Scotts Turf Builder Halts Crabgrass Preventer
This is the product I have used most. Pendimethalin-based pre-emergent that prevents crabgrass and 30 other weeds. Granular formula spreads evenly with a broadcast spreader. One bag covers 5,000 square feet, and it consistently shuts down crabgrass when applied at the right soil temperature.
Check price on Amazon →I have battled crabgrass on my own lawn for eight years and tested every major pre-emergent. These five are the ones that actually keep it out.
Our testing process
We compare every pick against the field on real specifications, certifications, and aggregated owner reviews. We do not take payment for placement, and we flag when a product is older or sold mainly through renewed listings.
Quick comparison
| Pick | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scotts Turf Builder Halts Crabgrass Preventer | Check price | ||
| Preen Lawn Crabgrass Control | Best Budget | Check price | |
| Pennington Ultragreen Crabgrass Preventer Plus Fertilizer | Check price | ||
| Andersons Barricade Granular Pre-Emergent | Check price | ||
| Spectracide Weed Stop for Lawns Plus Crabgrass Preventer | Check price |
Reviewed in detail
Scotts Turf Builder Halts Crabgrass Preventer
This is the product I have used most. Pendimethalin-based pre-emergent that prevents crabgrass and 30 other weeds. Granular formula spreads evenly with a broadcast spreader. One bag covers 5,000 square feet, and it consistently shuts down crabgrass when applied at the right soil temperature.
Preen Lawn Crabgrass Control
Preen uses dithiopyr, which gives you a slightly later application window and even catches early-germinated crabgrass before it tillers. I switch to Preen if I missed the early application window. Works on most cool-season and warm-season grasses without harming them.
Pennington Ultragreen Crabgrass Preventer Plus Fertilizer
This Pennington formula combines pre-emergent with a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer, which is exactly what your lawn wants in spring. One pass does two jobs. Works great on established lawns where you also want to push spring green-up. Do not use where you plan to overseed.
Andersons Barricade Granular Pre-Emergent
For serious lawn care nerds, the Andersons Barricade with prodiamine is the professional-grade choice. Longer residual control than consumer pre-emergents. one spring application protects most of the season. Sold in larger bags meant for big lawns or split applications.
Spectracide Weed Stop for Lawns Plus Crabgrass Preventer
For spot treatment of areas already showing weeds, the Spectracide combo product handles existing weeds while preventing future crabgrass. Liquid concentrate sprayed from a tank sprayer. Not my first choice for whole-lawn pre-emergent, but invaluable for problem spots and edges.
Common questions
Apply when soil temperatures hit 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit for three consecutive days. In most US zones that means early to mid spring. Forsythia blooming is a classic visual cue.
No. Pre-emergent herbicides only kill germinating seeds. Established grass roots are unaffected. The key is to not apply it where you are also trying to grow new grass seed.
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