The Best Crabgrass Killers That Actually Work, According to Experts
These expert-tested solutions wiped out weeds and helped reclaim our lawns.
Reviewed by Dan DiClericoHome Improvement & Outdoor Director
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If you’ve ever stepped outside in early summer and spotted wiry patches of grass creeping across your lawn, you’re not alone. Crabgrass is one of the most frustrating weeds to deal with, especially because it thrives in the same sunny, dry conditions your turf loves.
To help you take back control, I spent several weeks putting some of the top-rated crabgrass killers to the test. I looked at how quickly each product worked, whether it damaged surrounding grass, and how easy it was to apply. Some are designed for spot treatment, while others like pre-emergent and post-emergent kill crabgrass before it sprouts and after it takes hold.
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we've been testing lawn and garden products for decades, from lawn sprinklers to hose nozzles. Our experts know that not all herbicides are created equal, and that timing, formulation and application method can make or break your results. For this guide, our goal is to help you find a product that works the first time, saves you time and money, and actually improves your lawn.
Preen Lawn Crabgrass Control
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
Herbicide: Pre and post-emergent | Type: Granular
Preen is a trusted name in weed prevention, and its Lawn Crabgrass Control formula stands out for doing double duty. This granular product works as both a pre-emergent and post-emergent solution, offering flexibility that most crabgrass killers don’t. Applied early in the season, it creates a protective barrier that stops crabgrass seeds from taking root. But what really sets it apart is its ability to control young crabgrass for up to four weeks after it sprouts, making it a smart option 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.
Spectracide Weed Stop For Lawns Plus Crabgrass Killer
Pros
- Affordable and easy to apply with included hose-end sprayer
- Kills over 470 weed types without harming most grasses
Cons
- Can cause lawn damage if applied during high heat or above 90°F
Herbicide: Post-emergent | Type: Spray
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° and 90°.
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.
Ortho GroundClear Super Weed and Grass Killer
Pros
- Fast-acting formula targets crabgrass and kills it at the root
- Battery-powered wand makes application easy
Cons
- Not safe for lawns or garden beds, as it kills all plant life on contact
Herbicide: Non-selective/post-emergent | Type: Spray
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 becomes rainfast 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.
Scotts Turf Builder Halts Crabgrass Control
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
Herbicide: Pre-emergent | Type: Granular
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.
Spruce EZ-AIM Weed and Grass Killer
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
Herbicide: Pre-emergent | Type: Spray
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, Good Housekeeping’s director of Home Improvement & Outdoor. “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, clover 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.
Miracle-Gro Weed Preventer
Pros
- Prevents weeds in garden beds for up to 3 months
- Easy to apply by hand or with a spreader
Cons
- Only effective as a pre-emergent and won’t kill existing weeds
Herbicide: Pre-emergent | Type: Granules
If you’re looking to stop weeds before they have a chance to compete with your flowers or vegetables, Miracle-Gro’s Weed Preventer is a practical, garden-safe option. Unlike harsh weed killers, this pre-emergent formula is designed to prevent weeds from germinating in the first place, making it ideal for use around delicate plantings. It can be used around established roses, vegetables, shrubs and trees, and covers up to 6,400 square feet depending on your garden layout.
Application is simple: just sprinkle the granules around your plants and gently rake them into the top layer of soil. When used as directed, it helps prevent a wide range of weeds, including crabgrass, foxtail, chickweed and purslane, for up to three months. It’s not meant for lawns or to kill existing weeds, but it’s a great tool for keeping garden beds clean and low maintenance through the growing season.
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° 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.
How we chose crabgrass killers
To narrow down the best crabgrass killers, I focused on products that meet the needs of real lawns, whether you're doing early-season prevention or trying to get a handle on a full-blown weed problem. I prioritized formulas that specifically target crabgrass, either by stopping seeds before they sprout or by killing the weeds once they're up. I also looked at how easy each product is to apply, how safe it is for your grass and garden beds and how long the results last.
Some of these picks were tested firsthand in lawn conditions, while others were selected based on strong brand history and performance in past Good Housekeeping Institute evaluations. I leaned on years of product testing and insights from lawn care pros to help separate what works from what just takes up space in the shed. Companies with a clear label, solid instructions, and consistent results earned their spot.
I also made sure to include different formats for different comfort levels. That means ready-to-use sprays that are designed to kill weeds after they've sprouted (post-emergent), granular preventers that are used to kill weeds before they've appeared (pre-emergent), and more selective options for tight spots. Whether you're trying to keep your lawn looking sharp or reclaim it from a crabgrass invasion, these products cover the bases.
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.
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 towards a healthy and natural lawn by using herbicides only when needed and providing his fescue grass with the nutrients it needs to thrive year-round.
Timothy Dahl is an experienced writer and editor covering home improvement, DIY, and lifestyle topics for nearly 20 years. With a deep background in hands-on testing and reporting, he has reviewed and worked with hundreds of tools, products, and home innovations. Timothy's work has appeared in The New York Times, Wired, and Popular Mechanics, and he's the founder of Charles & Hudson. He specializes in making complex projects accessible and is passionate about empowering homeowners with clear, actionable guidance.
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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