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10 Best Lawn Pre Emergents 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer, Pre-Emergent Weed Killer for Lawns, 10,000 sq. ft., 20.12 lbs.

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,209
Type of Weeds Controlled
Application Timing
Formulation

Most important from
8430 reviews

Type of Weeds Controlled
Effectively keeps crabgrass at bay when applied correctly.
Application Timing
Requires precise timing and application for best results; applying two weeks before soil temperatures warm is crucial.
Formulation
Concentrated Halts formula outperforms mixed products with fertilizer.
Duration of Effectiveness
The product remains effective throughout most of the growing season, though a second application may be needed in warmer climates.
Safety for Desired Plants
Safer and more effective than post-emergence weed killers, with no adverse health effects noted.

Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer is designed to help you maintain a weed-free lawn by preventing the germination of various lawn weeds. This product excels in controlling a wide range of weeds such as crabgrass, foxtail, spurge, barnyardgrass, and others listed for use in early spring and fall. It is especially effective against moss (except in California), Poa annua, henbit, corn speedwell, and chickweed during the fall season.

Convenience is a key strength, as you can apply it to a dry lawn in either early spring or fall, and it remains effective despite rain, snow, or freezing weather following the application. This granule-based product covers up to 10,000 square feet, making it suitable for larger lawns. However, it is important to note that it is not safe for use on Dichondra or Bentgrass lawns.

Weighing 20.12 pounds, it is a manageable size for most users. Given its broad coverage, ease of application, and long-lasting effectiveness, this weed preventer is a solid choice for those looking to maintain a pristine lawn.

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,209
Type of Weeds Controlled
Application Timing
Formulation

Most important from
8430 reviews

Type of Weeds Controlled
Effectively keeps crabgrass at bay when applied correctly.
Application Timing
Requires precise timing and application for best results; applying two weeks before soil temperatures warm is crucial.
Formulation
Concentrated Halts formula outperforms mixed products with fertilizer.
Duration of Effectiveness
The product remains effective throughout most of the growing season, though a second application may be needed in warmer climates.
Safety for Desired Plants
Safer and more effective than post-emergence weed killers, with no adverse health effects noted.
#2

Scotts Turf Builder Bonus S Southern Weed & Feed2 - Weed Killer and Lawn Fertilizer, 10,000 sq. ft., 34.48 lbs.

Rating
9.4
Safety for Desired Plants

Most important from
5634 reviews

Safety for Desired Plants
Great fertilizer for St. Augustine grass; it keeps the lawn lush, green, and weed-free.

Scotts Turf Builder Bonus S Southern Weed & Feed2 is a combination weed killer and lawn fertilizer, designed for southern lawns. It effectively targets a variety of common weeds like dollarweed, clover, and dandelion while also feeding the grass to promote strong root development.

This product is formulated specifically for use on grasses such as St. Augustinegrass, Centipedegrass, Zoysiagrass, and Carpetgrass, ensuring safety for these types of desired plants. With a coverage of 10,000 sq. ft., its 34.48 lb. bag can treat large lawn areas. It's crucial to apply this product to a dry lawn when both grass and weeds are actively growing, followed by immediate watering to activate its ingredients.

Users should be cautious as it is only suitable for specific grass types and may not be effective or safe for use on other varieties. Its powder form might not be as convenient for everyone, and care must be taken to follow application instructions properly to avoid damaging the lawn.

Rating
9.4
Safety for Desired Plants

Most important from
5634 reviews

Safety for Desired Plants
Great fertilizer for St. Augustine grass; it keeps the lawn lush, green, and weed-free.
#3

Torocity Herbicide (8oz) by Atticus (Compare to Tenacity) - Mesotrione Concentrate - Selective Weed Killer for Lawns and Turf Grasses - Pre and Post Emergent Control

Rating
9.1
Type of Weeds Controlled
Application Timing
Duration of Effectiveness

Most important from
913 reviews

Type of Weeds Controlled
All targeted weeds that are listed and I used it against were gone in about a week.
Application Timing
I recently reseeded a portion of my lawn, and applied Torocity to the area immediately after seeding. The grass is coming in beautifully, and there is not a single weed in sight.
Duration of Effectiveness
While this product does work, it takes a long, long time.
Safety for Desired Plants
Kills the weeds that you target and does not hamper grass growth as long as you follow the simple instructions.

Torocity Herbicide by Atticus is a versatile weed killer designed for both pre-emergent and post-emergent application, making it a flexible solution for maintaining a healthy lawn. It contains 40.0% mesotrione, the same active ingredient as the popular Tenacity, which has a long track record of effective weed control.

This product is suitable for a variety of turf grasses, including newly seeded Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, and centipedegrass. It is not suitable for bentgrass, zoysiagrass, and actively growing Bermudagrass, so users need to check their lawn type before application. The herbicide is praised for its broad-spectrum control, tackling weeds like crabgrass, ground ivy, clover, oxalis, and dandelion.

The included easy-measure tool simplifies the mixing process, ensuring the correct dosage for effective application. Users must water the treated area within 10 days if there is no rainfall to activate the product. Available in a compact 8-ounce bottle, it covers approximately 1000 square feet, which might be limiting for larger lawns. This herbicide is ideal for homeowners looking to manage a variety of weeds in medium to small-sized lawns efficiently.

Rating
9.1
Type of Weeds Controlled
Application Timing
Duration of Effectiveness

Most important from
913 reviews

Type of Weeds Controlled
All targeted weeds that are listed and I used it against were gone in about a week.
Application Timing
I recently reseeded a portion of my lawn, and applied Torocity to the area immediately after seeding. The grass is coming in beautifully, and there is not a single weed in sight.
Duration of Effectiveness
While this product does work, it takes a long, long time.
Safety for Desired Plants
Kills the weeds that you target and does not hamper grass growth as long as you follow the simple instructions.

Buying Guide for the Best Lawn Pre Emergents

Choosing the right lawn pre-emergent is crucial for maintaining a healthy and weed-free lawn. Pre-emergents are herbicides that prevent weed seeds from germinating, thus stopping weeds before they even start to grow. To pick the best pre-emergent for your lawn, you need to consider several key specifications. Understanding these specifications will help you make an informed decision that suits your lawn's specific needs and conditions.
Type of Weeds ControlledThis spec indicates which types of weeds the pre-emergent is effective against. It's important because different pre-emergents target different weeds. Common categories include grassy weeds like crabgrass and broadleaf weeds like dandelions. If your lawn is prone to a specific type of weed, choose a pre-emergent that is formulated to control that particular weed. For a more comprehensive approach, you might opt for a product that targets a broad spectrum of weeds.
Application TimingApplication timing refers to when you should apply the pre-emergent to your lawn. This is crucial because applying it at the wrong time can render it ineffective. Pre-emergents are typically applied in early spring or fall, depending on the weed type. For example, to prevent summer annual weeds like crabgrass, apply in early spring. For winter annual weeds, apply in the fall. Knowing the growth cycle of the weeds in your area will help you determine the best time to apply the pre-emergent.
FormulationPre-emergents come in different formulations, such as granular or liquid. This spec is important because it affects how you apply the product and its ease of use. Granular formulations are often easier to apply with a spreader and are less likely to drift, making them ideal for larger areas. Liquid formulations can be more precise and are often used for spot treatments or smaller areas. Choose the formulation that best fits your lawn size and your application preferences.
Duration of EffectivenessThis spec indicates how long the pre-emergent will remain effective after application. It's important because it determines how often you need to reapply the product. Duration can range from a few weeks to several months. For long-lasting control, look for a pre-emergent with a longer duration of effectiveness. If you prefer to reapply more frequently to ensure continuous protection, a shorter duration might be suitable. Consider your maintenance routine and how often you are willing to reapply the product.
Safety for Desired PlantsThis spec tells you whether the pre-emergent is safe to use around the plants you want to keep, such as grass, flowers, or shrubs. It's crucial because some pre-emergents can harm desirable plants if not used correctly. Look for products that are labeled safe for your specific type of grass or plants. If you have a mixed garden, choose a pre-emergent that is safe for a variety of plants to avoid accidental damage.

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