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7 Best Granular Crabgrass Killers 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Scotts Turf Builder Halts Crabgrass Preventer with Lawn Food, Pre-Emergent Weed Killer, Fertilizer, 15,000 sq. ft., 40.05 lb.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,196
Application Timing
Rainfastness

Most important from
6355 reviews

Application Timing
Provided I put this down early, before say 55-60 degree days, it works great.
Rainfastness
After one rain, I felt like I was in a tall grass prairie.

Scotts Turf Builder Halts Crabgrass Preventer with Lawn Food is designed to stop crabgrass and feed your lawn simultaneously. One of its primary strengths is its dual function as both a pre-emergent weed killer and a fertilizer, which helps in achieving a lush green lawn quickly after winter. It covers a substantial area of 15,000 sq. ft., making it suitable for large lawns. The product is effective against various weeds including crabgrass, barnyard grass, and chickweed.

Application is straightforward; it should be applied in early spring before the 3rd or 4th mowing and before temperatures consistently reach the 80s. Another significant advantage is its rainfastness, meaning rain, snow, or freezing conditions post-application will not diminish its effectiveness. However, it is crucial to note that this product is not suitable for lawns with Dichondra and Bentgrass. Weighing 40.05 lb., it might be a bit cumbersome for some users to handle.

Nevertheless, its ease of application and broad coverage area make it a convenient choice for most homeowners looking to prevent crabgrass and nourish their lawn simultaneously.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,196
Application Timing
Rainfastness

Most important from
6355 reviews

Application Timing
Provided I put this down early, before say 55-60 degree days, it works great.
Rainfastness
After one rain, I felt like I was in a tall grass prairie.
#2

Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer, Pre-Emergent Weed Killer for Lawns, 10,000 sq. ft., 20.12 lbs.

Rating
9.8
Active Ingredients
Application Timing

Most important from
8522 reviews

Active Ingredients
Concentrated Halts works best compared to mixed products with fertilizer.
Application Timing
Works well till mid-summer, but a second round in early July might be necessary to prevent late-season crabgrass.

Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer is designed to prevent weed germination and is effective for a wide range of common lawn weeds such as crabgrass, foxtail, and chickweed. The product comes in a 20.12-pound bag and covers up to 10,000 square feet, making it suitable for both small and large lawns. Its granular form makes it easy to apply using a spreader.

Application can be done in early spring or fall, and the product is rainfast, meaning rain, snow, or freezing weather post-application will not affect its performance, making it quite versatile and convenient. However, it is not suitable for all grass types, specifically Dichondra or Bentgrass, which may limit its use for some users. The product is designed for pre-emergent weed control, meaning it prevents weed seeds from germinating but will not kill existing weeds. This requires timely and consistent application.

Scotts Halts is a reliable choice for those looking to maintain a weed-free lawn, provided they follow the specific application guidelines.

Rating
9.8
Active Ingredients
Application Timing

Most important from
8522 reviews

Active Ingredients
Concentrated Halts works best compared to mixed products with fertilizer.
Application Timing
Works well till mid-summer, but a second round in early July might be necessary to prevent late-season crabgrass.
#3

The Andersons Barricade Professional-Grade Granular Pre-Emergent Weed Control - Covers up to 5,800 sq ft (18 lb)

Rating
9.5
Coverage Area
Application Timing
Ease of Application

Most important from
4720 reviews

Coverage Area
The granules disperse effectively when watered, creating a strong barrier against weed seeds and ensuring uniform coverage.
Application Timing
After decades of trying various products, Barricade is the first to actually eliminate spurge with just two applications.
Ease of Application
The smaller granules get absorbed more quickly and effectively, without leaving stains on hands, clothes, or shoes.

The Andersons Barricade Professional-Grade Granular Pre-Emergent Weed Control is designed to prevent weed growth rather than eliminate existing weeds. It contains 0.48% prodiamine, a professional-grade herbicide, making it effective against a wide range of grassy and broadleaf weeds such as crabgrass, poa annua, goosegrass, and henbit. One of its notable strengths is its extensive coverage area, with an 18-pound bag treating up to 5,800 square feet, making it suitable for larger lawns or gardens.

Additionally, the DG Pro formulation ensures a higher particle density per square inch, which enhances its performance and distribution across the treated area. The product is ideally applied in early spring and fall, which aligns with the most effective timing for pre-emergent herbicides. However, a potential drawback is that it is not rainfast, meaning that rain shortly after application could diminish its effectiveness. Users may need to plan their application around dry weather conditions to ensure the product works optimally.

Considering ease of application, the granular form is user-friendly and can be spread using a standard lawn spreader. This product is best suited for users seeking to prevent future weed growth in large areas and who can manage the timing of their application to avoid rain.

Rating
9.5
Coverage Area
Application Timing
Ease of Application

Most important from
4720 reviews

Coverage Area
The granules disperse effectively when watered, creating a strong barrier against weed seeds and ensuring uniform coverage.
Application Timing
After decades of trying various products, Barricade is the first to actually eliminate spurge with just two applications.
Ease of Application
The smaller granules get absorbed more quickly and effectively, without leaving stains on hands, clothes, or shoes.

Buying Guide for the Best Granular Crabgrass Killers

Choosing the right granular crabgrass killer can be a bit overwhelming, but with the right knowledge, you can make an informed decision that best suits your lawn care needs. Crabgrass is a common weed that can quickly take over your lawn if not properly managed. Granular crabgrass killers are a popular choice because they are easy to apply and can provide long-lasting control. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting a granular crabgrass killer.
Active IngredientsThe active ingredients in a granular crabgrass killer are the chemicals responsible for killing the crabgrass. Common active ingredients include dithiopyr, pendimethalin, and prodiamine. These ingredients are important because they determine the effectiveness of the product. Dithiopyr is known for its pre-emergent and early post-emergent control, making it versatile. Pendimethalin is effective as a pre-emergent but does not control existing crabgrass. Prodiamine is a strong pre-emergent that provides long-lasting control. Choose an active ingredient based on whether you need pre-emergent control (preventing seeds from germinating) or post-emergent control (killing existing crabgrass).
Coverage AreaThe coverage area indicates how much lawn area the product can treat. This is important because it helps you determine how much product you need to buy. Coverage areas are usually measured in square feet. For small lawns, a product that covers up to 5,000 square feet may be sufficient. For larger lawns, look for products that cover 10,000 square feet or more. To pick the right one for you, measure your lawn area and choose a product that matches or slightly exceeds this measurement to ensure complete coverage.
Application TimingApplication timing refers to the best time to apply the granular crabgrass killer for optimal results. This is crucial because applying the product at the wrong time can reduce its effectiveness. Pre-emergent products should be applied in early spring before crabgrass seeds germinate, typically when soil temperatures reach 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Post-emergent products should be applied when crabgrass is actively growing, usually in late spring or early summer. To choose the right timing, consider the current state of your lawn and the local climate conditions.
RainfastnessRainfastness is the ability of the product to remain effective after rainfall or watering. This is important because if the product washes away, it won't be effective in controlling crabgrass. Some products are rainfast within a few hours, while others may require up to 24 hours to become rainfast. If you live in an area with frequent rain or plan to water your lawn soon after application, choose a product with a shorter rainfast period to ensure it stays in place and works effectively.
Ease of ApplicationEase of application refers to how simple it is to apply the granular crabgrass killer to your lawn. This is important because a product that is difficult to apply may lead to uneven coverage and reduced effectiveness. Some products come with a built-in spreader, while others require a separate spreader. Consider your comfort level with using lawn care equipment and choose a product that matches your preference. If you prefer a straightforward application, look for products with clear instructions and user-friendly packaging.

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