10 Best Pre-Emergent Herbicides 2025 in the United States

The Andersons Barricade Professional-Grade Granular Pre-Emergent Weed Control is designed to stop weeds before they start, covering up to 5,800 square feet with one 18-pound bag. It uses 0.48% prodiamine, a strong active ingredient effective against common grassy and broadleaf weeds like crabgrass and henbit. This product is best applied in early spring or fall, aligning well with typical pre-emergent timing to prevent weed seeds from sprouting.

Its granular form with a DG Pro formulation means you get many small particles per square inch, which helps with even coverage and reliable performance. Made in the USA, it’s suitable for a variety of soil types, but you should always check local guidelines to ensure it fits your specific lawn or garden conditions. One important note is that this product won’t remove existing weeds — it only stops new ones from growing, so it’s not a solution if you already have a weed problem.

When seeking a pre-emergent herbicide that covers a large area with professional-grade effectiveness and does not require addressing existing weeds, this product represents a solid choice. As with any herbicide, use caution to avoid harming nearby plants and follow safety instructions carefully.

Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer is a solid choice for those looking to maintain a weed-free lawn. One of its key strengths is its ability to prevent the germination of various common weeds such as crabgrass, foxtail, and spurge. With a coverage area of up to 10,000 square feet, a single 20.12 lb. bag offers great value, making it suitable for larger properties. The product is easy to apply, either in early spring or fall, and is effective regardless of weather changes after application, which adds to its convenience for users.

However, there are some considerations to keep in mind. While it is compatible with most grass types, it cannot be used on Dichondra or Bentgrass, which may limit its use for some homeowners. Additionally, it’s important to note that while the product is designed to be safe for lawns, users should still follow the application instructions carefully to minimize any potential environmental impact.

In terms of safety, generally, users report that the product is safe when used as directed, but there may be specific guidelines to follow, especially in areas with unique ecological concerns. The formulation is granulated, which is user-friendly, but requires proper distribution for optimal effectiveness.

Scotts Halts is particularly beneficial for those facing persistent weed problems in their lawns and for users looking for a reliable pre-emergent herbicide. It’s best suited for homeowners with common grass types who want an effective solution to keep their lawns looking pristine without the hassle of constant weeding.

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.