Crabgrass can quickly take over your lawn if not managed properly. Using an effective pre-emergent weed control product can prevent crabgrass and other common weeds from sprouting, keeping your turf healthy and green throughout the season. Below is a summary of some highly-rated options available on Amazon, designed to target crabgrass and other grassy and broadleaf weeds.
| Product Name | Brand | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| The Andersons Barricade Professional-Grade Granular | The Andersons | Up to 5,800 sq ft |
| Scotts WeedEx Prevent with Halts | Scotts | 5,000 sq ft |
| BASF Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Killer Concentrate | BASF | Varies (64 oz concentrate) |
| 0-0-7 Granular Prodiamine Herbicide Fertilizer | Yard Mastery | 6,000 sq ft |
| Prodiamine 65 WDG Pre-emergent Herbicide | Quali-Pro | 5 lbs (coverage varies) |
The Andersons Barricade Professional-Grade Granular Pre-Emergent
The Andersons Barricade is formulated with 0.48% prodiamine, delivering professional-grade control to prevent early spring and fall weeds. It effectively stops crabgrass as well as poa annua, goosegrass, and henbit before they emerge.
This granular product covers up to 5,800 square feet, making it a solid choice for medium-sized yards. It is intended exclusively as a preventive treatment and will not eliminate existing weeds after they germinate.
Scotts WeedEx Prevent with Halts Pre-Emergent Crabgrass Killer
Scotts WeedEx Prevent specializes in crabgrass prevention and controls other grassy weeds spring through fall. It is recommended for early spring application to provide season-long protection or fall application to curb winter weeds like Poa annua and chickweed.
The product covers 5,000 square feet and offers an easy granular application suitable for residential lawns, making it a top pick for those seeking an established brand in pre-emergent crabgrass control.
BASF Drive XLR8 Concentrate Broadleaf & Grassy Weed Control
BASF Drive XLR8 is a water-based herbicide concentrate featuring quinclorac for both post-emergent and pre-emergent control. Providing up to 30 days residual control, it effectively targets crabgrass and a broad spectrum of weeds such as bindweed, clover, and dandelion.
This product is rainfast within an hour and offers quick plant uptake, ideal for lawns requiring both prevention and treatment of existing weeds. Its concentrate format allows flexible application coverage depending on dilution.
0-0-7 Granular Prodiamine Pre-Emergent Herbicide Fertilizer
The Yard Mastery 0-0-7 Granular Prodiamine blends weed prevention with fertilization, containing 0.37% prodiamine to prevent crabgrass and Poa annua. Suitable for various grass types such as Bermudagrass, Zoysia, and Tall Fescue, it offers versatility across lawn varieties.
This 18 lb product covers up to 6,000 square feet and supports a healthy lawn through season-long crabgrass prevention, meeting the needs of many homeowners with mixed-grass lawns.
Quali-Pro Prodiamine 65 WDG Pre-Emergent Weed Control
Quali-Pro Prodiamine 65 WDG is a granular weed control product targeting a wide list of grassy and broadleaf weeds including crabgrass, chickweed, and foxtails. It is designed for established lawns, sod nurseries, ornamentals, and even perennials.
This product is labeled for various turf types excluding golf course greens and offers flexibility for users managing multiple types of outdoor plantings beyond lawn grass.
Buying Guide for Pre-Emergent Crabgrass Control Products
Choosing the right pre-emergent crabgrass control depends on several factors. Here are key points to consider before purchasing:
1. Active Ingredients and Effectiveness
Prodiamine is a common and effective active ingredient for pre-emergent weed control, used in products like Andersons Barricade and Yard Mastery. Other ingredients like quinclorac (found in BASF Drive XLR8) combine pre- and post-emergent activity for broader control.
2. Application Timing and Coverage Area
Early spring application before crabgrass seeds germinate is crucial. Check product coverage to match your lawn size and follow manufacturer instructions for soil temperature timing to maximize effectiveness.
3. Lawn Type Compatibility
Select pre-emergents formulated for your grass type to avoid damage. For example, Yard Mastery 0-0-7 suits warm and cool-season grasses, while some products exclude certain turf varieties like golf greens.
4. Granular vs. Liquid Form
Granular formulations (like Scotts WeedEx Prevent) offer easy lawn broadcast application, while concentrates (such as BASF Drive XLR8) require mixing and spraying, which may provide more precise control but need extra preparation.
5. Residual Control Duration
Look for products providing extended protection to reduce the frequency of applications. Products like BASF Drive XLR8 offer up to 30 days residual control, while others may last an entire growing season.
6. Combination Products
Some pre-emergents combine fertilization with weed prevention (e.g., Yard Mastery 0-0-7), which can simplify lawn care routines but should be used carefully to avoid overfeeding or harming sensitive turfgrass.
7. Environmental and Safety Considerations
Review product labels for safety information, application restrictions, and recommendations for water sensitivity. Rainfast timing and environmental impact should be considered for safe lawn and garden health.