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The best crabgrass killers
Are you tired of spending time and resources trying to get rid of crabgrass on your lawn? Do you wish you had a beautiful crabgrass-free garden? All you need is a good crabgrass killer.
It takes a lot of hard work to maintain a beautiful garden or lawn, but it is gratifying to look at it after all the work and enjoy the green view. It is heartbreaking to see your hard work go down the drain when crabgrass infests the garden and gives it an unappealing look. Crabgrass is a different shade from most lawn grasses.
Crabgrass grows while covering the ground, taking up most of the space and nutrients meant for your plants. The result is an unhealthy-looking lawn or garden. A good crabgrass killer will eliminate this weed and rejuvenate the excellent grass to grow healthier and look beautiful. In this list, we have compiled the best crab killers based on safety, effectiveness, features, and value for money, among others.
Best overall
Primesource Quinclorac 1.5L Select Liquid Crabgrass Killer
Primesource Quinclorac 1.5L Select Liquid Crabgrass Killer
This crabgrass killer has the best formulation that makes it ideal for crabgrass elimination. It is safe to use in residential and non-residential turfs. It offers a 90-day weed control period which is sufficient time to clear the weeds from your lawn.
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The Primesource Quinclorac crabgrass killer is the best overall. It is made of 18.92% Quinclorac, an effective ingredient in a crabgrass killer. The killer is effective against many kinds of glass, including Crabgrass, foxtail, kikuyu grass, torpedo grass, clover, dandelion, morning glory, geranium, bindweed, and speedwell. It is safe to apply on many turfs; therefore, you do not have to worry about working on some turfs and not others. You can use the crabgrass killer in non-residential and residential turfgrass. It helps in eliminating and preventing the growth of grassy and broadleaf weeds.
The crabgrass killer has a flowable concentrate formulation that combines wettable powders and emulsifiable concentrates. It is from the quinoline carboxylic acid chemical family. The solution uses the synthetic auxin mode of action, making it more effective. It is absorbed through the roots and foliage to increase the absorption rate and make it even more effective in killing crabgrass. The best part is that you can apply it seven days before seeding and 28 days after the sprouting and emergence of the weeds.
The solution offers up to 90 days of pest control which is enough time to reach all the weeds in your garden. It is a selective killer. It does not harm another turf when applied to the lawn. You only need to add Duo Stick Select to enhance efficacy. It comes in 1.5 liters that come in a liquid form. The package dimensions 9.33 x 9.33 x 3.7 inches and weighs 5.07 pounds. The best time to apply the weed killer is before rains so that you do not have to apply it several times to see its effect.
Despite its features, this crabgrass killer is not suitable for crabgrass in California. Therefore, people in California should consider another killer in this article as this one will not work for them.
Best that does not harm lawn grasses
Gordon’s SpeedZone Lawn Weed Killer
Gordon’s SpeedZone Lawn Weed Killer
This herbicide is one of the best in the market because it works within the shortest time, and it does not interfere with other lawn grasses in the lawn. It is best when used in cold seasons and you can mix it with another compatible herbicide for the best results.
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The Gordon’s speed zone lawn weed killer is the best crabgrass killer that does not harm other lawn grasses. It is called speed zone because of how fast it works. You can see the results within 24 hours, meaning that it is very effective and ideal for use on your lawn. It only removes the weeds and leaves your grass looking great and healthy. The lawn weed killer is made from four ingredients making it an herbicide blend to enhance efficiency. It controls more than 75 weeds, including dandelions, clover, ground ivy, or creeping Charlie. The product dimensions are 1 x 1 x 1 inches and weigh 1 pound.
The herbicide can be used in sports treatment to ensure no weeds on the field. You can reseed in just two weeks after application. The lawn weed killer is also one of the best because it covers 14,000-18,000 square feet, which is a large area. The area it covers makes it ideal for people with large properties. It enables you to get rid of crabgrass and other tough weed species in your field. The good news is that no matter how many applications you do, it will not interfere with the other lawn grasses in your lawn.
It is best to apply the herbicide during cold instead of hot weather because it may affect the other grasses when applied in hot weather. You need to mix the lawn weed killer with an appropriate amount of water to see the best results. You can also mix it with other herbicides, but you will have to research and determine if they are compatible before mixing. The herbicide is affordable, and one bottle will last for a long time if you use it well.
However, as discussed earlier, it only targets specific weeds. Therefore, it is essential to confirm that the weed you intend to remove on the lawn is among those it eliminates. Another negative aspect is that the herbicide cannot be shipped to some states, including Alaska, Washington DC, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Vermont.
Best high-efficiency
BASF Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Herbicide Killer
BASF Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Herbicide Killer
Lawn needs are a nuisance as they make your lawn look unkempt. This herbicide enables you to eliminate weeds that have already grown in your lawn or garden within the shortest time possible. It has a three-year shelf life which makes it durable and enables you to apply it several times for better results.
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The BASF Drive XLR8 is one of the best herbicides rated for its efficiency in clearing weed grass on your lawn. It uses enhanced technology of a water-based concentration in liquid form. One bottle is enough to treat up to one acre of your lawn within less than one hour. It also lasts for a minimum of 45 days controlling the growth of weeds in your garden. It is perfect for eliminating crabgrass, Kikuyu grass, signal grass, dandelion, dollar weed, and clover, among other weeds.
You can use this herbicide with microyl crop oil to enhance its effectiveness. However, you need to be careful not to combine it with any other herbicide since it may not be compatible. The product dimensions are 6.5 x 3.8 x 8.95 inches and weigh 5 pounds, making it ideal for small and large lawns or gardens since you can use it for an extended period. It has a three-year shelf life enabling you to use it in appropriate quantities without worrying about its expiry. It is post-emergent, meaning that it eliminates weed grasses after germinating and not before.
Its active ingredient is the Quinclorac at 18.92%. Also, it only works on affected and applied areas, unlike other herbicides that spread across the lawn. For the best results, you need to wait for 3-4 days before you can mow your lawn. Its recommended method of application is spraying to get rid of lawn weeds. The product is affordable, making it worth the investment. However, it does not eliminate all types of lawn weeds and you need to check its label to ascertain that it will work on the weed you wish to eliminate.
Best spray & best for bermuda grass
Roundup For Lawns Crabgrass Killer
Roundup For Lawns Crabgrass Killer
This herbicide is ready to use and does not require you to measure or mix it with anything making your application easy. It also comes with an extended reach that lets you spray all the weed in your lawn within the shortest time. It covers a large area and kills a large variety of weeds, making it ideal for every garden or lawn affected by weeds.
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Roundup is one of the best herbicides you can apply on your lawn. It is excellent for clearing lawn weeds and bugs, leaving your lawn beautiful and healthy. The herbicide has a 170.24 liquid volume which enables you to apply it on a big lawn for a long time. It is also perfect for treating a sports lawn as it removes various weeds, making it ideal for a game. It kills over 250 weeds, including dandelion, crabgrass, clover, buffalo grass, bermudagrass, fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, zoysiagrass, and perennial ryegrass. The best part is that it only kills the weeds and does not destroy or change the color of your lawn.
The herbicide is effective and starts working immediately. It is waterproof and can last for more than three hours after the rain. It uses the spray method of application, and you need to ensure it touches all the weeds in your lawn or garden. The weeds absorb it through its roots and leaves to facilitate quick elimination. The best period to spray roundup on the lawn weeds is when there is no rain. The herbicide cannot be washed away before completing its purpose. It is available in various forms, including comfort wand, comfort ward, concentrates, ready to spray, refill, and weed protection bundle enabling you to choose the best for your lawn.
Roundup product dimensions are 5.5 x 9.5 x 12 inches, and it weighs 11.33 pounds. It comes with an extended reach ward that enables you to spray continuously until you complete the affected area. The herbicide extended to 2 feet, and you can use it to treat up to 1330 square feet. It is best to keep your pets away from the lawn after spraying the herbicide until it dries. Another point to consider when using Roundup is that the foliage should be dry for better results. However, you cannot reuse or refill the container after spraying.
Best for lawns
Scotts WeedEx Prevents Crabgrass
Scotts WeedEx Prevents Crabgrass
You can never go wrong with this herbicide. You can apply it anytime, and it is not affected by snow, rain, or freezing climatic conditions. It will prevent the growth of weeds before they appear, making it ideal for every lawn.
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Crabgrass is a stubborn weed that you should get rid of on your lawn. What better way to do this than with the Scotts WeedEx? The herbicide is an all-season product that removes crabgrass from your lawn within a short time. It is a pre-emergent herbicide, meaning it stops the growth of weeds before they appear, making it the best option even for those whose lawns have no weeds yet. The best application period is during early spring as it also prevents winter weeds like chickweed, poi-annua, and henbit. Other than crabgrass, it also prevents the growth of oxalis, foxtail, spurge, and other broadleaf weeds.
The product dimensions are 15 x 10 x 3 inches, and it weighs 10.32 pounds. You need to do a repeat application after 8 weeks for better results. To apply the herbicide, you need to calculate the size of your lawn. It helps you determine the quantity of herbicide to use because you can apply one bag up to 5,000 square feet. After knowing the size, you need to pour it into a spreader that you will use to apply it to the lawn. You also need to adjust the spreader settings according to the requirements on its label. The next step is to start the application process.
There are several spreaders in the market that you can choose for your lawn. But you need one that will cover the entire lawn. Besides the coverage, you also need to check its power source to ensure it is efficient. A good spreader should also have a hand lock that enables you to brake whenever necessary. Some of the best spreaders include Scott’s broadcast drop, Wizz spreader, or the hand-held one. Its ingredients are pendimethalin at 1.71% and other ingredients at 98.29%. However, the herbicide does not work on all weeds despite its features. For instance, you will need another product to get rid of bent grass and dichondra weeds.
Best for garden
Spectracide Weed Stop For Lawns Crabgrass Killer
Spectracide Weed Stop For Lawns Crabgrass Killer
The herbicide offers you value for your money due to its excellent performance in eradicating crabgrass, among other garden weeds. It is safe and easy to use, making it an excellent choice for residential homeowners. In just 5 hours, the results are visible.
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Spectracide weed stop is an effective herbicide that will kill the weeds in your lawn and preserve other grasses. It controls over 470 weeds, including the common ones like crabgrass, nutsedge, chickweed, dandelion, and clover, among others. It is best to apply it immediately you see the weed grass in your garden or lawn. That way, it eliminates them and prevents them from reappearing. Three hours after applying the herbicide, it cannot be washed away by rain or water. However, applying it when the weeds are dry for better efficiency is important.
The herbicide has a 32 liquid volume that enables you to apply it on a large lawn. It is best to use the quick flip hose-end sprayer that will attach easily to your garden with the flip of a switch, making it easy to apply. It is best to apply it when the temperature is between 45-90 degrees Fahrenheit. Applying the herbicide when the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit could destroy your lawn. The herbicide will show visible results after 5 hours, where you will notice the weeds yellowing and drying off. The weeds absorb it through the roots making it more effective.
I love that the herbicide covers up to 5,000 square feet, a large garden space. You can reapply it after 5, 24, and 96 hours to ensure that no weed survives the application. You need to shake the container to mix the ingredients and connect your garden hose to the sprayer to start the application process. It is essential to ensure that the switch is in a forward position. You also need to keep it in a cool and safe place away from a child’s reach. Its dimensions are 11.5 x 8.69 x 12.13 inches, and it weighs 15.38 pounds.
Best people & pet friendly
Natural Armor Weed and Grass Killer
Natural Armor Weed and Grass Killer
This herbicide will keep your lawn free from weeds. The best part is that it is safe to use as it does not affect humans or pets. It is a post-emergent, meaning that you will apply it after the weed has grown, and it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if it does not work.
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This herbicide has a natural concentrated formula that kills more than 250 weeds in your lawn or garden. It works within a few hours, and it is friendly to people and pets. It does not cause any reactions, making it safe to use in your residential home. It is easy to use because you only need to spray on the weeds and let it work. The herbicide does not require any dilution or mixing like the other in the market.
You can apply it on the shrubs, fence lines, flower beds, barns, driveways, parking spaces, pool areas, mulch beds, rock walls, water systems, wells, walkaways, patios, edging, and other areas with weeds. Apart from the 128-ounce gallon refill, the herbicide is available in 2.5 gallons, 32-ounce quart, and 128-ounce gallons. You can choose the perfect size for your garden or lawn. The product comes with a trigger sprayer that enables you to reach all the areas that you want to clear the weeds. You can also fill the pump sprayer and use it to apply it to the weeds.
Its dimensions are 12.8 x 7.48 x 4.84 inches, and it weighs 8 pounds. The best period to apply it is when the temperatures are 65 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer. However, the herbicide only kills the listed weeds despite its amazing features. It does not kill weeds like the nutsedge, and thus you need to check if the weed you wish to eliminate is listed.
What to look for in a good crabgrass killer
Method of application
Crabgrass killing herbicides come in two primary forms. They could be granular or liquid. When choosing your herbicide, you need to think about the best form and method for application which depends on the size of your lawn. For instance, get the herbicide in the form of granules if you have a lawn spreader for a more effective and time-conscious application.
On the other hand, liquid herbicides work well when broadcasting a large garden or lawn using a horse spray. For a smaller area, you can use a tank sprayer instead. Liquid herbicides are sometimes sold as concentrates with instructions on diluting before use, or the herbicide will be ready to use.
Ingredients
The ingredients of your crabgrass killer make it work uniquely. You need to read the label carefully before using one herbicide over the other. For instance, selective herbicides contain ingredients that target a specific plant, such as crabgrass. Therefore, it is safe to spray it even if it gets to contact with the grass on your lawn.
But, you might opt for the non-selective herbicide that eliminates all plants. It is a good choice if you want to start over and do not mind losing your good grass. Therefore, the choice of a crab killer is heavily determined by the type of crabgrass killer, which also depends on the ingredients.
Period of application
You can use a crabgrass killer before the crabgrass sprouts for best results. However, if you forget to do this, you can still use it after the weed emerges. The decision to use pre-emergent or post-emergent herbicide lies in the application period.
Since the weed grows best during warm weather, use an herbicide before spring. But, if you want to spray the plant itself, you need a post-emergent killer that you should use after the weed sprouts during winter.
Versatility
Aside from killing crabgrass, you should pick a crabgrass killer who goes the extra mile instead of killing crabgrass. For instance, it can also eliminate other weeds from your lawn. The more weeds it kills, the more valuable your crabgrass killer will be. It will also save money since you will not need to buy other herbicides for other weeds.
Similarly, some crabgrass killers are harmless to your grass and other plants. For more benefit, you should pick one that doubles up as fertilizer to rejuvenate the plants you want to grow, even as it kills the harmful ones.
Price
No product is worth buying if it is too expensive. While high prices often mean better quality, this is not always the case. You should aim at getting an effective crabgrass killer at an affordable price. The best way to measure the value of a crabgrass killer is to compare it to the benefits expected. The best-priced one is the one that gives more service than what it costs.
FAQ
Is it better to uproot or to spray crabgrass?
You can get rid of crabgrass by uprooting or spraying it with a herbicide. However, uprooting is exhausting if you have a large garden or lawn. Besides, there is the risk of pulling your grass along the crabgrass. You also need to be careful when uprooting the crabgrass not to leave seeds behind.
Will rainwater wash away pre-emergent herbicides?
You do not have to worry about the rain after spraying a pre-emergent herbicide. Even though rain will wash the herbicide off the plant, it will slip into the soil, and this is good as it will be more effective. Also, do not uproot crabgrass post spraying, as this will reduce the effectiveness of the herbicide.
Can crabgrass die naturally on its own?
Crabgrass is a seasonal plant. It only grows once a year, during spring, then dies after seeding or when it gets colder. While this means they die naturally, not treating the lawn will lead to more crabgrass growth the following year and the year after since the seeds left behind will sprout in a warm climate.
Final verdict
The disappointment that comes with the emergence of crabgrass on your lawn is troubling enough for one person. However, it gets a little more heartbreaking to learn that there are many crabgrasses killer options to choose from, and you need to do your research before finding the best one for you. Besides, it will add to your lawn expenses. If you feel like this might be overwhelming, do not despair. The benefits from the result will outweigh all the trouble. It will eventually be worth it! I hope this list makes the whole crabgrass killer hunting easier as it will help point you in the right direction. I also hope it comes in handy and that you put the trouble that this weed causes every year as a thing of the past.
