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10 Best Lawn Pre Emergents 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action1 - Combination Weed Control, Weed Preventer, and Fertilizer, 33.94 lbs., 12,000 sq. ft.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,181
Type of Weeds Controlled
Duration of Effectiveness

Most important from
2437 reviews

Type of Weeds Controlled
Effectively suppresses common broadleaf weeds like dandelions and clover, helping lawns look well-maintained and lush.
Duration of Effectiveness
Prevents new crabgrass growth for up to four months, making it a reliable preventive solution during spring and beyond.

Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action is a convenient all-in-one lawn treatment combining weed killing, crabgrass prevention, and lawn feeding in a granular form. It targets common broadleaf weeds such as dandelion, clover, and chickweed while preventing crabgrass for up to 4 months, making it a good choice for maintaining a healthy, green lawn during spring and beyond. The product is designed to be safe for a variety of grass types like Kentucky Bluegrass and Bermudagrass, which means it won't harm your lawn when used as directed. Application is straightforward: apply on a wet lawn in early spring and water it in after 24 hours, covering up to 12,000 square feet per bag.

It will not eliminate existing crabgrass, only prevent new growth, so it serves primarily as a preventive tool rather than a cure for established grassy weeds. Since it combines weed control and fertilizer, it suits homeowners looking for a simple, multi-purpose solution rather than a highly specialized product. Users should ensure their lawn type matches the recommended grasses to avoid any safety issues.

Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action is a solid choice for those wanting to control weeds and feed their lawn with one product, but those dealing with existing crabgrass or non-listed weeds might need additional treatments.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,181
Type of Weeds Controlled
Duration of Effectiveness

Most important from
2437 reviews

Type of Weeds Controlled
Effectively suppresses common broadleaf weeds like dandelions and clover, helping lawns look well-maintained and lush.
Duration of Effectiveness
Prevents new crabgrass growth for up to four months, making it a reliable preventive solution during spring and beyond.
#2

Scotts Turf Builder Halts Crabgrass Preventer with Lawn Food - Pre-Emergent Weed Killer, Fertilizer, 14,000 sq. ft., 37.38 lb.

Rating
9.6
Type of Weeds Controlled
Application Timing
Formulation

Most important from
6520 reviews

Type of Weeds Controlled
Combining fertilizer with weed prevention helps reduce crabgrass and other weeds while promoting healthier, greener grass.
Application Timing
The product remains effective even if watering is delayed a few days after application, providing flexibility in lawn care routines.
Formulation
The granules spread easily without clogging and dissolve well, making the application process smooth and efficient.
Safety for Desired Plants
Wearing gloves and keeping pets away until watering is completed is important for safety but does not complicate usage.

Scotts Turf Builder Halts Crabgrass Preventer with Lawn Food is designed to stop crabgrass and several other common weeds like barnyard grass, foxtail, and chickweed before they grow. It comes in granule form, which is easy to spread across your lawn, covering up to 14,000 square feet with one bag. The product works best when applied in early spring on a dry lawn, before the grass is mowed 3 or 4 times and before temperatures regularly hit 80 degrees. This timing helps prevent weeds from sprouting while feeding your grass for a quicker green-up after winter.

It is effective even if there’s rain, snow, or freezing weather shortly after application, so you don’t need to worry about weather ruining the treatment. While it controls a good list of weeds, it is primarily targeted at crabgrass prevention. Because it contains fertilizer, it supports lawn health but should be used with care if you have delicate or newly seeded areas to avoid harming those plants.

Some users may find the weight and size of the bag a bit large for small yards, but for bigger lawns, it offers solid coverage and combines weed control with feeding in one convenient product. The product performs reliably for most home lawns looking to prevent crabgrass and maintain healthy grass growth.

Rating
9.6
Type of Weeds Controlled
Application Timing
Formulation

Most important from
6520 reviews

Type of Weeds Controlled
Combining fertilizer with weed prevention helps reduce crabgrass and other weeds while promoting healthier, greener grass.
Application Timing
The product remains effective even if watering is delayed a few days after application, providing flexibility in lawn care routines.
Formulation
The granules spread easily without clogging and dissolve well, making the application process smooth and efficient.
Safety for Desired Plants
Wearing gloves and keeping pets away until watering is completed is important for safety but does not complicate usage.
#3

Syngenta Tenacity Herbicide - Pre-Emergent and Post-Emergent Weed Control, 8-oz. Liquid Weed Killer for Lawns and Turf Grasses, Active Ingredient Mesotrione Herbicide

Rating
9.4
Type of Weeds Controlled
Application Timing
Formulation

Most important from
9323 reviews

Type of Weeds Controlled
Tenacity Herbicide effectively targets tough weeds like nimbleweed and bentgrass without harming desirable turf grasses.
Application Timing
The product is versatile and allows for overseeding immediately after the final application, promoting a healthier, weed-free lawn.
Formulation
Application requires careful adherence to instructions, especially regarding dosage and use of a surfactant for optimal results.

The Syngenta Tenacity Herbicide offers broad-spectrum weed control, targeting 46 different species including common nuisances like crabgrass and dandelion. This makes it highly versatile for handling a variety of weed problems. Its application flexibility is a standout feature, as it can be used both before and after seeding, which is not common among herbicides. This characteristic allows for consistent weed management without disrupting the planting schedule.

The formulation, being a liquid, ensures ease of use, with a convenient measuring and pouring system that prevents waste and enhances precision. This product contains the active ingredient mesotrione, a trusted compound known for its effectiveness in weed control for over two decades. The duration of effectiveness is reliable for keeping new weeds at bay while selectively targeting existing ones, which means your lawn stays protected longer.

Additionally, it is designed to be safe for desired turf grasses, preventing harm to the grass you want to preserve while focusing on eliminating weeds. However, the need to follow specific application instructions closely is crucial to avoid any potential damage to the lawn. Also, considering it’s a liquid form, there might be a need for more careful handling and storage. This product is best suited for homeowners or lawn care professionals looking for a robust, all-in-one weed control solution that offers both pre-emergent and post-emergent capabilities. Its impressive weed control range and user-friendly application make it a strong contender in the lawn-pre-emergent category.

Rating
9.4
Type of Weeds Controlled
Application Timing
Formulation

Most important from
9323 reviews

Type of Weeds Controlled
Tenacity Herbicide effectively targets tough weeds like nimbleweed and bentgrass without harming desirable turf grasses.
Application Timing
The product is versatile and allows for overseeding immediately after the final application, promoting a healthier, weed-free lawn.
Formulation
Application requires careful adherence to instructions, especially regarding dosage and use of a surfactant for optimal results.

Buying Guide for the Best Lawn Pre Emergents

Choosing the right lawn pre-emergent is crucial for maintaining a healthy and weed-free lawn. Pre-emergents are herbicides that prevent weed seeds from germinating, thus stopping weeds before they even start to grow. To pick the best pre-emergent for your lawn, you need to consider several key specifications. Understanding these specifications will help you make an informed decision that suits your lawn's specific needs and conditions.
Type of Weeds ControlledThis spec indicates which types of weeds the pre-emergent is effective against. It's important because different pre-emergents target different weeds. Common categories include grassy weeds like crabgrass and broadleaf weeds like dandelions. If your lawn is prone to a specific type of weed, choose a pre-emergent that is formulated to control that particular weed. For a more comprehensive approach, you might opt for a product that targets a broad spectrum of weeds.
Application TimingApplication timing refers to when you should apply the pre-emergent to your lawn. This is crucial because applying it at the wrong time can render it ineffective. Pre-emergents are typically applied in early spring or fall, depending on the weed type. For example, to prevent summer annual weeds like crabgrass, apply in early spring. For winter annual weeds, apply in the fall. Knowing the growth cycle of the weeds in your area will help you determine the best time to apply the pre-emergent.
FormulationPre-emergents come in different formulations, such as granular or liquid. This spec is important because it affects how you apply the product and its ease of use. Granular formulations are often easier to apply with a spreader and are less likely to drift, making them ideal for larger areas. Liquid formulations can be more precise and are often used for spot treatments or smaller areas. Choose the formulation that best fits your lawn size and your application preferences.
Duration of EffectivenessThis spec indicates how long the pre-emergent will remain effective after application. It's important because it determines how often you need to reapply the product. Duration can range from a few weeks to several months. For long-lasting control, look for a pre-emergent with a longer duration of effectiveness. If you prefer to reapply more frequently to ensure continuous protection, a shorter duration might be suitable. Consider your maintenance routine and how often you are willing to reapply the product.
Safety for Desired PlantsThis spec tells you whether the pre-emergent is safe to use around the plants you want to keep, such as grass, flowers, or shrubs. It's crucial because some pre-emergents can harm desirable plants if not used correctly. Look for products that are labeled safe for your specific type of grass or plants. If you have a mixed garden, choose a pre-emergent that is safe for a variety of plants to avoid accidental damage.

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