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10 Best Selective Crabgrass Killers 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action1 - Weed Killer, Crabgrass Preventer, Lawn Fertilizer, 4,000 sq. ft. (2-Pack)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,347
Coverage Area

Most important from
2067 reviews

Coverage Area
Covers 4,000 square feet and is easy to apply without needing special skills; just sprinkle and let the magic happen.

Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action1 is an all-in-one lawn care solution that can kill a range of common weeds, prevent crabgrass for up to 4 months, and fertilize your lawn. It is suitable for various grass types including Bahiagrass, Centipedegrass, and Kentucky Bluegrass among others. The product comes in granular form and is easy to apply with a Scotts spreader to a wet lawn.

It requires a follow-up watering after 24 hours and is best applied in the spring when dandelions are actively growing. Each package covers up to 4,000 square feet, making it a good option for medium-sized lawns. A key advantage is its versatility in addressing multiple lawn care needs in one application.

On the downside, it does not kill existing crabgrass, which may be a limitation for those looking to address an already established problem. Additionally, the product is not available in some regions like Alaska and Hawaii. For those within the availability zone, this product can be a great help in maintaining a healthy and weed-free lawn.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,347
Coverage Area

Most important from
2067 reviews

Coverage Area
Covers 4,000 square feet and is easy to apply without needing special skills; just sprinkle and let the magic happen.
#2

Scotts Turf Builder Halts Crabgrass Preventer with Lawn Food - Pre-Emergent Plus Fertilizer, 15,000 sq. ft. (2-Pack)

Rating
10.0
Timing of Application

Most important from
6341 reviews

Timing of Application
Highly effective when applied early in the season, before temperatures reach 55-60 degrees.

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.

Rating
10.0
Timing of Application

Most important from
6341 reviews

Timing of Application
Highly effective when applied early in the season, before temperatures reach 55-60 degrees.

Buying Guide for the Best Selective Crabgrass Killers

Choosing the right selective crabgrass killer can be a bit overwhelming, but with the right knowledge, you can make an informed decision that will help you maintain a healthy and beautiful lawn. Selective crabgrass killers are designed to target crabgrass without harming your desirable grass. To pick the best product for your needs, you should consider several key specifications. Understanding these specs will help you choose a product that is effective and suitable for your lawn's specific conditions.
Active IngredientsThe active ingredients in a selective crabgrass killer are the chemicals that target and kill the crabgrass. This spec is important because different active ingredients work in different ways and may be more or less effective depending on the type of grass you have and the extent of the crabgrass problem. Common active ingredients include quinclorac, fenoxaprop, and dithiopyr. If you have a severe crabgrass problem, you might need a product with a stronger active ingredient. For a mild infestation, a less potent ingredient may suffice. Always check if the active ingredient is safe for your type of grass.
Application MethodThe application method refers to how the crabgrass killer is applied to your lawn. This is important because it affects the ease of use and the coverage you can achieve. Common methods include liquid sprays, granules, and ready-to-use formulas. Liquid sprays are often more precise and can be used for spot treatments, while granules are easier to apply over large areas. Ready-to-use formulas are convenient for small lawns or spot treatments. Choose the method that best fits the size of your lawn and your comfort level with applying lawn care products.
Coverage AreaThe coverage area indicates how much lawn a single container of the product can treat. This is important to ensure you purchase enough product to cover your entire lawn without running out. Coverage is usually measured in square feet. For small lawns, a product with a smaller coverage area may be sufficient, while larger lawns will require a product that can cover more ground. Always measure your lawn before purchasing to ensure you get the right amount.
Timing of ApplicationThe timing of application refers to when the product should be applied for maximum effectiveness. This is crucial because applying the product at the wrong time can reduce its effectiveness or even harm your lawn. Some products are pre-emergent, meaning they should be applied before the crabgrass seeds germinate, typically in early spring. Others are post-emergent and should be applied after the crabgrass has already started growing. Determine whether you need a pre-emergent or post-emergent product based on the current state of your lawn and the time of year.
Safety for Desired GrassSafety for desired grass means that the product will kill the crabgrass without harming the type of grass you want to keep. This is important to avoid damaging your lawn while trying to eliminate crabgrass. Different products are formulated to be safe for different types of grass, such as Bermuda, Kentucky bluegrass, or fescue. Always check the label to ensure the product is safe for your specific type of grass. If you have a mixed lawn, look for a product that is safe for all the types of grass you have.

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