Crabgrass is one of the most frustrating weeds for homeowners to deal with. Once it takes hold, it’s tough to get rid of.
The good news? You don’t have to wait until it shows up to fight back. Instead, homeowners can take action with a pre-emergent crabgrass preventer. These products stop crabgrass seeds from sprouting in the first place, making it much easier to keep your lawn healthy and weed-free.
In this guide, we will break down 10 of the best crabgrass preventers available. Whether you’re preparing for spring or cleaning up problem areas from last season, the right product can give your lawn a strong start and long-lasting protection.
1. Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer
Scotts® Halts® Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer is a straightforward, reliable product that uses pendimethalin to stop crabgrass, foxtail, and spurge before they sprout. One early spring application gives two to three months of protection.
For lawns with recurring weed issues, a second round eight weeks later can help. It doesn’t include fertilizer, so pair it with a spring lawn fertilizer if needed. This product is safe for pets and kids once watered in and dry. It can be applied using a grass seed spreader for an even coating over the entire lawn.
Widely available in stores and online, it’s a go-to for homeowners who want effective weed prevention without the extra fuss.
2. The Andersons Barricade Pre-Emergent Weed Control
Barricade® from The Andersons is a crabgrass preventer that uses prodiamine for season-long control of crabgrass, poa annua, and over 30 other grassy and broadleaf weeds. A single early spring application can protect your lawn for up to five months, and no second round is needed for most yards. It doesn’t contain fertilizer, so you’ll need to feed it separately.
Available in either 18 or 40-pound bags that cover thousands of square feet, it’s an ideal choice for larger properties or anyone looking for strong coverage and long-lasting crabgrass prevention.
3. Quali-Pro Prodiamine 65 WDG
Quali-Pro’s ultra-concentrated crabgrass preventer delivers professional results at a fraction of the cost over time. It contains 65% prodiamine in granular form, just mixed with water and sprayed. A little goes a long way, making this solution perfect for large lawns or detail-oriented homeowners.
You’ll need a sprayer and gloves for mixing, but once applied and dry, it’s safe for pets and kids. It is best used in early spring before soil temperatures rise. If you’re comfortable with DIY lawn treatments, this product offers unbeatable value and long-term control.
4. BioAdvanced Season Long Lawn Weed Killer + Preventer for Southern Lawns
Made for warm-season grasses like St. Augustine, Bermuda, and zoysia, BioAdanced prevents crabgrass while also killing certain existing weeds. It combines indaziflam, penoxsulam, and dicamba acid for both pre and early post-emergent control.
One application can last up to six months. This product is not meant for cool-season lawns like fescue or bluegrass. Apply in early spring as your grass starts to green up, then water it in thoroughly.
This is a strong option for southern lawns that need protection from crabgrass, dollarweed, clover, and chickweed in one pass.
5. Espoma Organic Weed Preventer
Espoma’s crabgrass preventer is made from 100% corn gluten meal, making it a kid and pet-safe option for organic lawn care. It works by drying out sprouting weed seeds like crabgrass and dandelion. It also adds a touch of nitrogen to feed your lawn.
It’s most effective when applied right after the lawn is mowed, and lasts about four to six weeks, so reapplication is often needed. However, it is not safe to use if you’re planting new grass, as it blocks all seeds.
This product is great for families looking for a chemical-free alternative, but performance can vary with weather and application timing.
6. Preen Lawn Crabgrass Control
Preen uses dithiopyr to prevent crabgrass and kill seedlings that have already sprouted, giving you a little wiggle room if you’re late applying. One treatment provides about three to four months of protection, with some homeowners opting for a second round mid-summer.
It’s effective on both cool and warm-season lawns and is a solid pick for general-purpose lawn weed prevention at most retailers.
7. Spectracide Weed Stop for Lawns Plus Crabgrass Preventer
Spectracide Weed Stop® is a dual-action product that works as both a crabgrass preventer and a weed killer, ideal for lawns with existing weeds. It contains dithiopyr plus a blend of post-emergent herbicides that treat over 200 weed types, including dandelion and chickweed.
You’ll see results fast, and it provides up to five months of crabgrass control when applied correctly. Apply to dry grass, then water it in, staying off until the lawn is dry. Check your lawn type for compatibility before use.
Overall, this is a great budget-friendly option if you need both pre and post-emergent weed control.
8. Atticus Torocity Herbicide
Torocity™ by Atticus is a powerful liquid crabgrass preventer that also acts as a post-emergent, making it one of the few products safe to use during seeding. It prevents crabgrass and kills young seedlings while allowing new grass to grow, which is rare among pre-emergents.
The active ingredient, mesotrione, turns treated weeds white as it blocks photosynthesis. A second application may be needed two or three weeks after the initial application. You’ll need a sprayer and careful measuring, but it’s safe for kids and pets once dry.
Torocity is ideal for overseeding projects or homeowners who want precise, targeted crabgrass control.
9. Pennington Ultragreen Crabgrass Preventer Plus Fertilizer
Pennington’s Ultragreen combines a reliable crabgrass preventer (prodiamine) with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer, offering weed protection and green-up in one step. It lasts up to five months for crabgrass control and feeds your lawn for about three.
It is best applied in early spring when your lawn starts actively growing. After application, water thoroughly within two weeks to activate it.
Ultragreen is perfect for homeowners who want a time-saving weed and feed solution at the start of the season.
10. Scotts Step 1 for Seeding Starter Lawn Food with Weed Preventer
Scotts Step® 1 for Seeding Starter® Lawn Food is a fertilizer and weed preventer designed for new lawns and spring overseeding. It prevents crabgrass and other weeds from sprouting while supporting new grass with a high-phosphorus blend for strong root growth.
Safe to use during or right after seeding, something most crabgrass preventers can’t offer. It protects for weeks, giving new grass time to establish before switching to longer-term control. However, do not apply it if there is rain in the forecast.
This option is best for homeowners planting new grass who want both early nutrition and protection from weeds.
Choose the Right Crabgrass Preventer for Your Lawn
The best crabgrass preventer for your yard depends on your grass type, timing, and whether you’re also feeding or seeding. Whether you prefer an organic option, a pro-grade pre-emergent, or a weed-and-feed combination, starting early and staying consistent is the key to keeping crabgrass out of your lawn for good.
If you’re not sure which product is right for your lawn or you’d rather leave it to the pros, Jamison Pest and Lawn has you covered.
Our experts can apply the right pre-emergent treatment to protect your lawn from weeds all season long.
Call us at (901) 452-1505 to schedule your crabgrass prevention treatment or request a free lawn evaluation. We’ll handle the timing, application, and follow-up, so you can enjoy a greener, healthier lawn without the hassle.
