10 Best Selective Crabgrass Killers 2025 in the United States

The Scotts Turf Builder Halts Crabgrass Preventer with Lawn Food is a dual-action product that not only stops crabgrass before it starts but also feeds your lawn for a quick green-up after winter. With a substantial coverage area of 15,000 square feet per pack, this product is quite efficient for larger lawns. The granules are easy to apply and are designed to remain effective despite rain, snow, or freezing conditions post-application.

To achieve the best results, watering or rainfall within 2-3 days of application is recommended to activate the product. However, a notable limitation is that it’s not suitable for dichondra or bentgrass lawns, so users with these types of grass should look for alternative solutions. The 30:0:4 mixing ratio ensures that your lawn gets the necessary nutrients without promoting excessive top-growth.

This product is a good choice for homeowners looking for a convenient, all-season solution to prevent crabgrass and nourish their lawn.

The BASF Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Killer is a liquid herbicide featuring Quinclorac as its active ingredient, which effectively targets crabgrass and a variety of other grassy and broadleaf weeds like dandelion and clover. Its water-based formula allows the product to be absorbed quickly by weeds, delivering visible results sooner than some alternatives. Designed for use on both warm- and cool-season turf, it’s suitable for residential lawns as well as commercial areas and golf courses, offering flexibility for different users.

One of its highlights is the extended residual control that can keep weeds at bay for up to 30 days, reducing how often you need to reapply. It also becomes rainfast in under an hour, so you have less worry about losing effectiveness if it rains shortly after application. The product comes in a 64-ounce concentrate, which allows for coverage of larger areas when mixed as directed. However, it requires careful handling and proper protective clothing during application, and some state restrictions may limit how it can be used, such as spot treatments only in New York.

This product is a strong weed control option, and following the label instructions closely is important to avoid damage to the lawn or environment. Users seeking a reliable, versatile crabgrass killer with broad-spectrum weed control will find this product a solid choice, especially if they want longer-lasting results and quick action.

The Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Concentrate is designed to tackle common lawn weeds including crabgrass, dandelions, clover, and chickweed. Its fast-acting formula starts working with one application and kills weeds down to the roots, helping prevent them from growing back quickly. This product is a concentrate, so you need to mix it with water before applying it with a sprayer, allowing for flexible coverage of up to 5,000 square feet per bottle.

It is safe to use on a variety of common lawn grasses like Bermudagrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Fescues, and Ryegrass, making it a good fit for many typical lawns. Careful attention to the label instructions is important to avoid harming your grass. The product’s effectiveness and safety have been positively reviewed by many users.

The main drawback is the need for proper dilution and application equipment, which might be a bit challenging for beginners. If you're looking for a weed killer that targets crabgrass and other common weeds without damaging your lawn, this Ortho concentrate provides a reliable option with good coverage and fast results.