10 Best Pre-Emergent Herbicides 2025 in the United States

BASF Drive XLR8 is a liquid herbicide featuring quinclorac as its active ingredient, known for effective post-emergent control of crabgrass and a variety of other grassy and broadleaf weeds. Unlike traditional pre-emergent herbicides that prevent weed seeds from sprouting, this product works after weeds have appeared, making it suitable if you need to tackle existing weed problems. Its water-based formulation helps the herbicide absorb quickly, with rainfast protection within an hour, so you don't have to worry much about rain washing it away soon after application. It offers up to 30 days of residual weed control, which means fewer repeat treatments over the month.

This product covers a full area, suitable for lawns, golf courses, and commercial turf, and it works on both warm- and cool-season grasses, adding flexibility for different soil types and climates. However, it requires careful handling—users must wear protective clothing and follow specific application rules, including spot treatments in some states like New York. While effective against a broad range of weeds, it is not designed to prevent weed seeds before they sprout, so it may need to be combined with a true pre-emergent herbicide if your goal is early weed prevention.

BASF Drive XLR8 is a reliable choice if you need a strong post-emergent grassy and broadleaf weed killer with good residual action, but it’s not a standalone pre-emergent solution and requires attention to safety instructions during use.

The Preen Extended Control Weed Preventer is designed to block weed growth for up to 6 months with a single application, making it a convenient choice for long-term garden maintenance. Its ability to be used around more than 600 types of perennials, groundcovers, shrubs, and trees adds to its versatility. However, it is not suitable for use on flower seeds, lawns, vegetable gardens, or any food-producing plants, which limits its application areas.

The 10-pound bag covers a substantial area of 1,630 square feet, making it efficient for larger garden spaces. The product is in granule form, which makes it easy to apply, especially when used with a refillable flip-top applicator. It is important to note that this product is not available for sale in New York, which could be a restriction for some users.

The safety and environmental impact are aspects to consider; it should be used strictly as directed to avoid any potential harm to non-target plants or the environment. Preen Extended Control Weed Preventer is well-suited for gardeners looking for a long-lasting weed control solution, particularly for non-food-producing plant areas.

Atticus Torocity Herbicide is a liquid concentrate with 40% mesotrione, the same active ingredient used in the well-known Tenacity brand. This makes it a trusted option for controlling weeds in lawns and turf grasses. One of its main advantages is the flexible application timing—Torocity works both before weeds emerge and after they start growing, giving you more chances to keep your lawn weed-free. It covers about 1,000 square feet per 8-ounce bottle, which is a decent amount for average lawn sizes.

Torocity controls a wide variety of common lawn weeds, including crabgrass, clover, dandelions, and ground ivy, which makes it a strong choice if you’re dealing with mixed weed issues. It is especially helpful when renovating turf, as it can be safely used on newly seeded Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, and centipedegrass, helping new grass grow without competition. However, it should not be used on Bentgrass, Zoysiagrass, or actively growing Bermudagrass, so it’s important to check your grass type before application.

The product comes with an easy-to-use measuring syringe that simplifies mixing and ensures accurate application rates. It needs to be watered in within 10 days to activate if there’s no rainfall, which is something to keep in mind for best results. Since it is a liquid concentrate, it requires careful mixing and application. Also, it’s not available in Alaska, Hawaii, or Vermont, which limits access depending on your location. Mesotrione is generally considered selective and less harmful to turf than some older herbicides, but users should always follow label instructions closely. Customer reviews average around 4.3 stars, indicating good satisfaction but also some variability in results.

If you want a selective, flexible pre- and post-emergent herbicide that works on a variety of grasses and weeds and don’t mind the liquid concentrate format, Atticus Torocity is a solid choice that balances effectiveness with ease of use.