We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Crabgrass Killers 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Roundup Weed & Grass Killer₄ Refill, Use in and Around Flower Beds, Trees, Driveways, Walkways & More, 1.25 gal.

Type of Crabgrass Killer: Herbicide
Active Ingredients: Triclopyr, Triethylamine Salt, Fluazifop, Diquat
Application Method: Spray
Lawn Compatibility: Not tailored to lawn care
Environmental Impact: Handle with care, potent chemicals
Ease of Use: Easy to apply

Chosen by 1233 this week

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

Type of Crabgrass Killer: Non-selective broad spectrum
Application Method: Use with tank sprayer
Lawn Compatibility: Not for lawns
Environmental Impact: Runoff effects on plants and water
Ease of Use: Moderate

Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Concentrate, Kills Crabgrass, Dandelion and Clover, 32 fl. oz.

Type of Crabgrass Killer: liquid herbicide
Active Ingredients: Herbicide
Application Method: Spray
Lawn Compatibility: Bermudagrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Zoysiagrass

Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-To-Spray, Kills Crabgrass, Dandelion and Clover, 32 oz.

Type of Crabgrass Killer: Weed Killer
Application Method: Connect sprayer to garden hose
Lawn Compatibility: Bermudagrass, Buffalograss, Fescues, Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass, Zoysiagrass
Environmental Impact: May have environmental concerns
Ease of Use: User-friendly

Roundup Dual Action Weed & Grass Killer Plus 4 Month Preventer with Sure Shot Wand, 1 gal.

Type of Crabgrass Killer: Dual Action Weed & Grass Killer
Application Method: Sure Shot Wand
Lawn Compatibility: Limited
Environmental Impact: Can affect surrounding ecosystem
Ease of Use: User-friendly

Roundup for Lawns₂ Concentrate, Weed Killer for Northern Grasses, Kills Crabgrass, 32 fl. oz.

Type of Crabgrass Killer: Weed killer
Application Method: Mix with water or Dial 'N Spray
Lawn Compatibility: Northern grasses like Bluegrass, Ryegrass, Fescues
Environmental Impact: Chemical weed killers have impacts
Ease of Use: Requires proper mixing and application

Ortho GroundClear Weed and Grass Killer2 Concentrate, Kills Dandelions, Chickweed, Crabgrass, Moss and More in Patios and Landscapes, OMRI Listed, 32 fl. oz.

Type of Crabgrass Killer: liquid herbicide concentrate
Active Ingredients: Ammonium Nonanoate
Application Method: dilute concentrate and spray
Lawn Compatibility: unsafe for lawns or desirable grasses
Environmental Impact: OMRI listed for organic use
Ease of Use: needs dilution and careful spraying
How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Roundup Weed & Grass Killer₄ Refill, Use in and Around Flower Beds, Trees, Driveways, Walkways & More, 1.25 gal.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,233
Application Method
Lawn Compatibility
Environmental Impact

Most important from
1425 reviews

Application Method
The refill format is convenient and user-friendly, with a spout designed to minimize spills and waste.
Lawn Compatibility
Consistently effective across various locations, including flower beds, around trees, driveways, and walkways.
Environmental Impact
The product does not leave harmful residue in the soil, allowing for planting new flowers, trees, or shrubs after a few days.
Ease of Use
Noticeable wilting and browning of weeds within 24 hours, with most treated plants completely dead by the end of the first week.

The Roundup Weed & Grass Killer₄ Refill is a versatile herbicide designed to tackle tough weeds and grasses like crabgrass, dandelion, and poison ivy to the root. Its active ingredients include Triclopyr, Triethylamine Salt, Fluazifop P-Butyl, and Diquat Dibromide, which are effective against a wide range of broadleaf weeds and grasses. This product is easy to apply, coming in a spray form that is rainproof within 30 minutes and shows visible results in just a few hours.

It covers an area of 375 square feet per 1.25 gallons, making it suitable for use in and around flower beds, trees, driveways, walkways, and more. You can even start planting 1 to 30 days after application, depending on the specifics, which adds to its convenience. However, it's important to consider that this product is not exclusively tailored to lawn care but more for general weed killing around various areas.

Lawn compatibility might be a concern, as using it on a lawn could harm the grass you want to keep. Additionally, while it is effective, users should handle it with care due to its potent chemicals, considering the environmental impact and safety precautions. The Roundup Weed & Grass Killer₄ Refill is a practical and effective choice for those looking to manage weeds in a variety of settings beyond just their lawn.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,233
Application Method
Lawn Compatibility
Environmental Impact

Most important from
1425 reviews

Application Method
The refill format is convenient and user-friendly, with a spout designed to minimize spills and waste.
Lawn Compatibility
Consistently effective across various locations, including flower beds, around trees, driveways, and walkways.
Environmental Impact
The product does not leave harmful residue in the soil, allowing for planting new flowers, trees, or shrubs after a few days.
Ease of Use
Noticeable wilting and browning of weeds within 24 hours, with most treated plants completely dead by the end of the first week.
#2

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

Rating
10.0
Application Method

Most important from
7097 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
10.0
Application Method

Most important from
7097 reviews

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

Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Concentrate, Kills Crabgrass, Dandelion and Clover, 32 fl. oz.

Rating
9.9
Type of Crabgrass Killer
Application Method
Lawn Compatibility

Most important from
9801 reviews

Type of Crabgrass Killer
Kills a wide range of common lawn weeds quickly and effectively, especially when used with the recommended sprayer.
Application Method
Works best for smaller weed problems and medium to large lawns due to its large coverage area.
Lawn Compatibility
May cause some lawn damage if used intensively on crabgrass, highlighting the need for careful balance.
Ease of Use
Easy and fast to apply when properly diluted and used with compatible equipment.

The Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Concentrate is a liquid herbicide designed to tackle crabgrass, dandelions, clover, and other common lawn weeds. It works quickly, showing results after just one application by killing weeds down to their roots, which helps prevent them from growing back. This product is safe for use on many popular lawn grasses such as Bermudagrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, and Zoysiagrass, making it a versatile choice for various lawn types. Since it is a concentrate, it needs to be diluted properly before applying, which might require some care to ensure correct mixing. The manufacturer advises following the label instructions closely to avoid damaging your lawn.

It covers a large area (up to 5,000 square feet), which is convenient for medium to large lawns. The product has a solid reputation with a good customer rating of 4.1 out of 5. However, as with many chemical weed killers, there might be concerns about environmental impact and safety, so cautious use and adherence to instructions are important. For someone looking for a fast and reliable solution to common lawn weeds including crabgrass, this product does a good job but requires careful handling and proper application.

Rating
9.9
Type of Crabgrass Killer
Application Method
Lawn Compatibility

Most important from
9801 reviews

Type of Crabgrass Killer
Kills a wide range of common lawn weeds quickly and effectively, especially when used with the recommended sprayer.
Application Method
Works best for smaller weed problems and medium to large lawns due to its large coverage area.
Lawn Compatibility
May cause some lawn damage if used intensively on crabgrass, highlighting the need for careful balance.
Ease of Use
Easy and fast to apply when properly diluted and used with compatible equipment.

Buying Guide for the Best Crabgrass Killers

Choosing the right crabgrass killer can be a bit overwhelming, but with the right information, you can find the best product to keep your lawn healthy and free of unwanted weeds. Crabgrass killers are designed to target and eliminate crabgrass without harming your lawn. To make an informed decision, you need to understand the key specifications and how they relate to your specific needs. Here are the main factors to consider when selecting a crabgrass killer.
Type of Crabgrass KillerThere are two main types of crabgrass killers: pre-emergent and post-emergent. Pre-emergent crabgrass killers prevent crabgrass seeds from germinating and are best applied in early spring before the crabgrass starts to grow. Post-emergent crabgrass killers are used to eliminate crabgrass that has already sprouted and are typically applied during the growing season. Choose a pre-emergent if you want to prevent crabgrass from appearing, and a post-emergent if you need to tackle an existing problem.
Active IngredientsThe active ingredients in crabgrass killers are the chemicals that target and kill the weed. Common active ingredients include dithiopyr, quinclorac, and pendimethalin. Dithiopyr is effective as both a pre-emergent and early post-emergent, making it versatile. Quinclorac is a strong post-emergent that works well on mature crabgrass. Pendimethalin is a pre-emergent that provides long-lasting control. Choose the active ingredient based on whether you need pre-emergent or post-emergent control and the stage of crabgrass growth in your lawn.
Application MethodCrabgrass killers come in various forms, including granules, liquid concentrates, and ready-to-use sprays. Granules are easy to apply with a spreader and are ideal for large areas. Liquid concentrates need to be mixed with water and applied with a sprayer, offering flexibility in coverage. Ready-to-use sprays are convenient for spot treatments and small areas. Consider the size of your lawn and your preference for application when choosing the form of the crabgrass killer.
Lawn CompatibilityNot all crabgrass killers are suitable for all types of lawns. Some products may harm certain grass species, so it's important to check the label to ensure compatibility with your lawn type. Common lawn types include Bermuda grass, Kentucky bluegrass, and fescue. Make sure the crabgrass killer you choose is safe for your specific lawn type to avoid damaging your grass while eliminating the crabgrass.
Environmental ImpactConsider the environmental impact of the crabgrass killer you choose. Some products may contain chemicals that can be harmful to beneficial insects, pets, or the environment. Look for eco-friendly options that are labeled as safe for the environment and non-toxic to pets and wildlife. If you have pets or children who play on the lawn, this is an especially important factor to consider.
Ease of UseThe ease of use of a crabgrass killer can make a big difference in your overall experience. Some products require precise mixing and application, while others are more straightforward. If you prefer a hassle-free approach, look for products that are easy to apply and come with clear instructions. Ready-to-use sprays and granules are typically the easiest to use, while liquid concentrates may require more effort and equipment.

FAQ