5 Best Crabgrass Killer | Updated Formula To Stop Crabgrass in 2022

If you are tired of crabgrass and used all those advertising products, still not unbeaten, then there you go. The best crabgrass killer reviews you solve your case and will provide you with the ultimate guide.

Who doesn’t want a first-drawer yard that chokes everything in the surrounding? I have struggled a lot in want of a top-notch yard and go through a lot. Hence, I came to a baseline and listed the updated best weed killer for crabgrass.

I know, you just don’t want to believe like that. Well, let’s get into the main topic along with its’ scientific explanation that will cause you to think!

After that, you can go through the ratings and reviews that will prove the quality of the product.

Best Pick
BASF Drive XLR8 Herbicide CRABGRASS Killer
BASF Drive XLR8 Herbicide CRABGRASS Killer
10
Editor’s Choice
Tenacity Turf Herbicide - 8 ounces
Tenacity Turf Herbicide – 8 ounces
10
Budget Pick
RM43 76502 32Oz Total Veg Contro
RM43 76502 32Oz Total Veg Contro
10

5 Top Crabgrass Killer Reviews

1. RM43 76502 32Oz Total Veg Control Weed Preventer – Budget Pick  

RM43 76502 32Oz

Key Features:

  • Liquid
  • Vegetation elimination for one year
  • Bare-ground treatment
  • Desired spot control

RM43-Percent Glyphosate Plus Weed Preventer is a diluted crabgrass killer and preventer that works as a combination of surfactant and herbicides.

When I bought the product, I was a little nervous as a result was quiet delaying. It took almost one week to see the result, whereas there are many other products on the market that works within hours. I thought I had wasted such a right amount of money.

I was worried. Then after a week, the process started, and the results we’re getting visible. It was magic. Once the process is started, it is unstoppable until all the weeds and crabgrass are gone like nothing ever exists!

You can use it to treat your ground barely to stop vegetation and be free from it for one year. Isn’t it worthy of your money?

But as the instruction goes, you are not allowed to spray it on the root zone of your desirable plants, trees, crops & shrubs; otherwise, your lawn you face serious injury. On the other hand, you can spray on the non-crop zone if you are eager to keep the crops.

You are allowed to spray on the fencerows & around the farming zone or farm-building. You can also spray it around the barns.

But you must be cautious enough not to spray in such a place where vegetation is allowed. One of my neighbors makes this mistake, and he is not allowed to grow there for at least one year. So, you need to be careful.

Pros
  • The combined activity of surfactant and herbicides
  • Perfectly ecofriendly after it is dried
  • Tension-free for one year
Cons
  • Takes about one week to visible the result

2. Compare-N-Save Concentrate Grass and Weed Killer ​

Compare-N-Save

Key Features:

  • Rainproof
  • Post-emergent
  • Crabgrass killer
  • 41% glyphosate
  • 25,000 sq. Ft. coverage
  • The result is apparent within 2 to 4 days

Compare-N-Save Concentrate Grass and Weed Killer work as the best post emergent crabgrass killer. Besides killing crabgrass, the product focuses on other weeds and invaders.

The stuff is resistant to rain and rainproof within 2 hours, with a coverage of 25,000 sq. Ft.

What I love the most about this stuff is the presence of the ingredient called – “glyphosate” Do you about this chemical? Although like other products, this stuff also has an expiration date. But glyphosate doesn’t have an expiration date. That is, it has an unlimited shelf life.

But you are not allowed to expose it to light; otherwise, its’ effectiveness will gradually decrease. The half-life of glyphosate is about 90 days. Now you may ask the bottom line. Keep it in a cool and dry place.

Now talking about usage, there are differences in the utilization of different fertilizer. Many products instruct you to apply on damp or moist soil. Well, in this case, the stuff will give it’s the best output on a warm sunny day above the temperature of 60 degrees F. Make sure there is no rainfall for the next 24 hours.

You are to spray the foliage of the treating plant, and the weeds are being killed from the root.

Glyphosate a well-known herbicide that is post-emergent. So, the stuff is not responsible for blocking new growth in the future. Only the present established one can vanish.

Within one day, the treated area can be replanted. Please, follow the chart for replanting instructions.

With only one bottle of this best crabgrass preventer, you can make a spray solution of almost 10 gallons. Wow, that can provide a broad coverage!

Pros
  • Ready-to-spray
  • Protection from rain within 2 hours
  • Fast result
  • Kills from the root
  • Unlimited shelf-life
Cons
  • If the container is exposed to light due to un-conscious, then it’s effectivity will gradually decrease

3. Tenacity Turf Herbicide – 8 ounces – Editor’s Choice  

 Roll over image to zoom in    Tenacity Turf Herbicide

Key Features:

  • Selective
  • Pre-emergent
  • Post-emergent
  • Weed control of turf-grasses
  • The available active component is 40% Mesotrione

Tenacity Turf Herbicide is the best crabgrass killer for lawns as it works as both pre-emergent as well as best post-emergent crabgrass killer.

What makes the product different and unique among other products, is that it is a selective one. Do you know what particular means does in terms of fertilizers?

It means where ever you spread the fertilizer; the targeted weeds will be attacked instead of affecting the whole greenish part. Whereas a non-selective one will damage the entire place regarding your lawn where ever you will spread.

Name of some of the targeted weeds is Barnyard grass, Chickweed, Clover, Carpetweed, Crabgrass that are large and smooth as well, Dandelion, Foxtail, Purslane, Thistle, Henbit, Yellow Nutsedge, Goosegrass & Wild carrot.

As a pre and post-emergent, it finishes both the established and the future possibility of the targeted weeds.

A common question about this stuff is, “On which grasses Tenacity Turf cannot be applied?” I would not recommend using it on conventional or hybrid Bermuda grasses, Zoysia grasses, Seashore paspalum & Kayku grasses.

It is going to be rainfast within several hours under the standard conditions of rainfall. You can also mix it with other herbicides, but not all.

One thing that I have to remind that for reapplication, I have to wait for around two to three weeks. Otherwise, this is such a fantastic product, and believe me; you will not regret using it.

Pros
  • The shelf life of almost 5 to 8 years if stored properly
  • Works on all turf species weather it is warm seasonal or fresh seasonal
  • For established as well as for newly born weeds
Cons
  • Not good in direct sunlight

4. Drive XLR8 Herbicide 1/2 Gallon 64 OZ. KILLS CRABGRASS – Best Pick  

BASF Drive XLR8

Key Features:

  • Water-based formulae
  • Rain fast is within an hour
  • Control over mature crabgrass

Best products don’t need to be defended. Buyers are bound to buy the right products. Drive XLR8 Herbicide has gotten a high level of praises and ratings. Among many “best crabgrass preventer reviews,” this product holds a bold place and seems favorite to users.

In my lawn, I have tested it on Bindweed, Clover, Foxtail, Crabgrass, Dandelion, Signal grass, Dollar weed, Speedwell, Kikuyu grass, Torpedo grass, and many others. The stuff indeed gave an outstanding performance. It does what it exactly said.

One thing I need to mention is that it will take time, usually three weeks. Have patients.

My first initiative was a little bit weirdo! I was not going to buy the stuff due to its price, but I got a lot of recommendations. And then give it a try. It will last several summers. Worth the money, isn’t it?

For preparing the mixture, you need to follow the direction. A little amount will cover a vast residential area, so you don’t need to be panicked.

As a gardener, I would suggest you buy seed oil. Seed oil will boost the efficacy and help to eradicate all the emergent crabgrass. A surfactant will enhance the capability as the stuff required persistence.

I have a lawn of a total of 35,000 sq. Ft. and I treated it all with Drive XLR8 Herbicide. It caused a glorious death and victory over those annoying crabgrass and dandelions as well.

In a word, I would like to comment – “THIS PRODUCT WORKS.”

Pros
  • Well known for crabgrass killer
  • Have got a high rating from the users
  • Have got best crabgrass preventer reviews
Cons
  • Stick to its word but costly

5. Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer Concentrate ​

Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer

Key Features:

  • Fast-acting formula
  • Fastest rainfast than any other product
  • Easy-to-apply
  • Ready-to-spray

The character that attracts the most about Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer is the short period for the result being visible. Within 24 hours, you will get the final result. But it pleasures your eyes with an interval of three hours.

You can witness the image of wilting as time goes. The weeds will turn brown or yellow. The leaves tend to be curled, twisted, wilted & shriveled. And within 24 hours, they are doomed.

As I mentioned, it’s rainfast has the shortest time, that is, only 15 minutes. After 15 minutes of spraying, it will be dried, and raining won’t reduce the effectiveness of the spray.

You can replant the targeted lawn area after one day.

Though it is so strong a non-selective one, that means the stuff will kill all the broadleaf and weeds, including your yard as well. So, protect the desired plants and shrubs.

Avoid the edible crop zone as well. You can use cardboard/plastic to accomplish the task. Again, if you have sprayed mistakenly, then wash away quickly.

Apply in warm-sunny weather with a temperature over 60 degrees F for the maximum output.

Many people compare spectracide with roundup (or called glyphosate). It’s like comparing apples with oranges. Both work differently and have their strength.

Spectracide is a fast-acting product than roundup, whereas roundup or glyphosate finishes from the root which spectracide doesn’t. Spectracide works in a day where the roundup takes weeks.

I have together taken (doesn’t mean mix together) teams as an ultimate solution to my weed control mission.

Pros
  • Vast area coverage
  • Non-selective
  • No need for mixing
  • Perfect for spot treatment
Cons
  • Might kill any grass where ever you spray, so you need to be alert

Things You Need to Consider Before Buying Crabgrass Killer

I know you are struggling with numerous questions in your mind. Maybe you have already interrogated how to buy the right one for you. Let me provide you with a full guide for it.

You need to consider the following basics.

Soil testing

At first, your soil needs to go through soil testing. Take some clay and send it to the local nursery for soil tests. Technicians will let you know what your soil lacks.

Along with them, make sure that your lawn is maintaining a standard pH level.

Fertilizer type

Usually, they are differentiated into two types. Granular and Liquid. Both have their individual profits and loss.

Granular is worth less money covering vast areas, whereas liquid sprays are suitable for a small garden / indoor. Though spray may cost more, they are easy to apply, and due to the slow release of nitrogen, you don’t have to spray frequently.

Weed type

All lawns don’t contain all kinds of weeds. Let me set an example if your garden is getting more & more covered by crabgrass but no sign of dandelion, then you should choose specific stuff that attacks crabgrass.

If you have various invaders then, you should go for a mixture of more than one product. Or, read the label of stuff if it has listed all the weeds names that the lawn contains.

Grass-type

Know your grass. Don’t mistake them as weeds. Because in some areas, some herbs are taken as weeds. So, get to know how to differentiate grasses from weeds. Otherwise, you will end up like killing your lawn grass at the cost of your money, energy, and time.

Tips for Southern lawn

Southern is more likely to have wetter conditions as well as excess fertilizer. Some stuff mentions Southern garden on them. You can go to them.

How to apply a crabgrass killer?

Well, that depends on your comfort level. You can go to ready-to-spray. And with a sprayer, all you need to do is spraying in the targeted area. Nothing can be comfortable than this.

Or, you can go for herbicide attaching to the garden hose to apply though it will be less suitable but will save you time as well as money.

Tips for application method

Make a feeding schedule. Maintaining an appropriate time for application is almost winning the half battle. Early Spring is the most suitable for older established lawns to accomplish the first feeding schedule of seasonal demands.

For slow releasing fertilizer, a second application in unnecessary till mid-May. After finishing feeding in May, increase the schedule to one every six weeks. In this way, summer growth will take place.

Keep feeding till the last of October.

Watering in due time

Watering is mandatory throughout the summer. I use large sprinklers for the irrigation system. I suggest you do the same. Watering after feeding is a must.

You need to water in the early morning. Watering when the sun is too heat is just wasting the resource as the rate of evaporation is high at that time.

Flower beds

Weeds are searched for killing the invaders. But for those who want more within less money, some product also has nutrients to nurture the flower beds along with killing the most prevalent weed growing there.

Want to kill or stop?

Do you want to kill the existing established crabgrass or destroy the upcoming plan of weed? The first one will require post-emergent, whereas the second one will need pre-emergent.

If you want both, then you can go for a product that includes both properties like Tenacity Turf Herbicide. This kind of stuff will kill the present and future weeds by attacking the seedlings.

Selective / Non-selective

This property of fertilizer defines your will. Weather, you want to treat some selected weed and keep surrounding unaffected or effect the whole place.

A selective one will cause death to weeds and crabgrass, keeping your lawn unaffected. Whereas, a non-selective fertilizer will burn the weed plants along with your green grass. But it usually is more robust and toxic to weeds than a selective one.

Last but not least,

Pay attention to the label of your fertilizer

From my perspective, it is the most important one. If producers are bound to supply any information, then it is their only way to reach you. Or it is your best way to know the stuff. Almost 90% of the confusion can be solved if you pay heed to the label.

The label contains all the list of nutrients that your lawns lack, and what it needs, what you are bound to do, and what is prohibited. So please, before starting a mess, make sure you have gone through the label attentively.

Frequently Asked Question

What should be the expectation level?

Relax, all the products displayed above are excellent at their job. After having a test on a few lawns, I have come to you with such reviews.

What is the number of seasonal applications for a pleasing result?

I usually apply my first feed in early Spring. Later on, mid-late May, i.e., Summer follows it. Then, I use every 6-8 months, respectively, till the last of October.

After that, I let my lawn rest all over the winter and continue the cycle in the upcoming Spring.

But, sometimes soil structures and the amount of available nutrient in it differs. So, it will be best if you try a local test first. Take a sample of soil and grass that you have in the backyard to the local nursery. They will recommend you the most suited fertilizer for your yard.

Are weed & feed tree & shrubs friendly?

Not at all!! They are meant to be sprayed on grass. If you use them on your trees & shrubs, then it may result in un-want burning of foliage & root damage.

Are there any dissimilarities between all the weeds in the market?

Of course, all the reviews are pretty much the same in terms of their pros. But different kinds of stuff have their field to show its’ capability. It is not like all of them go through the same process and share the same formulae.

After completion of several kinds of research over year, a company makes its’ product unique in the challenging market place. Again, the quality of the material differs in the result. So, make sure to buy goods from a premium brand.

What are the price ranges?

Price varies in quality, quantity, market place, whether it is a local or super shop, brand, company, reputation, economic want, and utility, etc. I can only give some standard knowledge.

You can cost approximately $20-$60 for a bag of 18-pound. If your budget is quite low than this, then have a look at Greenview weed & feed product. Some of the above products may also cost little, but sometimes it depends on the seller.

Final Thought

Although all of the above stuff is well known as the best crabgrass killer, I know you are struggling enough to know which one you should buy. To save time, I would recommend three products, but all of them have their strength. So, you should go through the guiding part of the article so that you choose the most accurate product for your lawn.

I would recommend Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer Concentrate in the first place. The stuff has everything at an extreme level. Highest star rating takes the shortest time to view the result, most easy to spray, takes the shortest time for rainfast, most area coverage, and most satisfactory outcome.

Secondly, I would suggest Tenacity Turf Herbicide. This is such good stuff that works as both pre and post-emergent. It has control over all species of turfgrasses. The material also comes with the active ingredient and most extended shelf life of 5-8 years. Moreover, it is a selective one. You can treat according to your will.

Thirdly, I would recommend, Drive XLR8 Herbicide 1/2 Gallon 64 OZ. KILLS CRABGRASS. I don’t think I need to tell more about this one. I speak all of them in the review section. It acts like a miracle! Sounds good, isn’t it?

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