5 Best Crabgrass Killers, Recommended by Lawn Care Experts
These expert-tested solutions wiped out weeds and helped reclaim our lawns.
Expert consulted: Dan DiClericoHome Improvement & Outdoor Director
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I’ve fought crabgrass in my own yard for years and tested hundreds of lawn care products along the way. I know firsthand how quickly this weed can overtake a healthy lawn—and how easily the wrong herbicide can damage the surrounding grass.
The good news is that the right crabgrass killer can stop weeds before they sprout or eliminate them after they've taken hold. The key is choosing the right type: Pre-emergent formulas prevent crabgrass seeds from germinating, while post-emergent products target weeds that are already growing.
Our top picks:
- Best overall: Preen Lawn Crabgrass Control
- Best value: Spectracide Weed Stop for Lawns Plus Crabgrass Killer
- Best for hardscaped areas: Ortho GroundClear Super Weed & Grass Killer
I spent weeks testing some of the most popular crabgrass killers on the market, tracking how quickly they worked, how easy they were to apply, and whether they protected surrounding turf. Combined with decades of lawn care testing at the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab, these are the crabgrass killers I recommend for keeping your lawn healthy and weed-free.
Best Deal
Pros
- Works as both a pre-emergent and post-emergent
- Covers a large area and targets over 40 common lawn weeds
Cons
- Requires careful application with a spreader to avoid uneven coverage
If you want one product that handles both prevention and early crabgrass outbreaks, Preen is the strongest all-around choice. Unlike most formulas that only work before weeds sprout, this granular treatment also controls young crabgrass for up to four weeks after germination, giving you a little more flexibility if you're slightly late to the game.
The 15-pound bag covers up to 5,000 square feet, and the granules are compatible with a wide range of cool- and warm-season grasses. You’ll need a drop or rotary spreader for even application, but setup is straightforward and doesn’t require mixing or hose attachments. It also helps suppress a wide variety of other lawn weeds, including foxtail, spurge, and henbit, giving your turf a cleaner look across the board.
While not a spot treatment, it can be effective enough to handle smaller patches when spread in a targeted zone. For homeowners who want one product that tackles both prevention and early intervention, this is a practical and efficient choice that covers more ground, literally and figuratively.
| Herbicide | Pre and post-emergent |
| Type | Granular |
Pros
- Affordable and easy to apply
- Kills over 470 weed types without harming grass
Cons
- Can cause lawn damage if applied during high heat over 90°F
Spectracide's Weed Stop for Lawns Plus stands out as a cost-effective weed killer for spot treating broadleaf and grassy weeds without harming your lawn. This ready-to-use spray comes in a 32-ounce trigger bottle that is easy to handle and works well for targeting individual problem areas. It is a post-emergent formula that kills on contact and delivers visible results in just five hours.
I had my doubts about using a spot spray on an active part of my lawn, but after testing it on a section overrun with chickweed and crabgrass, I was impressed. The weeds started to wilt that same day, and the grass around them stayed healthy. The formula claims to handle over 470 weed types, and it lived up to that in my experience. It is most effective when applied in cooler temperatures, between 45°F and 90°F.
This product is not intended for large-scale coverage, but it is a great tool to have on hand for maintaining clean edges or treating weed flare-ups without dragging out heavy equipment. It is also rain-resistant once dry and backed by a satisfaction guarantee.
| Herbicide | Post-emergent |
| Type | Spray |
Pros
- Fast acting formula targets crabgrass
- Battery-powered wand makes application easy
Cons
- Not safe for lawns as it kills on contact
Ortho GroundClear is a go-to choice for clearing out weeds in non-lawn areas where you want everything gone. It’s a non-selective formula, which means it kills crabgrass and other weeds on contact, down to the root. This makes it a strong pick for sidewalks, driveways, patios, and along fence lines. I found the Comfort Wand applicator easy to use with two spray patterns available, and it delivers steady, controlled coverage without hand fatigue, which is helpful when treating larger or awkward spaces.
It starts working right away and won’t wash away from rain within 15 minutes. You’ll see visible wilting in hours, with full results in one to two weeks, depending on the weed. Since this product kills all vegetation, it's not meant for use directly on your lawn. Instead, it's ideal for keeping hardscaped areas clean and weed-free for the long haul.
| Herbicide | Non-selective/post-emergent |
| Type | Spray |
Pros
- Dual-action formula feeds grass while preventing crabgrass and other weeds
- Rain, snow, or cold after application won't reduce effectiveness
Cons
- Won’t kill existing weeds
Scotts combines early-season weed prevention with lawn nutrition in one easy step. This granular pre-emergent stops crabgrass before it starts while feeding your lawn to encourage a fast spring green-up. It’s designed to be applied to dry grass before crabgrass seeds begin to germinate, making it ideal for early spring use. Along with crabgrass, it helps block other seasonal weeds like foxtail, chickweed, and Poa annua.
What makes this product especially convenient is that it's a two-in-one solution. You get weed prevention and fertilizer in a single application, saving time without sacrificing performance. The added nutrients help strengthen roots after winter dormancy, which can lead to a healthier, more resilient lawn through the growing season. Just be sure to follow the label closely—this isn’t for every grass type and won’t work on existing weeds.
| Herbicide | Pre-emergent |
| Type | Granular |
Pros
- Handy spray bottle delivers precise, even coverage in small or narrow spaces
- Fast-acting with results in about an hour
Cons
- Not suitable for lawns or grassy areas where selective weed control is needed
For tight spaces and fast results, Spruce EZ-AIM Weed & Grass Killer delivers effective, targeted weed control right where you need it. This compact, ready-to-use spray is ideal for cracks, walkways, mulch beds, and paver edges. The 10-ounce bottle features a precision applicator that sprays continuously and evenly, making it easy to spot-treat without overspray.
“The 10-ounce EZ-AIM container is super handy,” said Dan DiClerico, the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab. “I used it on a bunch of tough sidewalk weeds on my front sidewalk. It did the job quickly and effectively, and several months later, the surface is still weed-free.”
Spruce’s formula starts working immediately, with visible results in as little as an hour. It kills a wide variety of common weeds and grasses, including crabgrass, dollarweed, and dandelions, by dehydrating them at the source. It’s not lawn-safe, but it’s well-suited for maintenance around hardscaping and non-lawn areas. It’s also safe to use around people and pets when applied as directed and carries the Good Housekeeping Seal for added peace of mind.
| Herbicide | Pre-emergent |
| Type | Spray |
How we chose crabgrass killers
This story's hands-on testing was conducted at the homes of experts from the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab in Las Vegas and New York, allowing us to evaluate crabgrass-control products in two very different growing conditions. In Las Vegas, our tester applied treatments to tall fescue lawns and the hardscape patios surrounding them. In New York, our tester applied products to sidewalks and a brick patio, as well as foundation beds planted with a mix of flowering plants and thorny shrubs. Together, the evaluations covered lawns, hardscape edges and landscaped beds—areas where crabgrass commonly appears.
To choose the products featured in this guide, we focused on formulas designed to meet common lawn care needs, including both pre-emergent products that help prevent crabgrass and post-emergent treatments for existing weeds. We considered factors such as ease of application, intended use on established lawns and landscaped areas, label clarity, and application instructions. We also drew on our team's years of experience evaluating lawn care products and input from lawn care professionals when assessing the field of available options.
Our final recommendations include ready-to-use post-emergent sprays, granular pre-emergent preventers, and selective formulas for targeted treatment, providing options for different lawns, landscapes, and stages of crabgrass growth.
What to look for when shopping for the best crabgrass killer
You can tell from this list that not all crabgrass killers are built the same, and picking the wrong one can mean wasted time, money, and effort. Whether you’re treating your whole lawn or just hitting a few weedy spots, it helps to understand what makes a product effective and worth your money.
✔️ Type of herbicide: Know whether you're looking for a pre-emergent to stop seeds before they sprout or a post-emergent to kill what’s already growing. Some products combine both, but most are designed for one specific purpose.
✔️ Grass compatibility: Always check the label to make sure the product is safe for your specific grass type. Some formulas are fine for most cool- or warm-season grasses, while others can damage certain varieties.
✔️ Application method: Crabgrass killers come in granular form, trigger sprays, ready-to-spray hose bottles, and concentrates. Choose what suits your comfort level and the size of the job. Spot treatments are best for small areas. Granules and hose-end options work better for full-lawn coverage.
✔️ Rainfast time: If you live in an area where surprise rain is common, look for a product that becomes rainproof quickly. That can make the difference between a wasted application and lasting results.
✔️ Coverage area: Make sure the product you choose matches the size of your lawn or the area you need to treat. Overshooting or undershooting can lead to poor results or wasted product.
✔️ Extra benefits: Some formulas include added fertilizer or extended weed control. These can be useful if you're already planning seasonal lawn maintenance and want fewer steps.
✔️ Safety around people and pets: If you have kids or animals playing in the yard, look for crabgrass killers labeled safe for use around people and pets when applied as directed.
What are pre-emergent and post-emergent weed killers?
Crabgrass control starts with knowing what you're dealing with and when to step in. Most weed control products fall into two categories: pre-emergent and post-emergent. Each one targets crabgrass at a different stage, so using the right type at the right time can make or break your results.
Pre-emergent herbicides are all about prevention. They create a barrier in the soil that keeps crabgrass seeds from germinating. Timing matters here. You need to get the product down before the soil warms up too much, usually when it hits around 55°F for several days in a row. These products won't do anything for weeds that have already broken through, but they're one of the best ways to stop a crabgrass problem before it starts.
Post-emergents take care of weeds that are already growing. They get absorbed through the leaves and start breaking the plant down from the inside. This is the option to reach for once crabgrass is already showing up in patches. Spot treatments fall under this category too. They let you zero in on problem areas without damaging the rest of your lawn. These are especially useful for sidewalks, garden edges, and any place where precision matters. Knowing how and when each of these works can help you pick the right tool for your lawn's condition.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Timothy Dahl is an experienced home improvement and outdoor editor and has been battling crabgrass for years with hundreds of products. He understands how invasive weeds can be and continues to work toward a healthy, natural lawn by using herbicides only when needed and providing his fescue with the nutrients it needs to thrive year-round.
Dan DiClerico leads the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab and has tested hundreds of different types of herbicides. His expertise was integral to determining the top picks in this guide, which focuses specifically on crabgrass.
Having written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids.
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