Crabgrass is often the enemy of any homeowner searching for a lovely, soft, even-colored lawn that stays green all season long. Crabgrass can be extremely difficult to get rid of, and due to the way it propagates, it can be a real headache to many gardeners and homeowners.
In this article, we’ll look at how to kill crabgrass without killing the rest of your lawn. We’ll consider “natural” options, as well as “nuclear” options.
What is Crabgrass
Crabgrass, in most areas, is an annual plant that dies off over the winter and regrows in spring. For most of the season, crabgrass doesn’t look very different than the rest of the grasses in your yard. But when the season reaches its peak, the crabgrass sprouts out the familiar crab-like pattern and goes to seed. This makes the lawn look ugly, and spreads a new batch of seed that will slowly take over the rest of your lawn.
The good news is that if you can get the crabgrass to die off, it shouldn’t come back… if you can keep it from going to seed!
The bad news is that crabgrass tends to put out a lot of seed, and it keeps propagating and slowly taking over your lawn!
Why is Crabgrass Bad
Crabgrass will ruin the look of your lawn, and will quickly work its way into all those corner areas, at the edge of the walkway, near the fence post, by the post light. It tends to infest these areas, and the whole lawn starts to look derelict and uninviting.
How to Deal with Crabgrass Without Killing Other Plants
Our goal is to take care of the crabgrass without destroying the whole rest of the lawn or garden while we’re working on it. Here are a few relatively natural methods gardeners can use to control crabgrass infestations in the yard.
Boiling Water and Crabgrass
A simple and effective way to control crabgrass is to use boiling water.
- Boil up a large pot of water.
- Walk around your yard and pour a bit of boiling water onto any crabgrass that you see, taking care to avoid much collateral damage.
- The boiling water will kill the crabgrass plant.
- Wait a few days
- Pull out the dead crabgrass and reseed
Unfortunately, the boiling water will kill most any plant surrounding the crabgrass, so you have to be careful with this method.
Once you’re done, reseed with fresh grass seed.
Vinegar and Crabgrass
Vinegar can be an effective weed control chemical, though it’s… complicated. Vinegar mixed with soap can kill off some weeds, but often the vinegar won’t get down to the roots, and won’t permanently kill the plant. Vinegar on its own doesn’t stay on the plants very well, which is why soap is added to the mix to help it stay on the plants longer.
You can try using a horticultural vinegar, which has a higher concentration of Acetic Acid than traditional household vinegars do.
This horticultural vinegar has a 20% concentration — four times as powerful as typical 5% household vinegar has.
Last update on 2024-10-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Baking Soda for Crabgrass Control
One natural solution to controlling crabgrass is to attack it with baking soda. This method is pretty simple.
- Wet down your lawn with your sprinkler or garden hose
- Grab a can or box of baking soda, and walk around the lawn
- Pour a bit of baking soda out onto any crabgrass that you come across. Try to avoid hitting other plants with the baking soda
- After a bit of time, the crabgrass will die.
- Remove the crabgrass with a shovel or hori-hori knife.
- Reseed the area with fresh grass seed.
Dig Dig Dig the Crab Grass Out
While it doesn’t sound appealing, simply digging your crabgrass out is not a bad solution. By digging it out, you can get rid of the seeds, and attack the plant at the root.
Even if you spray with a chemical or natural treatment, its wise to dig the plant remains out anyway, so it may be easiest to just try and spend 15 minutes a day walking around the lawn, digging up any crabgrass you see.
Yeah, it’s a hassle, but that’s why they invented Podcasts. After a few days, you may find that you’ve got your crabgrass under control.
General Crabgrass Control
A few tips to discourage crabgrass growth are
- Mow your lawn a little bit higher up. Let the surrounding grasses get a little bit bigger.
- When you water, water for longer times, but less frequently. This will help the lawn grasses you want to outcompete the crabgrass.
Beyond these methods, there are various chemical crabgrass control products on the market. In the next section, we’ll look at these products.
If All You Have is Crabgrass
If you literally only have crabgrass in your lawn, then you might as well go nuclear and hit it with RoundUp.
It’s not our choice, but if you’ve got nothing else around it to save, it may be an option to consider.
Last update on 2024-10-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Crabgrass Killer Reviews
Nobody likes crabgrass, one of the names for a genus of grass known for their long, rough, and often spiky or sticky leaves. These crabgrasses grow across lawns, driveways, sidewalks, and other public and private paradises.
Unfortunately, because crabgrass shares much in common with regular grass, it can be difficult to find an herbicide or pesticide that eliminates the menace without killing the surrounding growth.
However, some do exist.
In this section, we’ll look at five commercial crabgrass killers for sale, and consider which ones work best.
We’ll start with a comparison table of the five products to help get oriented. After that, we’ll move into individual reviews, and conclude with our favorites.
Last update on 2024-10-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Scotts Turfbuilder with Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer
Key Points at a Glance
- Solid Form
- Requires a Feeder to Spread Across the Lawn
- Can Be Applied Multiple Times
- Should Be Applied in the Spring for Crabgrass
- Can Be Applied in Fall
- Water-Resistant Formula
- Should Be Applied When Soil Hits 55 Degrees Fahrenheit
- Effective Against Crabgrass, Dandelions, and Clover
Dimensions and Specs
- Covers 15,000 Sq. Ft. (other sizes available)
- Weighs 40.5 lbs.
- Product Dimensions: 24 x 16 x 4.5 in.
The Details
The Scotts Turfbuilder with Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer is a lawn treatment and herbicide that comes as a solid and can be applied to yards using some form of disperser or feeder. This product works against numerous types of weeds, including hundreds of common broadleaf varieties, crabgrass, and clover.
The package contains both Turfbuilder fertilizer and Crabgrass preventer — so you can tackle both tasks at once. That said, if you only want to get the crabgrass control chemical, Scotts sells the Halts Crabgrass Preventer on its own, as well.
The formula is water-resistant, meaning it should not be washed away by the rain. Check your weather before you use it, and cut out the sprinkler system for a couple of days.
Use a spreader to place the Scotts treatment, and wait a couple of days.
Last update on 2024-10-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
You can move the lawn 2-3 days after application.
The application of the Halts Crabgrass Preventer is possible all year round, although the best time to prevent crabgrass is in the spring once the soil has reached a temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer is slightly different from other products on this list in that it kills crabgrass but also prevents it from growing.
This means savvy users can stop their pest problems before they begin with this herbicide. Theoretically, the Scotts Turfbuilder with Halt doesn’t need to be applied regularly, though most people find that they need to reapply periodically — just not very week or two.
This crabgrass control product is available in two sizes, 5,000 SF and 15,000 SF.
The Bottom Line
Scotts Turfbuilder with Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer works wonders when used properly and applied sequentially during the spring months to prevent summer crabgrass.
The only major downside is that a lawn spreader is needed to use this product, but the extra cost is worth the lawn satisfaction individuals get with this crabgrass killer.
It’s not only a pesticide but can also improve the look and feel of a lawn and be used year round. For all of these reasons, it wins first place in this review.
- Scotts Turf Builder Halts Crabgrass Preventer with Lawn Food stops...
- Prevents listed weeds including crabgrass, barnyard grass, foxtail,...
- Apply pre-emergent weed killer plus fertilizer to a dry lawn in early...
- Do not apply this lawn care product to Dichondra and Bentgrass
- One 40.05 lb. bag of Scotts Turf Builder Halts Crabgrass Preventer...
Last update on 2024-10-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Bayer Advanced All in One Lawn Weed & Crabgrass Killer
Key Points at a Glance
- Rainproof 1 Hour After Application
- Comes with a Spraying Applicator
- Kills Weeds at the Root
- Results Appear Within 24 Hours
- Kills Over 200 Broadleaf Weeds
- Do Not Use on Carpet or Centipede Grass
- Mow Lawn 1-2 Days After Use
- Includes Spraying Mechanism
- Active Ingredient: 4-D Dimethylamine Salt
- Sequential Applications
Dimensions and Specs
- Covers Up to 5,000 Sq. Ft.
- Available in Several Sizes
- Standard Bottle: 32 oz.
- Product Dimensions: 5 x 2 x 11 inches
The Details
The Bayer Advanced All in One Lawn Weed Crabgrass Killer is a powerful herbicide that uses 4-D Dimethylamine salt as its active ingredient.
This formula is rainproof one hour after application and can kill weeds at their roots instead of just destroying the leaves. Users can once again mow their lawns 1-2 days after the herbicide is used.
This product is effective on over 200 broadleaf weeds, crabgrass, and clover but should not be used on carpet or centipede grass because it is rendered ineffective.
Bayer Advanced All in One Lawn Weed & Crabgrass Killer comes in a standard bottle of 32 oz., although smaller and larger containers are available.
32 ounces of formula is enough to cover up to 5,000 sq. ft. The bottle dimensions are 5 x 2 x 11 in., and the container includes a sprayer for herbicide application.
Results after using this product should appear within 24 hours, so individuals will know if it is effective against their pesky plant pests. Sequential applications might be needed for maximum effectiveness.
The Bottom Line
The Bayer Advanced All in One Lawn Weed & Crabgrass Killer is a solid herbicide. Some of its positives are that it’s inexpensive, works on broadleaf weeds as well as crabgrass, and is easy to spray and use.
The main downside is that individuals will find they need to keep applying this product to fully eliminate crabgrass, which can be annoying for people who wanted something that could be used once and then be done.
However, for those on a budget, you can’t go wrong with Bayer, which misses out on being a top contender simply because it needs to keep being used.
- ALL-in-ONE FORMULA: BioAdvanced's All-in-One formula kills listed lawn...
- WEED KILLER: Kills over 200 listed broadleaf weeds like dandelion and...
- SMARTTRACK MARKER: SmartTrack non-staining red marker shows treated...
- RAINPROOF PROTECTION: Rainproof in 1 hour
Last update on 2024-10-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Ortho Weed B Gon MAX Weed Killer for Lawns Plus Crabgrass Control Ready-To-Use Trigger Spray
Key Points at a Glance
- Rainproof 1 Hour After Application
- Kills Over 190 Types of Weeds
- Kills the Roots of Weeds
- Visible Results in 24 Hours
- Includes a Spray Applicator
- Kills Dandelions and Crabgrass
- Sequential Applications Required
Dimensions and Specs
- Holds 1 Gallon of Liquid
- Covers 5,000 Sq. Ft.
- Product Dimensions: 4.9 x 8.9 x 12 in.
The Details
The Ortho Weed B Gon MAX Weed Killer for Lawns Plus Crabgrass Control Ready-To-Use Trigger Spray (Ortho Weed B Gon MAX Weed Killer) is an all-purpose herbicide that targets crabgrass in addition to other weeds.
The formula is designed to kill roughly 190 different types of weeds and should destroy the roots so the pests don’t come back.
The herbicide is effective on dandelions and other broadleaf weeds. Visible results should appear in roughly 24 hours. Users should wait until they see product results before walking on the grass.
Like some other herbicides, the Ortho Weed B Gon MAX Weed Killer requires sequential applications to be truly effective. Each application should be rainproof one hour after being finished.
The bottle comes with a spray applicator so users do not need to transfer the liquid to another container. Each product contains one gallon of liquid that covers 5,000 sq. ft. of space.
The Bottom Line
While Ortho Weed B Gon MAX Weed Killer is effective, it requires numerous applications and regular use to truly be effective, which can be annoying for people with larger yards and less time for maintenance.
This can drive the cost up, making the product less desirable for individuals on a budget.
The other reason it doesn’t make the top of this list is that it doesn’t kill nearly as many weeds as other varieties. For these reasons, Ortho Weed B Gon MAX Weed Killer may not be the best choice for most.
- Kills crabgrass, dandelions and other common lawn weeds
- Kills weeds to the roots
- Kills 200+ weeds
- Won't harm the lawn— (when used as directed)
- Starts working immediately
Last update on 2024-10-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Spectracide Weed Stop For Lawns Plus Crabgrass Killer Concentrate
Key Points at a Glance
- Ready to Spray Bottle
- Visible Results in 8 Hours
- Waterproof Application After 3 Hours
- Kills More Than 250 Weeds
- Kills Crabgrass, Clover, and Dandelions
- Kills Yellow Nutsedge
- Apply during Temperatures Between 45°F and 90°F
- Contains Quinclorac
- Do Not Use on Bahia or St. Augustine Grass
Dimensions and Specs
- Treats Up to 5,000 Sq. Ft.
- Holds 32 oz.
The Details
A popular herbicide on the market is the Spectracide Weed Stop For Lawns Plus Crabgrass Killer Concentrate. This product comes in a 32 oz. container and is capable of treating up to 5,000 sq. ft. when used properly.
Sequential applications are required, unfortunately.
This version of Spectracide claims to kill more than 250 varieties of weeds, including broadleaf growths. It is also effective on common pests like crabgrass, clover, dandelions, and yellow nutsedge, which can be a major pain in some regions of the country.
Results after using Spectracide Weed Stop For Lawns Plus Crabgrass Killer should be visible within eight hours. The product becomes waterproof three hours after the final spray, and lawns can be mowed 2-3 days after the herbicide’s application.
Each container of Spectracide Weed Stop comes in a spray bottle for easy application.
The product should only be used on days where the temperature is between 45 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Any hotter or colder will render the herbicide ineffective.
The Bottom Line
Although Spectracide Weed Stop works well on some nuisance growths like clover and dandelions, it’s not the most effective against crabgrass. This product is also not very effective in warmer states like Florida.
It receives mixed reviews because it has about a 70% chance of working and a 30% chance of just turning the weeds yellow but keeping them alive –frustrating!
This product is recommended mainly for driveways and edging instead of full yards. For these reasons, the Spectracide Weed Stop does not make the top of this list.
- KILLS WEEDS, NOT THE LAWN: Controls listed weeds – including...
- KILLS CRABGRASS: Apply the first time you see crabgrass in your lawn
- KILLS 470+ TYPES OF WEEDS: Controls all types of listed broadleaf and...
- RAINPROOF: Rainfall or watering 3 hours after application will not...
- COVERAGE: 40 ounce bottle treats up to 6,250 square feet
Last update on 2024-10-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. Primesource Quinclorac 1.5L Select Liquid Crabgrass Killer
Key Points at a Glance
- Contains Quinclorac 18.92%
- For Residential and Non-Residential Properties
- Sequential Application Required
- Apply Every 2-3 Weeks
- Some Difficulties in Tackling Californian Crabgrass
- Kills Clover, Daisies, and Dandelions
- Includes Directions
- Protective Covering Should Be Worn
Dimensions and Specs
- 1 Fl. Oz. Covers 1,000 Sq. Ft.
- Each Bottle Holds 1.5 Liters
- One bottle covers approximately 1 acre (40,000 sf.)
The Details
The Primesource Quinclorac 1.5L Select Liquid Crabgrass Killer (Primesource Quinclorac Liquid Crabgrass Killer) is a powerful herbicide designed to eliminate crabgrass as well as other common weeds like clover, lawn daisies, and dandelions. This potent crabgrass killer shouldn’t kill regular grass but is strong enough for not only residential use but commercial use as well.
The primary ingredient is quinclorac, which forms 18.92% of the formula. Each bottle comes with directions for use, and protective covering should be worn when applying this crabgrass killer.
Primesource Quinclorac Liquid Crabgrass Killer should be applied every 2-3 weeks in sequential applications. A single fluid ounce should be enough to cover 1,000 square feet of surface area, and each bottle contains a whopping 1.5 liters or 0.5 gallons of herbicide. This calculates out to roughly 1 acre, or 40,000 sf, of treatment.
Although the product has some difficulty in killing a specific form of crabgrass – Californian Crabgrass – Primesource Quinclorac continues to set industry standards with its effectiveness.
The Bottom Line
Primesource Quinclorac Liquid Crabgrass Killer is a powerful crabgrass eliminator designed for residential and commercial use, making it a strong option for the average lawn owner. The product kills most weeds, requires repeated applications, and includes strict directions for use and safety.
This crabgrass killer is expensive, but also effective and comes in a large quantity.
It’s best for people who have no other option and truly wish to salt the earth, so to speak, to get rid of as many weeds as possible. This product comes in second place despite its cost and difficulty to use because is an amazing choice for individuals who struggle with keeping back crabgrass.
- KEY FEATURE: Selective, post-emergent herbicide that can be safely...
- USE SITES: Residential Turfgrass & Non-Residential Turfgrass
- EFFECTIVE AGAINST: Crabgrass (large & smooth), Foxtail (giant, green &...
- ACTIVE INGREDIENT: Quinclorac 18.92%
Last update on 2024-10-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion
If you’ve given the natural baking soda, vinegar, and boiling water methods a try, and they’re just not cutting it for you, you might as well attack your crabgrass with a proper crabgrass treatment system.
Out of all of these crabgrass killers that won’t harm regular yards, the best one is the Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer because of its sheer efficiency and ability to be applied year round.
In second place is the Primesource Quinclorac Liquid Crabgrass Killer, which is expensive but powerful enough to be applied to commercial lots, meaning it is more than strong enough to handle the average residential area.
We wish you luck controlling your crabgrass, and keeping the remainder of your lawn looking beautiful!
Last update on 2024-10-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
I have more crab grass in my yard this year. I hate it! What do you suggest I use. I want to have my beautiful yard again & keep it beautiful. Thank you