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10 Best Crabgrass Killers 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

BASF Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Killer for Lawn & Turf, Post Emergent Grassy & Broadleaf Weed Control, Active Ingredient Quinclorac, 30 Day Residual, Herbicide, Concentrate 64 Ounce

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,168
Application Method
Lawn Compatibility

Most important from
2333 reviews

Application Method
Application is straightforward, with a recommended mix of 1.4oz per gallon of water and a surfactant for optimal results.
Lawn Compatibility
Users are impressed with its ability to handle tough crabgrass infestations, even in challenging environments like Georgia's Bermuda grass.

BASF Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Herbicide is a liquid herbicide aimed at eliminating crabgrass and other weeds. The active ingredient in this product is a potent herbicide, which ensures effective weed control. This product comes in a 64-ounce container, which provides broad coverage for large lawn areas. The application method is straightforward, typically requiring a sprayer for even distribution across the lawn. However, it's worth noting that using a sprayer might require some additional tools if you don't already have one.

As a non-selective herbicide, it targets a wide range of weeds, which can be beneficial if your lawn is heavily infested, but you'll also need to be careful to avoid desirable plants. In terms of lawn compatibility, it works well on established lawns but may not be suitable for newly seeded areas. The environmental impact is a consideration, as chemical herbicides can influence surrounding plant life and water sources if not used responsibly.

Despite these concerns, its ease of use and effectiveness make it a good option for those dealing with persistent weed problems, especially crabgrass. Sold on Amazon, it's easily accessible for purchase.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,168
Application Method
Lawn Compatibility

Most important from
2333 reviews

Application Method
Application is straightforward, with a recommended mix of 1.4oz per gallon of water and a surfactant for optimal results.
Lawn Compatibility
Users are impressed with its ability to handle tough crabgrass infestations, even in challenging environments like Georgia's Bermuda grass.
#2

Spectracide Weed And Grass Killer Concentrate 1 Gallon, Use On Patios, Walkways And Driveways

Rating
9.4
Application Method

Most important from
7880 reviews

Application Method
Kills anything you spray as long as mixed with the correct amount of water.

The Spectracide Weed and Grass Killer Concentrate is designed for use on patios, walkways, and driveways, rather than lawns. This makes it ideal for users looking to clear weeds and grasses from hardscaped areas. Its fast-acting formula shows visible results within 3 hours, and its rainfast feature ensures effectiveness even after rainfall or watering 15 minutes post-application.

The concentrate form requires mixing and application with a tank sprayer, which may require additional effort and equipment, but allows for thorough coverage of target vegetation. This product is non-selective and broad spectrum, meaning it will kill a variety of weeds and grasses, not just crabgrass. However, it may not be suitable for use on lawns due to its non-selective nature, which could harm desirable grass and plants.

The ease of use is moderate given the need for a sprayer, but the visible results and effectiveness make it a strong option for those who need quick and reliable weed control on non-lawn surfaces. In terms of environmental impact, it is important to consider potential runoff and its effects on nearby plants and water sources.

Rating
9.4
Application Method

Most important from
7880 reviews

Application Method
Kills anything you spray as long as mixed with the correct amount of water.
#3

Ortho GroundClear Weed and Grass Killer Refill, Kills Dandelions, Chickweed, Crabgrass, Moss and More in Patios and Landscapes, OMRI Listed, 1 gal.

Rating
8.2
Application Method

Most important from
1156 reviews

Application Method
A great money saver if you have the original sprayer; easy to connect and reuse the battery-powered wand.

The Ortho GroundClear Weed and Grass Killer is a versatile product designed to tackle various types of weeds and grasses, including dandelions, chickweed, moss, and crabgrass. One of its key strengths is its fast-acting formula, which shows visible results in just 15 minutes and becomes rainproof within 2 hours. This makes it a convenient choice for quick weed control in areas like patios, walkways, and driveways, as well as landscape beds. However, it's important to note that this product is not suitable for use on lawns or desirable grasses, which could limit its application if you need to protect your lawn while killing weeds.

Ease of use is another positive aspect, particularly if you have the Comfort Wand from the original container, allowing for precise targeting of weeds. The 1-gallon refill is substantial, covering a significant area and making it economical for extended use. However, always ensure that weeds are small, actively growing, and not wet to achieve the best results.

In terms of environmental impact, the product is OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute) listed, suggesting it meets organic standards, which can be a reassuring factor if you're concerned about using chemicals in your garden. A drawback to consider is that the product's effectiveness hinges on proper application conditions, such as dry weather and active weed growth, which may require you to plan your usage accordingly. Additionally, the product's restriction to non-lawn areas means it might not be the best choice for those looking to address crabgrass specifically in their lawns. If you need a powerful and fast-acting solution for controlling weeds and grasses in specific areas around your home and are mindful of application guidelines, this product could be a strong contender.

Rating
8.2
Application Method

Most important from
1156 reviews

Application Method
A great money saver if you have the original sprayer; easy to connect and reuse the battery-powered wand.

Buying Guide for the Best Crabgrass Killers

Choosing the right crabgrass killer can make lawn care much easier and keep your grass healthy and attractive. The main thing to understand is that different products work in different ways, some prevent crabgrass before it grows, while others kill it after it appears. By focusing on a few key specifications, you can select a crabgrass killer that fits your lawn's needs and your approach to lawn maintenance.
Type (Pre-Emergent vs Post-Emergent)This refers to whether the product stops crabgrass seeds from sprouting (pre-emergent) or kills existing crabgrass plants (post-emergent). Pre-emergents are useful if you want to stop crabgrass before you see it; these are best applied in early spring before weeds are visible. Post-emergents are for when crabgrass is already growing and needs to be dealt with after the fact, usually in late spring or summer. Choose based on whether you're preventing or reacting to the problem.
Application MethodCrabgrass killers are available as granules, liquids, or ready-to-use sprays. Granules are spread over the lawn and watered in, making them good for large areas and even coverage. Liquids or sprays are targeted and can be more precise, ideal if you have spotty crabgrass patches. Consider how you like to apply products—granules for broad use, liquids for targeted action—and which is more manageable for your lawn size.
Selective vs Non-Selective ActionSelective products target crabgrass and certain weeds without harming most common grasses, while non-selective products kill most plants they touch, including your lawn grass. If you want to keep your lawn green and only eliminate crabgrass, always look for selective formulas. Non-selective options might only be suitable for areas where you want to kill everything, such as cracks in pavement.
Active IngredientThe active ingredient determines both the effectiveness and safety of the product for your lawn. Common pre-emergent ingredients include dithiopyr and pendimethalin, while post-emergents often contain quinclorac. Some grasses tolerate certain chemicals better than others, so check which are recommended for your grass type. Matching the active ingredient to your grass ensures the crabgrass is targeted but your lawn stays healthy.
Coverage AreaThis tells you how much lawn can be treated with each product container, often listed in square feet. Products come sized for small yards to large lawns. Assess your lawn area and compare that to the product coverage to avoid running out or over-applying. Pick a size that allows complete, even coverage of your problem area.
Safety and Environmental ImpactSome crabgrass killers can be harmful to pets, children, or beneficial insects if not used properly. A product with lower toxicity or organic certification may be better if you have kids, pets, or wildlife frequenting your yard. Always check the safety instructions and consider your household’s needs to pick a product that keeps everyone safe.

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