Best Crabgrass Killers That Won’t Kill Other Grasses

If you care about your lawn, you’ve likely battled the relentless invasion of crabgrass. It’s stubborn, it spreads like wildfire, and if left unchecked, it can take over your yard in no time.

While crabgrass is tough to eliminate, tackling it early—before it flowers and releases seeds—gives you a fighting chance. The key is using a crabgrass killer that’s powerful on weeds but gentle on your grass.

Crabgrass robs your lawn of essential nutrients, crowding out healthy growth. That’s why choosing the right herbicide is crucial to maintaining a vibrant, weed-free yard.

Below, you’ll find the top herbicides that target crabgrass without harming your turf. Each product has unique features tailored to different lawn sizes, climates, and weed types.

1. Tenacity Turf Herbicide

Tenacity is a flexible herbicide that works both as a pre-emergent and post-emergent solution. Its 40% mesotrione content disrupts photosynthesis, killing crabgrass and many other weeds like thistle, dandelion, and chickweed.

It can be used at any growth stage of crabgrass, making it a reliable year-round option. You can safely store it for 5–8 years, giving it long-term value.

However, it can damage sensitive grasses like Bermuda, poa annua, and Zoysia, so apply carefully or use it only for spot treatment. Its effectiveness and versatility make it ideal for smaller or well-maintained lawns.

Pros

• Works for both pre- and post-emergence
• Targets a wide range of weeds
• Long shelf life

Cons

• Not suitable for certain grass types
• Better for spot treatments or smaller lawns

2. Drive XLR8 Herbicide Crabgrass Killer

Drive XLR8 is a post-emergent herbicide known for its quick absorption and rapid results. It’s water-based, which means it’s rainfast within hours and penetrates weeds fast.

This herbicide is especially effective against mature crabgrass, which many products struggle to kill. One container can treat up to an acre, making it a great choice for large properties.

It’s best avoided on sensitive grasses like St. Augustine or bentgrass. The main drawback is its short 45-day shelf life after opening.

Pros

• Fast-acting and highly absorbent
• Excellent for large lawn areas
• Works well on mature weeds

Cons

• Not safe for all grass types
• Short shelf life once opened

3. AgraLawn Organic Crabgrass Killer

AgraLawn is perfect if you want a natural alternative that’s still tough on crabgrass. It contains cinnamon, cumin, wheat flour, and sodium bicarbonate—safe for pets and people.

This organic mix is selective and highly effective on Bermuda, St. Augustine, and Bahia grass. It attacks the crabgrass root system to prevent regrowth.

However, it doesn’t work well on dead or dormant weeds. Use it as a spot treatment where needed, especially for sensitive lawn types.

Pros

• Safe for pets, kids, and the environment
• Works fast—within five days
• Great for selective application

Cons

• Ineffective on dormant or dead crabgrass
• Needs careful targeting

4. Quinclorac 75 DF Herbicide

Quinclorac 75 DF contains 75% quinclorac and is formulated to handle tough broadleaf and grassy weeds. It’s ideal for both residential and commercial lawns, from sports fields to sod farms.

This dry herbicide is mixed with water and applied using a sprayer. It takes about 30 to 90 days to fully control the weeds, offering long-term coverage.

It’s effective against a wide range of weeds including foxtail, clover, and barnyard grass. However, it may require repeat applications to fully eliminate crabgrass.

Pros

• Long-lasting control
• Wide weed spectrum
• Works for both warm and cool-season grass

Cons

• Takes time to see full results
• May need multiple treatments

5. Spectracide Weed Stop For Lawns Plus Crabgrass Killer

This powerful herbicide kills over 470 types of weeds, including crabgrass, yellow nutsedge, and dandelions. It’s safe for many common grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, Zoysia, and Bermuda.

Spectracide dries quickly—within three hours—and forms a rainproof barrier. You’ll begin seeing results in as little as five hours.

However, it may cause some temporary lawn discoloration. Still, its broad-spectrum action makes it a go-to for heavily infested yards.

Pros

• Covers a large area (up to 5,000 sq ft)
• Fast results
• Rainproof in three hours

Cons

• Possible discoloration
• Requires careful application

6. BioAdvanced 704140 All-in-One Crabgrass Killer

With a potent mix of quinclorac, dicamba, and other powerful agents, BioAdvanced is made for serious crabgrass invasions. The 80-ounce bottle covers a wide area, making it suitable for large yards.

It becomes rainproof in just one hour, minimizing runoff risks. It targets crabgrass while preserving Kentucky Bluegrass, ryegrass, Zoysia, and more.

Though effective, it doesn’t come with a built-in sprayer, so you’ll need your own equipment. Still, its long shelf life makes it a practical long-term choice.

Pros

• Covers a large area
• Rainproof in one hour
• Long shelf life

Cons

• No built-in sprayer
• Bulkier packaging

7. Roundup Control Grass Killer Plus Weed Preventer

Roundup offers a dual-action formula that kills weeds and prevents them from returning for up to four months. It’s effective on patios, driveways, sidewalks, and other high-traffic areas.

The herbicide becomes waterproof in just 10 minutes and shows visible results in three hours. This makes it a fast, convenient option for homeowners.

While it works well in many situations, it could benefit from more potent active ingredients. Still, it’s a solid mid-range choice with strong preventative features.

Pros

• Fast-acting and waterproof quickly
• Ideal for hardscape applications
• Long shelf life

Cons

• Less potent formulation
• Limited use on turf

8. Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer

Ortho’s WeedClear comes with a built-in sprayer, making it one of the easiest herbicides to apply straight out of the box. It’s suitable for yards up to 5,000 square feet.

It dries within an hour and starts showing results in just a few hours. The formulation is effective on nearly 200 weed types.

Its simplicity makes it a great choice for beginners. However, its shelf life isn’t as long as others.

Pros

• Beginner-friendly with built-in sprayer
• Fast results
• Effective on many weed types

Cons

• Short shelf life
• Limited to small-to-medium lawns

9. Scotts Halts Crabgrass and Grassy Weed Preventer

Scotts Halts is a pre-emergent herbicide that targets weeds before they sprout. The 160-ounce container covers up to 5,000 square feet, making it great for large lawns.

Apply it in early spring or fall for best results, especially to prevent winter annual weeds. It’s rain- and snow-resistant, maintaining performance in various weather conditions.

Application can be a bit tricky, so follow directions closely. Its long shelf life adds to its value.

Pros

• Great for large yards
• Works in all seasons
• Effective preventive formula

Cons

• Requires careful application
• Doesn’t treat existing crabgrass

10. BASF Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Herbicide

BASF’s Drive XLR8 contains 18.92% quinclorac and is designed for maximum effectiveness on tough weeds. One bottle covers an acre, making it ideal for large-scale use.

This fast-drying, water-based herbicide is absorbed rapidly by roots and stems. You’ll start to see results within a couple of days.

It’s costly and has a short 45-day shelf life, so only open it when you’re ready to apply. Some users report temporary lawn discoloration.

Pros

• Covers large areas
• Fast absorption and action
• Great for mature weeds

Cons

• Short shelf life
• Expensive

11. Image Crabgrass Killer

Image is best for targeting young, actively growing crabgrass without harming your lawn. Its mix of quinclorac, dicamba, and MCPA makes it powerful yet selective.

It can eliminate over 200 types of weeds and is safe for grasses like fescue, ryegrass, bluegrass, and Bermuda. Avoid using it on sensitive types like St. Augustine or centipede grass.

Apply it when temperatures are between 50°F and 90°F for best results. It’s user-friendly and designed for everyday lawn maintenance.

Pros

• Gentle on lawns
• Kills a broad range of weeds
• Easy to apply

Cons

• Short shelf life
• Not safe for all grass types

Conclusion

Crabgrass is a persistent nuisance, but the right herbicide can help you reclaim your lawn. Whether you need an organic solution or something with broad-spectrum power, there’s a product for every lawn and budget.

When choosing a crabgrass killer, consider your lawn type, climate, and the severity of the infestation. Always follow the label instructions and use protective gear to stay safe.

With consistent care and the right tools, your grass will thrive while weeds wither. A healthy, crabgrass-free lawn is just a few steps away.

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