10 Best Pre Emergent Weed Killers 2025 in the United States

The Andersons Barricade Professional-Grade Granular Pre-Emergent Weed Control is designed to prevent the emergence of a variety of weeds, including grassy and broadleaf types like crabgrass and poa annua. It's particularly effective when applied in early spring and fall, making it suitable for seasonal weed prevention strategies. The granules contain 0.48% prodiamine, which is a professional-grade herbicide known for its effectiveness in pre-emergent weed control.

The DG Pro formulation ensures a higher number of particles per square inch, leading to superior performance in preventing weed growth over an extensive area of up to 12,880 square feet. This product is made in the USA and is widely recognized for its quality, as indicated by its favorable ranking in the Patio, Lawn & Garden category.

It is important to note that this pre-emergent weed control will not eliminate existing weeds, so it should be used as part of a broader weed management plan. Additionally, users should be aware of the environmental impact of using herbicides, even though the product is designed for safe use when instructions are followed. With a substantial 40-pound bag, it offers extensive coverage but may require careful handling due to its weight. It's an ideal choice for homeowners and professionals looking for an effective solution to prevent weed growth before it starts.

The Preen Garden Weed Preventer is a pre-emergent weed killer that promises to stop weeds before they start for up to three months. This product is effective at preventing new weeds from sprouting, which can significantly reduce the need for hand-weeding. It is safe to use around a wide variety of established plants, including over 200 types of flowers, vegetables, trees, and shrubs. However, it is not suitable for use on lawns, so its application is somewhat limited to garden beds and similar areas.

The product can be used throughout the year—spring, summer, or fall—which offers great flexibility in timing your garden maintenance. The granular formulation makes it easy to apply, especially if using a refillable flip-top applicator. Covering an area of up to 3,520 square feet, the 22-pound bag offers substantial coverage for large gardens. The environmental impact seems to be manageable given its specific safe-use claims, but users should always follow the recommended guidelines to ensure safety.

Its effectiveness is limited to preventing new weeds and will not address existing ones. This makes it a great choice for proactive gardeners looking to maintain weed-free garden beds, but less useful for those dealing with an already weed-infested lawn.

Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer is a solid choice for those looking to maintain a weed-free lawn. Its primary strength lies in its ability to prevent a wide variety of weeds, including crabgrass, foxtail, and chickweed. The product's application is versatile, suitable for both spring and fall, and its performance isn't hindered by adverse weather conditions, making it user-friendly.

With a granule form, it's easy to apply and covers a substantial area of up to 10,000 sq. ft., making it economical for larger lawns. Additionally, it is designed for use on all grass types except Dichondra and Bentgrass, expanding its usability across different lawn types. Scotts Halts provides effective long-lasting weed prevention, making it a reliable option for lawn care.