Best Chemicals That Kill Crabgrass in Lawns and on Walkways
The right chemical for crabgrass depends on where it is growing: use a lawn-labeled selective herbicide in turf, and reserve nonselective weed killers for places where you want to kill grass and other plants. Roundup for Lawns Crabgrass Destroyer2 and Spectracide Weed Stop are options to compare for lawn use; BASF Drive XLR8 is a concentrate with listed crabgrass control. For driveways, Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer is the hardscape-oriented choice. Check each product label for approved grass types, timing, and directions before applying.
| Product | Best suited for | Key distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Roundup for Lawns Crabgrass Destroyer2 | Buyers seeking a crabgrass-labeled lawn product | Product name specifies crabgrass and lawns |
| BASF Drive XLR8 | Buyers comfortable mixing concentrate | Quinclorac; listed residual control |
| Spectracide Weed Stop | Broad lawn weed control | Lists crabgrass and more than 470 weed types |
| Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer | Driveways and walkways | Nonselective weed-and-grass product |
| Scotts Liquid Turf Builder Plus 2 | Buyers comparing lawn weed-control products | Confirm crabgrass is listed on its label |
Roundup For Lawns Crabgrass Destroyer2
This 64-fluid-ounce product is identified as a crabgrass destroyer for lawns. It is best for homeowners looking for a product whose name specifically identifies both the target weed and lawn use. That makes it a relevant option to compare with broader weed-control formulas.
The supplied product information does not specify active ingredients, application method, or compatible turfgrass varieties. Check the container label before use, especially to confirm that your lawn type and crabgrass growth stage are covered. Avoid applying it as a general grass killer unless the label says that use is appropriate.
BASF Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Killer
BASF Drive XLR8 is a 64-ounce concentrate containing quinclorac. Its listed targets include crabgrass, foxtail, kikuyu grass, signal grass, and several broadleaf weeds. The product information describes a water-based formulation, rainfastness in less than an hour, and residual control for up to 30 days.
It is best for buyers who want a concentrate with stated control of multiple grassy and broadleaf weeds. Choose it if those listed targets match your yard’s problem weeds. Because it is a concentrate, follow the label for mixing and application; do not assume the stated residual period replaces label directions or retreatment limits.
Spectracide Weed Stop Plus Crabgrass Killer
This 32-ounce concentrate is described as controlling listed weeds, including crabgrass, while not killing the lawn when used as directed. Its product information also names dandelion, chickweed, clover, and yellow nutsedge among more than 470 types of listed weeds.
It is best for lawn owners who want a crabgrass product that also targets a broad selection of other weeds. The product information advises applying when crabgrass first appears. The caution is important: “when used as directed” does not mean every turf type or application condition is suitable, so read the label before treating.
Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer
This 64-ounce concentrate is identified for driveways and walkways. It is best for crabgrass growing in cracks or other hardscape areas where killing grass and weeds is acceptable. It is not the choice for preserving a lawn: a weed-and-grass killer may damage desirable turf if it contacts it. The provided product details do not list active ingredients or specific crabgrass directions, so confirm those uses on the label.
Scotts Liquid Turf Builder Plus 2
This 32-fluid-ounce liquid product is described as Turf Builder with Plus 2 Weed Control. It may interest buyers comparing liquid lawn weed-control products, but the supplied details do not confirm crabgrass is a target. Choose it for crabgrass only if its current label explicitly lists crabgrass and your turf type. That limitation makes it less directly supported for this specific need than products whose information names crabgrass.
Buying Guide: Choosing A Crabgrass Killer
Is the crabgrass growing in turf or hardscape?
For a lawn, choose a selective product labeled for crabgrass and for your grass species. For a driveway or walkway, a nonselective weed-and-grass product may suit the site, but it can also kill desirable grass and other plants it contacts. Do not use a hardscape treatment across a lawn unless its label permits that application.
Does the label identify crabgrass and your lawn type?
Product names and online descriptions are not a substitute for the full label. Verify target weeds, approved turf varieties, application timing, mixing instructions, and any limits on repeat treatment. If a product description does not name crabgrass, confirm the label before buying it for that purpose.
Should you use a concentrate or ready-to-use product?
Concentrates require following label directions for dilution and application. The listed Drive XLR8 and Spectracide Weed Stop products are concentrates. Select a format you can apply accurately, and use only the amount and method stated on the label. Never increase the concentration to try to make treatment work faster.
What safety steps matter?
Follow the product label for protective equipment, weather conditions, application restrictions, and when people or pets may re-enter a treated area. Prevent spray drift and runoff, and keep herbicides away from desirable plants unless the label specifically allows their use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chemical kills crabgrass without killing lawn grass?
A selective herbicide labeled for crabgrass and the specific lawn grass may control crabgrass while preserving turf when used as directed. Check the label for your grass type and application timing.
Can I use driveway weed killer on crabgrass in my lawn?
Not unless the product label specifically permits lawn use. A weed-and-grass killer intended for hardscape can kill desirable lawn grass as well as crabgrass.
When should crabgrass treatment be applied?
Follow the product’s label for timing and growth stage. Spectracide Weed Stop’s supplied product information says to apply when crabgrass first appears; other products may have different directions.
Does BASF Drive XLR8 target weeds besides crabgrass?
Yes. Its supplied product information lists several grassy weeds and broadleaf weeds, including foxtail, clover, dandelion, and bindweed.
Should I treat crabgrass before it appears?
Products intended to control emerged crabgrass and products intended for prevention can have different uses. Check the label to identify the product type and timing rather than assuming an existing-weed killer prevents future growth.