Testing The 5 Best Crabgrass Preventers for Lawns of 2026

Crabgrass can quickly turn a lush, healthy lawn into a patchy, weedy mess. As a licensed lawn care professional, I’ve treated hundreds of lawns, tested dozens of products, and learned firsthand what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to controlling crabgrass.

In this updated guide, I’ll break down the five best crabgrass preventers and pre-emergent herbicides to help you prevent crabgrass and broadleaf weeds before they invade. I’ll also share my tips, experiences, and step-by-step instructions to get the best results for your lawn.

Our Top Crabgrass Preventer Picks

1. Best Overall Preventer: 0-0-7 Prodiamine 0.37%
2. Best Preventer with Fertilizer: The Andersons 21-0-10 with 0.25% Dimension
3. Best Liquid Preventer: Dimension 2EW
4. Best Budget Preventer: Prodiamine 65 WDG (Generic Barricade)
5. Best Fall/Alternative Preventer: Pendulum 2G Granular Herbicide

What Are Pre-Emergent Herbicides and Why Do You Need Them?

Pre-emergent herbicides prevent crabgrass seeds and other weed seeds from germinating. Unlike post-emergent weed killers, which target existing weeds, pre-emergents create a protective barrier in the soil to stop weeds before they sprout.

Personal Tip:
I’ve seen many DIYers make the mistake of applying pre-emergents too late—after weeds have already germinated. Timing is critical—apply early to prevent weeds from gaining a foothold.

The 5 Best Crabgrass Pre-Emergents for 2026

1. Best Overall: Prodiamine 0-0-7 Pre-Emergent Herbicide

If you want a low-maintenance, long-lasting solution, Prodiamine 0-0-7 is my top pick. I’ve used this product for over five seasons and continue to see excellent results—even along sidewalks and driveways where crabgrass invasion is most likely.

Key Features:

• Covers 12,500 sq. ft. per 50-lb bag.
• Effective for 6–9 months.
• Works for cool season grasses like tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass.
• Controls crabgrass plants and grassy weeds effectively.

How to Apply:

• Timing: Apply in early spring when soil temperatures reach 50°F.
• Method: Use a spreader for even coverage, then water in with ½ inch of water to activate.

Pros:

• Easy to apply.
• Affordable and widely available.
• Safe for most lawn types.

Cons:

• Can stain equipment—clean tools after use.
• Less effective on broadleaf weeds without additional treatments.

Check the latest prices on Solution Stores and Do My Own.

2. Best with Fertilizer: The Andersons 21-0-10 with Dimension

This pre-emergent herbicide and fertilizer combo works wonders for stressed lawns. I often use it for split applications later in the season to keep lawns green and weed-free through summer.

Key Features:

• Combines weed control with nutrients for healthier grass.
• Provides pre- and post-emergent control of crabgrass seedlings and broadleaf weeds.
• Covers up to 10,800 sq. ft. per bag.

How to Apply:

• Apply in late spring or early summer when actively growing grass needs nutrients.
• Water in immediately after application.

Pros:

• Adds fertilizer for quick green-up.
• Effective on crabgrass seeds and other weeds.

Cons:

• Shorter residual control (3–4 months).
• Slightly more expensive than Prodiamine.

3. Best Liquid Option: Dimension 2EW Herbicide

For larger lawns or late applications, I rely on Dimension 2EW. It’s easy to mix, versatile, and has post-emergent capabilities to handle existing weeds.

Key Features:

• Covers up to 46,720 sq. ft. per gallon.
• Targets smooth crabgrass, barnyard grass, and some broadleaf weeds.
• Can control actively growing young crabgrass seedlings.

How to Apply:

• Mix with a surfactant for better adhesion.
• Apply with a sprayer and water in within 6 hours.

Pros:

• Flexible timing—can be applied later in the season.
• Targets both crabgrass plants and seeds.

Cons:

• Higher cost per application.
• Strong odor—apply when neighbors aren’t outside.

Find Dimension 2EW at Do My Own and Solution Stores.

4. Best Budget Option: Prodiamine 65 WDG

For DIY homeowners, Prodiamine 65 WDG delivers reliable crabgrass control at a lower price.

Key Features:

• Affordable and highly effective.
• Controls crabgrass seeds, grassy weeds, and broadleaf weeds.
• Suitable for cool season grasses.

How to Apply:

• Measure and mix carefully with water.
• Use a sprayer for even distribution and water in immediately.

Pros:

• Cost-effective.
• Long-lasting control.

Cons:

• Requires precise mixing.

Check the latest prices at Do My Own and Solution Stores.

5. Best for Fall: Pendulum 2G Granular Herbicide

I recommend Pendulum 2G for fall applications to prevent hairy crabgrass, poa annua, and other weeds that emerge later in the year.

Key Features:

• Effective for 6–8 months.
• Covers up to 17,400 sq. ft. per 40-lb bag.

How to Apply:

• Apply in early fall when soil temperatures drop below 55°F.
• Ideal for flower beds and garden beds too.

Pros:

• Works year-round with split applications.
• Targets annual bluegrass and perennial ryegrass issues.

Cons:

• Stains hard surfaces—blow off sidewalks and driveways immediately.

FAQs: Crabgrass Control

Q: When should I apply crabgrass preventers?

Apply crabgrass preventer in the early spring before soil temperatures hit 55°F and again in late summer or early fall for year-round control.

Q: Will pre-emergents kill existing crabgrass?

No. Use a post-emergent herbicide like Dimension 2EW to treat existing weeds.

Q: What is the best pre-emergent for broadleaf weeds?

The Andersons 21-0-10 (Dimension/Dithiopyr) is effective against grassy and broadleaf weeds and doubles as a fertilizer.

Final Thoughts

Preventing crabgrass invasion and keeping a healthy lawn requires the right product, proper timing, and consistent application. From my experience, these five pre-emergent herbicides deliver the best results for all lawn types and budgets.

Apply early, split applications for full-season control, and pair them with fertilizers or organic products for optimal lawn health.

Prodiamine (Barricade) Pros

• Long lasting – up to 9 months efficacy
• Inexpensive (particularly generic)
• Best to apply early in the season
• Great crabgrass control and other lawn weeds

Prodiamine (Barricade) Cons

• Needs to be watered in quickly
  • Will lose a lot of efficacy if not watered in within 14 days
• Not a great broadleaf weed control
• Breaks down with exposed sunlight (photodegradation)
  • Note for aeration and overseed: it’s a good to lower your height of cut (HOC) a couple of weeks prior to allow more sunlight to the soil. This will help ensure the pre-emergent is out of the soil

Dithiopyr (Dimension) Pros

• Better than Prodiamine at preventing broadleaf weeds
• Post-emergent qualities that can kill younger crabgrass 
• Apply later in the season – great option for your second/third of your split application

Dithiopyr (Dimension) Cons

• Root pruner of good grass (KBG, TTTF, PRG)
  • Ensure roots are well-established before applying
• More expensive than Prodiamine
• Less efficacy than Prodiamine (3-4 months)
• Takes higher rates to control crabgrass
• Breaks down more so with water and heat