiagrass when applied correctly. You’ll see effective weed control within hours, and the formula becomes rainproof after just one hour of drying time.

Best For: Homeowners with large lawns up to 5,000 square feet who need to eliminate multiple weed types including dandelions, crabgrass, and clover without damaging common grass varieties like Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, or zoysiagrass.

Pros:

• Kills over 200 major weed types with a single application and becomes rainproof in just 1 hour
• Ready-to-spray formula connects directly to garden hose for easy application across large areas up to 5,000 sq ft
• Safe for use on popular grass varieties including Bermudagrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Fescues, and Zoysiagrass when used as directed

Cons:

• Not available for purchase in several states including Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, and Guam due to regulations
• Temperature restrictions limit application effectiveness, especially for Bermudagrass which cannot be treated above 85°F
• Contains multiple chemical active ingredients (2,4-D, Quinclorac, Dicamba) which may be concerning for those preferring organic lawn care methods

Spectracide Weed Stop For Lawns Plus Crabgrass Killer (1 Gallon Ready-To-Use)

Homeowners battling persistent weeds and aggressive crabgrass will find their solution in Spectracide Weed Stop For Lawns Plus Crabgrass Killer, a thorough herbicide that tackles over 470 different weed species with remarkable efficiency. This ready-to-use formula eliminates the guesswork of mixing, allowing you to spray directly onto problem areas including dandelions, clover, chickweed, and yellow nutsedge. You’ll see visible results in as little as five hours, as the herbicide works by contact to kill weeds down to their roots. Apply when temperatures range between 45° and 90° F for peak effectiveness, though exercise caution with Bermudagrass above 85° F to prevent lawn damage.

Best For: Homeowners dealing with persistent broadleaf weeds, crabgrass, and other stubborn lawn weeds who want a convenient ready-to-use solution that delivers fast visible results.

Pros:

• Kills over 470 weed types including tough varieties like crabgrass, dandelions, and yellow nutsedge with visible results in as little as 5 hours
• Ready-to-use formula requires no mixing or measuring, making application quick and convenient
• Works by contact to kill weeds down to the root for thorough elimination

Cons:

• Temperature restrictions limit application effectiveness and may cause lawn damage above 90°F (85°F for Bermudagrass)
• Contact-based formula may require multiple applications for deeply rooted or established weeds
• At 8.89 pounds for a 1-gallon container, it’s relatively heavy to carry during extended application sessions

BioAdvanced All-In-One Lawn Weed and Crabgrass Killer I, Concentrate, 40 oz

BioAdvanced All-In-One Lawn Weed and Crabgrass Killer I stands out as the ideal solution for gardeners who need thorough weed control without compromising their existing grass. This concentrated herbicide targets over 200 broadleaf weeds, including stubborn dandelions, clover, and crabgrass, effectively eliminating them down to the root system. You’ll appreciate its triple-action formula containing quinclorac, 2,4-D dimethylamine salt, and dicamba dimethylamine salt, which work together to provide extensive weed control. The concentrate becomes rainproof within one hour, ensuring reliable performance even with unexpected weather changes. With 4.0 out of 5 stars from over 7,000 customer reviews, this product consistently delivers results across various grass types while maintaining lawn health.

Best For: Homeowners with established lawns who need comprehensive weed control that targets over 200 broadleaf weeds including dandelions, clover, and crabgrass without damaging existing grass.

Pros:

• Triple-action formula with three active ingredients provides extensive weed control down to the root system
• Becomes rainproof within one hour for reliable performance regardless of weather conditions
• Compatible with various grass types and formulated to not harm lawn when used as directed

Cons:

• Not available for purchase in Hawaii and Puerto Rico due to shipping restrictions
• Requires careful application and following directions to avoid potential grass damage
• Contains chemical herbicides that may not be suitable for organic or chemical-free lawn care approaches

BASF Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Killer for Lawn & Turf (64 Ounce)

BASF Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Killer delivers professional-grade weed control that’s perfect for property managers, landscapers, and dedicated homeowners who demand reliable results across large turf areas. This concentrate formulation features quinclorac as its active ingredient, providing broad-spectrum control against stubborn weeds like crabgrass, foxtail, torpedo grass, dandelion, and clover. You’ll appreciate the water-based formula that guarantees faster plant uptake and quicker visible results compared to oil-based alternatives. The extended residual control lasts up to 30 days, reducing your application frequency while maintaining effective weed suppression. It’s rainfast within one hour, so you won’t worry about weather disrupting your treatment schedule.

Best For: Property managers, landscapers, and dedicated homeowners who need professional-grade weed control for large turf areas with stubborn weeds like crabgrass and dandelion.

Pros:

• Water-based formula provides faster plant uptake and quicker visible results than oil-based alternatives
• Extended residual control lasts up to 30 days, reducing application frequency while maintaining effectiveness
• Broad-spectrum control targets multiple weed types including crabgrass, foxtail, torpedo grass, dandelion, and clover

Cons:

• Requires proper PPE including long sleeves, pants, chemical-resistant gloves, and other safety equipment
• State-specific restrictions apply, with New York applications limited to spot treatment only
• Concentrate formulation requires careful mixing according to label instructions for proper dilution

Spectracide Weed Stop For Lawns Plus Crabgrass Killer Concentrate (32 Ounces)

For lawn enthusiasts seeking thorough weed control, Spectracide Weed Stop For Lawns Plus Crabgrass Killer Concentrate stands out as an exceptional choice that tackles over 470 different weed species in one powerful formula. You’ll appreciate its effectiveness against stubborn broadleaf weeds like dandelion and clover, plus grassy invaders including crabgrass and yellow nutsedge. The 32-ounce concentrate treats up to 5,000 square feet, delivering visible results within eight hours while killing weeds down to their roots. You can apply this rainproof formula when temperatures range between 45 and 90 degrees, ensuring reliable performance even if rain occurs within three hours of treatment.

Best For: Homeowners with large lawns up to 5,000 square feet who need comprehensive weed control against both broadleaf and grassy weeds, including persistent crabgrass problems.

Pros:

• Kills over 470 types of weeds including tough varieties like crabgrass and yellow nutsedge with visible results in just 8 hours
• Rainproof formula maintains effectiveness even if it rains within 3 hours of application
• Concentrated formula covers up to 5,000 square feet from a single 32-ounce bottle, providing excellent value

Cons:

• Limited to only two spot treatments per year with mandatory 30-day waiting periods between applications
• Temperature restrictions require application only between 45-90 degrees, limiting seasonal use
• Hard-to-kill weeds may require multiple treatments, potentially using up your annual application limit quickly

Roundup Crabgrass Destroyer2 Weed Killer (64 oz)

Homeowners battling persistent crabgrass invasions will find their ultimate lawn salvation in Roundup Crabgrass Destroyer2, a ready-to-use herbicide that eliminates tough grassy weeds down to their roots. This 64-ounce formula targets barnyardgrass, foxtail, goosegrass, and other troublesome grasses while protecting desirable Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue, and tall fescue varieties. You’ll see results within 4-7 days as treated weeds turn white, indicating the topramezone active ingredient is working effectively. Apply during ideal temperatures between 45°F-90°F for maximum effectiveness, ensuring you treat actively growing weeds during their vulnerable early growth stages for complete elimination.

Best For: Homeowners with Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue, perennial ryegrass, or tall fescue lawns who need to eliminate crabgrass and other tough grassy weeds without damaging their desired grass.

Pros:

• Kills crabgrass and grassy weeds down to the root with visible results in 4-7 days
• Ready-to-use formula requires no mixing and comes with convenient spray application system
• Safe for use on popular grass types including Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue, and tall fescue

Cons:

• Cannot be used on many warm-season grasses including Bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass, and Zoysiagrass
• Requires specific temperature conditions (45°F-90°F) and timing restrictions for optimal effectiveness
• Must wait 28 days after seeding before application and avoid reapplication within 3 weeks

Spectracide Weed Stop For Lawns + Crabgrass Killer Concentrate (32-oz, 6-Pack)

Lawn care enthusiasts who battle persistent weeds across large properties will find exceptional value in Spectracide Weed Stop For Lawns + Crabgrass Killer Concentrate’s 6-pack configuration. You’ll tackle over 470 weed varieties, including stubborn crabgrass, dandelion, and yellow nutsedge, with this concentrated formula that delivers visible results within five hours. The contact-based herbicide penetrates down to roots while protecting your grass when applied correctly between 45-90°F temperatures. Your application becomes rainfast in just three hours, ensuring weather won’t compromise effectiveness. The QuickFlip hose-end sprayer eliminates tedious mixing, letting you switch between settings effortlessly for consistent coverage across extensive lawn areas.

Best For: Homeowners with large lawns who need to eliminate multiple weed types including crabgrass and want a ready-to-use solution that works quickly without harming their grass.

Pros:

• Kills over 470 weed varieties with visible results in as little as 5 hours and becomes rainfast in just 3 hours
• QuickFlip hose-end sprayer eliminates mixing and measuring while providing easy application across large areas
• 6-pack concentrate offers excellent value for treating extensive properties multiple times throughout the season

Cons:

• Cannot be applied when temperatures exceed 90°F, limiting use during hot summer days
• Requires precise application to avoid potential lawn damage if not used as directed
• Higher upfront cost due to 6-pack bulk purchase may be excessive for small lawn areas

Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-to-Use with Comfort Wand (1 gal.)

Battery-powered convenience sets the Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer apart, making it an excellent choice for homeowners who want precise, effortless weed control across medium to large properties. The included Comfort Wand delivers accurate application without hand fatigue, targeting over 200 weeds including crabgrass, dandelion, and clover. You’ll see results within days as the fast-acting formula kills weeds down to their roots with just one treatment. This ready-to-use formula works effectively on Bermudagrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Fescues, and other common lawn grasses when applied during active growing seasons. Remember to use spot treatment only, avoiding temperatures above 85°F for Bermudagrass applications.

Best For: Homeowners with medium to large properties who need precise spot treatment for various weeds without damaging their existing lawn grass.

Pros:

• Battery-powered Comfort Wand eliminates hand fatigue and provides accurate application for effortless weed control
• Fast-acting formula kills over 200 weed types down to the root with visible results in just days
• Ready-to-use formulation works effectively on multiple grass types including Bermudagrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, and Fescues

Cons:

• Customer reviews indicate frequent malfunctioning issues with the Comfort Wand sprayer mechanism
• Limited to spot treatment only, cannot be applied to entire lawn areas for comprehensive weed control
• Mixed effectiveness reported for tougher weeds like crabgrass, with temperature restrictions for Bermudagrass applications

Roundup Weed and Grass Killer with Pump N Go 2 Sprayer (1.33 gal.)

Four powerful active ingredients make Roundup Weed and Grass Killer with Pump N Go 2 Sprayer the ideal solution for property owners tackling persistent weeds across multiple outdoor areas. The combination of Triclopyr, Triethylamine Salt, Fluazifop-P-Butyl, and Diquat Dibromide effectively eliminates tough varieties like dandelion, crabgrass, poison ivy, and clover throughout your landscape. You’ll appreciate the rainproof protection within 30 minutes and visible results appearing within hours of application. The convenient Pump ‘N Go 2 Sprayer delivers 10 minutes of continuous coverage, reaching up to 400 square feet without requiring mixing or measuring beforehand.

Best For: Property owners dealing with persistent weeds and grasses across larger outdoor areas like flower beds, patios, driveways, and around trees who want a ready-to-use solution with fast results.

Pros:

• Four powerful active ingredients effectively eliminate tough weeds including dandelion, crabgrass, poison ivy, and clover with visible results in hours
• Pump ‘N Go 2 Sprayer provides 10 minutes of continuous spray coverage up to 400 sq. ft. without mixing or measuring required
• Rainproof in 30 minutes and allows replanting 1-30 days after application with high customer satisfaction (4.4/5 stars from 6,000+ users)

Cons:

• Contains multiple chemical active ingredients that may cause sensitivities and require careful safety precautions during application
• Higher cost compared to concentrate formulas that require mixing since this is a ready-to-use solution
• Limited coverage area of 400 sq. ft. per container may require multiple purchases for larger properties

Scotts Halts Crabgrass and Grassy Weed Preventer (10.06 lb.)

Prevention-focused gardeners who want to stop crabgrass before it starts will find Scotts Halts Crabgrass and Grassy Weed Preventer perfectly suited for their needs. This pre-emergent herbicide effectively prevents germination of crabgrass, foxtail, spurge, barnyardgrass, and chickweed across all grass types except Dichondra and Bentgrass. You’ll get excellent coverage with one 10.06-pound bag treating 5,000 square feet of lawn area. Apply this product in early spring before soil temperatures trigger crabgrass germination, typically around mid-April when forsythia begins blooming. The single application approach saves you time compared to products requiring multiple treatments throughout the season, and users consistently report reliable performance when proper timing guidelines are followed.

Best For: Prevention-focused homeowners who want to stop crabgrass and grassy weeds before they germinate in lawns with grass types other than Dichondra and Bentgrass.

Pros:

• Single application covers 5,000 sq. ft. and lasts the entire season, making it more efficient than products requiring multiple treatments
• Effective against multiple weed types including crabgrass, foxtail, spurge, barnyardgrass, and chickweed when applied at proper timing
• Works regardless of weather conditions after application and provides consistent performance over multiple years

Cons:

• Timing is critical – must be applied before soil temperatures rise for crabgrass germination or effectiveness is significantly reduced
• Does not work on existing mature crabgrass, only prevents new germination
• Not suitable for Dichondra and Bentgrass lawns, and may cause damage to sensitive grass types

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Weed and Crabgrass Killer

When I’m selecting the right weed and crabgrass killer for your lawn, several critical factors will determine which product delivers the best results for your specific situation. You’ll need to evaluate the types of weeds you’re targeting, guarantee the herbicide won’t damage your grass variety, and consider your preferred application method. I’ll also help you understand the differences between concentrated formulas and ready-to-use options, plus identify the ideal temperature ranges for effective treatment.

Weed Type Coverage

Understanding the breadth of weed types that a particular herbicide can eliminate stands as one of the most vital factors in selecting an effective treatment for your lawn. I’ve found that the most all-encompassing products target over 200 weed varieties, including persistent problems like dandelion, chickweed, clover, and crabgrass. You’ll discover that some formulations focus specifically on broadleaf weeds, while others target grassy varieties, making selectivity a key consideration for your specific needs. I recommend identifying your dominant weed types before purchasing, as this targeted approach guarantees maximum effectiveness. Remember that timing matters considerably, since most herbicides work best against young, actively growing weeds during their peak growth periods for ideal results.

Grass Safety Compatibility

Since protecting your existing grass while eliminating unwanted weeds represents the core challenge of herbicide selection, I’ve learned that grass safety compatibility should guide your entire purchasing decision. Most quality herbicides work safely with common grass types like Bermudagrass, Fescues, Kentucky Bluegrass, and Zoysiagrass when you follow label directions carefully. However, I always warn gardeners about sensitive varieties such as St. Augustinegrass and Bahiagrass, which require extra caution during application. Temperature conditions matter greatly too, as applying herbicides outside the recommended 45°F to 90°F range can stress your turf unnecessarily. I recommend reading product labels thoroughly to verify compatibility with your specific grass type, ensuring you’ll achieve effective weed control without damaging your lawn’s health.

Application Method Preference

How you apply your chosen herbicide can dramatically impact both your results and overall satisfaction with the weed control process. I recommend considering ready-to-use sprays if you prefer convenience and want to eliminate mixing steps, while concentrates offer flexibility and cost-effectiveness for larger treatment areas. Look for products with advanced application tools like pump sprayers or hose-end attachments, which greatly enhance efficiency during application. You’ll want to choose between spot treatment options for targeted weed infestations and broader application formulas for entire lawn coverage. I always emphasize checking rainproof effectiveness, as some products protect results within 30 minutes while others require several hours before rain exposure.

Concentrate Vs Ready-To-Use

The choice between concentrate and ready-to-use herbicides represents one of the most practical decisions you’ll face when selecting your weed and crabgrass control strategy. Concentrates offer exceptional value, providing more coverage per container while maintaining longer shelf life for extended storage. However, they require careful mixing according to label instructions, demanding attention to dilution ratios for maximum effectiveness. Ready-to-use formulations eliminate guesswork entirely, allowing immediate application straight from the bottle without preparation time or measuring concerns. While these convenient options typically cost more per application and cover smaller areas, they’re perfect for beginners or small-scale treatments. Consider your experience level, treatment area size, and storage capabilities when making this important decision for your lawn care routine.

Temperature Application Range

Temperature becomes the invisible conductor orchestrating your herbicide’s performance, determining whether your weed control efforts succeed brilliantly or fail unexpectedly. I recommend applying most weed and crabgrass killers within the ideal 45°F to 90°F range, where these products deliver their most effective results. When temperatures climb above 90°F, you’ll face increased risks of lawn damage, particularly with sensitive grass types that require extra caution beyond 85°F. I’ve found that timing applications during active weed growth periods guarantees proper herbicide penetration and maximum killing power. Since many formulations become rainproof within one to three hours, I suggest monitoring weather forecasts carefully to protect your investment and achieve the thorough weed control you’re seeking.

Rain Resistance Timing

Since rainfall can wash away herbicides before they penetrate weed tissues, understanding rain resistance timing becomes essential for achieving successful weed control results. Most weed killers require a rainproof period ranging from one to three hours post-application, giving the active ingredients sufficient time to absorb into plant tissues. I recommend selecting products with shorter rain resistance times, typically one hour, when weather forecasts predict incoming storms. Some advanced formulations maintain effectiveness even with rainfall occurring within thirty minutes to three hours after application, providing valuable flexibility for your scheduling needs. Always check the manufacturer’s specific rain resistance recommendations to avoid costly reapplications due to reduced efficacy. Timing your applications during extended dry periods maximizes successful weed elimination while minimizing dilution risks.

Coverage Area Capacity

Choosing appropriate coverage area capacity guarantees you purchase enough product to treat your entire lawn effectively, avoiding frustrating shortages mid-application. I recommend calculating your lawn’s square footage before shopping, since products vary dramatically in coverage, with some treating 5,000 square feet while others cover considerably less area. Larger containers, typically one gallon or more, provide extensive coverage that’s perfect for bigger lawns or multiple seasonal applications throughout the year. You’ll want to match the product’s coverage capacity directly to your treatment area size, preventing under-application that reduces effectiveness or waste from purchasing excessive amounts. Consider whether you need widespread lawn treatment or targeted spot applications, as some products excel in specific application methods rather than general coverage.

Active Ingredient Selection

When you’re selecting the right weed and crabgrass killer, the active ingredients determine whether you’ll achieve successful results or face continued frustration with persistent weeds. I recommend focusing on three key compounds: 2,4-D for broadleaf weeds, Quinclorac for crabgrass specifically, and Dicamba for tough perennial weeds. You’ll need to identify your weed types first, since broadleaf weeds require different treatment than grassy weeds like crabgrass. Consider whether you need contact action for quick results or systemic absorption that kills roots completely. Temperature matters too—most herbicides work best between 45°F and 90°F, so timing your application correctly maximizes effectiveness. Always check local regulations before purchasing, as some active ingredients face restrictions due to environmental concerns.

On a final note

I’ve outlined the top weed and crabgrass killers, from ready-to-spray solutions to concentrated formulas, that’ll help you reclaim your lawn from unwanted invaders. Whether you choose Ortho’s convenient spray bottles, Spectracide’s extensive coverage, or Scotts’ preventative approach, you’re equipped with proven options. Remember to take into account your lawn size, weed severity, and application preferences when selecting your product. With consistent application and proper timing, you’ll achieve the healthy, weed-free lawn you’ve been working toward.