10 Best Crabgrass Killers 2026 in the United States

Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer is a pre-emergent weed killer designed to prevent crabgrass and other grassy weeds from germinating in your lawn. One of the standout features is its broad spectrum of effectiveness, targeting various weeds such as foxtail, spurge, and barnyardgrass, which makes it a reliable choice for homeowners looking to maintain a healthy lawn. It is suitable for all grass types, adding to its versatility, although it should not be used on Dichondra or Bentgrass. With a coverage of up to 10,000 square feet, this 20.12 lb bag offers good value for larger lawns.

A notable strength is its ease of application; you can apply it in early spring or fall, and it remains effective even after rain or frost, which can be a significant advantage for those who may not have ideal weather conditions.

On the flip side, while the product is effective, it is essential to apply it at the right time for maximum benefits, which may require some attention to local weather conditions and timing. Additionally, being a pre-emergent killer means it won't address existing weeds, so if you have crabgrass already growing, you'll need a different solution for that. The environmental impact is another consideration; some users prefer organic options, and while this product is effective, it does use chemical ingredients. Thus, it may not align with all users' preferences for eco-friendly lawn care.

The Roundup Weed & Grass Killer₄ Refill is a versatile herbicide designed to tackle tough weeds and grasses like crabgrass, dandelion, and poison ivy to the root. Its active ingredients include Triclopyr, Triethylamine Salt, Fluazifop P-Butyl, and Diquat Dibromide, which are effective against a wide range of broadleaf weeds and grasses. This product is easy to apply, coming in a spray form that is rainproof within 30 minutes and shows visible results in just a few hours.

It covers an area of 375 square feet per 1.25 gallons, making it suitable for use in and around flower beds, trees, driveways, walkways, and more. You can even start planting 1 to 30 days after application, depending on the specifics, which adds to its convenience. However, it's important to consider that this product is not exclusively tailored to lawn care but more for general weed killing around various areas.

Lawn compatibility might be a concern, as using it on a lawn could harm the grass you want to keep. Additionally, while it is effective, users should handle it with care due to its potent chemicals, considering the environmental impact and safety precautions. The Roundup Weed & Grass Killer₄ Refill is a practical and effective choice for those looking to manage weeds in a variety of settings beyond just their lawn.

The Spectracide Weed and Grass Killer Concentrate is designed for use on patios, walkways, and driveways, rather than lawns. This makes it ideal for users looking to clear weeds and grasses from hardscaped areas. Its fast-acting formula shows visible results within 3 hours, and its rainfast feature ensures effectiveness even after rainfall or watering 15 minutes post-application.

The concentrate form requires mixing and application with a tank sprayer, which may require additional effort and equipment, but allows for thorough coverage of target vegetation. This product is non-selective and broad spectrum, meaning it will kill a variety of weeds and grasses, not just crabgrass. However, it may not be suitable for use on lawns due to its non-selective nature, which could harm desirable grass and plants.

The ease of use is moderate given the need for a sprayer, but the visible results and effectiveness make it a strong option for those who need quick and reliable weed control on non-lawn surfaces. In terms of environmental impact, it is important to consider potential runoff and its effects on nearby plants and water sources.