Crabgrass can be a persistent challenge for lawns and turf. The right selective herbicide targets crabgrass and other broadleaf weeds without harming desirable grasses. This guide reviews five top products, highlighting what makes them effective, how they’re applied, and where they fit best. Each option is designed for preemergence or postemergence control, giving you flexibility based on weed stages and lawn types.
Overview of selected products
| Product | Active Ingredient / Type | Best For | Application Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atticus Torocity Herbicide (8oz) | Mesotrione | Crabgrass and many broadleaf weeds in lawns and turf | Pre and post-emergent with timing forgiveness |
| Quali-Pro Quinclorac 75 DF | Quinclorac | Crabgrass, clover, dandelion, dollarweed, and more | Postemergence, versatile across turf types |
| Nufarm Change Up | Quinclorac-based formulation | Broadleaf weeds including dandelion, oxalis, chickweed | Selective turf use for wide weed spectrum |
| Hi Yield 16 Oz Grass Killer | Selective post-emergent grass killer | Kills weed grasses around ornamentals and garden areas | Postemergence, around beds and non-lawn areas |
| Monterey Grass Getter Bundled | Sethoxydim-based post-emergent | Keeps grassy weeds out of ornamentals and beds | Postemergence; not for lawns |
Note: All products are listed with their visible features and typical use cases. Always follow label directions for safe and effective results in your region.
Atticus Torocity Herbicide for Lawns
Torocity from Atticus provides a mesotrione-based formulation with strong weed control in both newly seeded areas and established turf. Its active ingredient is the same as Tenacity, giving users a familiar performance profile. The product is designed to work pre- and post-emergence, offering timing forgiveness to address weeds as they appear. It targets crabgrass and other common broadleaf weeds, helping maintain a healthy lawn when used according to label directions.
Quali-Pro Quinclorac 75 DF Selective Herbicide 1lb
Quali-Pro Quinclorac 75 DF is a widely used selective herbicide effective against crabgrass and a broad set of broadleaf weeds. Suitable for commercial and residential turf, it offers postemergence control with a formulation designed for turfgrass tolerance. It’s commonly chosen for golf courses, sports fields, and sod farms where weed pressure is high and precise application matters.
Nufarm Change Up, Premium Selective Herbicide
Nufarm Change Up is a premium selective herbicide designed to provide broad weed control in turf with labeled tolerance for a wide range of cool- and warm-season grasses. It targets more than 200 broadleaf weeds, including dandelion, oxalis, and chickweed, while preserving desirable turf. The product is positioned for residential and commercial lawns, offering reliable performance when applied as directed and under appropriate environmental conditions.
Hi Yield 16 Oz Grass Killer
Hi Yield Grass Killer is a selective post-emergent option designed to target and kill weed grasses in areas around vegetables, trees, shrubs, and ornamentals. It’s formulated to stop weed grass growth within a couple of days, offering rapid suppression in non-lawn settings where weed grasses compete with desirable plants. It can be a practical choice for garden borders and landscaped beds requiring targeted weed control.
Monterey Grass Getter
Monterey Grass Getter is a postemergent herbicide bundle featuring Sethoxydim. It is designed to kill grassy weeds in beds, ornamentals, ground covers, and around trees, without harming listed ornamentals when applied over-the-top as directed. It is not intended for lawn areas, making it a fit for landscape maintenance where grassy weeds invade non-t lawn spaces.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For Selecting Crabgrass Solutions
Choosing the right selective herbicide depends on weed spectrum, lawn type, and management goals. Here are practical considerations to help you decide:
- Active ingredient and spectrum: If crabgrass is the primary target, quinclorac-based products are often effective. Mesotrione-based formulations can add broadleaf weed coverage while preserving many turfgrasses.
- Timing: Some products offer pre- and post-emergent activity, expanding treatment windows. Others are more focused on postemergence control, suitable for established weed patches.
- Lawn type compatibility: Check label guidance for cool-season vs warm-season grasses, as tolerance varies. Some products emphasize turf tolerance while others favor ornamental beds.
- Spread and application method: Consider liquid vs dry formulations, mixing requirements, and whether spot treatments or broadcast applications are preferred.
- Non-target safety: The label will specify safe use around ornamentals, trees, and edible plants. Use protective equipment as recommended and follow buffer zones.
- Residual activity: A product with residual control can reduce re-infestation, but may require careful calibration to avoid stress on desirable grasses.
- Environmental conditions: Temperature and rainfall influence efficacy. Plan applications during appropriate conditions to maximize performance and minimize runoff.
- Environment and maintenance goals: For lawns, prioritize products labeled for turf tolerance. For garden borders, select formulations designed for ornamentals and non-lawn areas.
In practice, users may combine products strategically—for example, a preemergent option to reduce new crabgrass emergence, paired with a postemergent product to address visible weeds. Always read and follow the label, especially regarding application rates, re-entry intervals, and safety precautions.