Best Lawn Weed Killer

Best Lawn Weed Killer (for every type of weed)

Ever thought of tracking how much time you spend maintaining your lawn? If you have, you’d probably realize that a large chunk of your time is spent on weeding. And though the first few days of pulling out these irksome plants can be slightly satisfying, this chore can quickly become taxing. 

So what’s the alternative? Enter weed killers. Effective and easy to use, these chemicals can kill multiple weed species in one go. Better yet, when used properly they can destroy weeds without killing lawn grass. 

On this page I’ll share a full list of the best lawn weed killer products for different types of weed issues. I’ll also share some information that will help you choose the right product for your specific lawn weed problem so that you can kill your weeds the first try.

One weed killer that I highly recommend and consider the best lawn weed killer is Tenacity Turf Herbicide. It tops my list for a few reasons. First, this herbicide is safe to use on lawns as it doesn’t harm turfgrass while killing weeds effectively. On top of that, it’s effective against a wide range of both broadleaf and grassy weeds, so it will work for most people who have weedy lawns. You’ll have to mix it and apply it with a sprayer, but it’s my go-to for Crabgrass, and a range of other lawn weeds.


My Favorite Lawn Weed Killers

BEST OVERALL
Best Overall Lawn Weed Killer - Tenacity Turf Herbicide
5 Star Rating

Want to keep your lawn looking picture-perfect? Consider applying Tenacity Turf Herbicide to destroy the most troublesome weeds. Kills established weeds without harming your grass.

BEST PRE-EMERGENT
Best Pre-Emergent Lawn Herbicide - Dimension 2EW
5 Star Rating

This pre-emergent prevents weeds from popping up in your lawn when applied in early spring. It contains Dithiopyr, which offers protection from a wide range of broadleaf and grassy weeds.

BEST VALUE
Best Value Lawn Weed Killer - Ortho Weed B Gon + Crabgrass Control
4 Star Rating

This weed killer effectively prevents crabgrass from growing on your lawn. A blend of 2,4-D, dimethylamine salt, Quinclorac Acid & Dicamba acid result in a dynamic, fast-acting herbicide.


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My Tips for Buying the Right Weed Killer for Your Lawn

There’s a wide range of weed killers available on the market. Due to this, you may have difficulty figuring out what works for you, especially if it’s your first time buying. 

To help you with this selection, I have compiled a list of factors and mistakes to watch out for when choosing weed killers.

Best Lawn Weed Killer

Let’s dig in!

Trust and Accuracy Information

This article was last updated on by Lawn Chick Owner Sarah Jameson
Article content reviewed for accuracy by Horticulturist Arthur Davidson, A.S.

What to Look For When Buying a Lawn Weed Killer

There are a couple of points you should consider when buying a weed killer. They include:

The Type of Weed Killer

Herbicides can be classified into five groups. The specific kind you choose will depend on the weeds you’re trying to eliminate and the stage of growth they’re in. 

  • Systemic – this weed killer uses a bottom-up approach. Once it’s absorbed through the foliage, it travels downward and attacks the plant from the root system. This increases its likelihood of destroying the entire plant. A systemic herbicide is very effective against the weeds it targets. Better yet, it’s not the kind of treatment that hangs around in the soil afterward. This means that you can plant on the treated area after a short while. The only drawback is that it takes a bit of time to act. 
  • Contact –  as its name implies, this herbicide destroys weeds the minute they come into contact with it. So unlike the systemic variety, it doesn’t have to travel downward to kill the plant. This mode of operation makes contact weed killers perfect for annual weeds like nettle, chickweed and crabgrass. They can destroy such weeds once for all. This way, you won’t have to worry about any weeds until the next season rolls around. 
  • Residual – this is also known as a pre-emergent weed killer. It works by identifying and addressing the root cause of the problem. This, in turn, prevents the weeds from ever sprouting. Pretty cool, right? Well, there’s just one problem. Because this weed killer acts on the soil, it inadvertently makes it unsuitable for growing anything else. So not only does it affect the soil quality but it also prevents future growth. 
  • Non-selective – this is another self-explanatory weed killer. It destroys weeds and everything else in its path. This makes it an excellent choice for homeowners planning to start from scratch. However, this also makes it unsuitable for application on areas with beneficial plants. Rather, use it on sections like your pool, driveway, or along the fence. 
  • Selective – this herbicide only targets garden weeds and nothing else. So if you have any weeds growing among precious greenery, this weed killer is safe to use. 

The Type of Weed You Have

Identifying the specific type of weed that’s invaded your lawn makes it easier to find a suitable herbicide.

On that note, weeds can be classified into three general types: 

  • Annual – these types of weeds only stick around for one season. Once the winter season sets in, the weeds die out. If you have annual weeds growing in your garden, a pre-emergent weed killer is the best solution. 
  • Biennial – these weeds typically take two years to finish their growth cycle. In the first year, the plant forms leaves and stores food. But, it’s not until the second year that it begins to produce fruit and seeds. Spray weed killers are the best option for tackling biennial weeds. 
  • Perennial – these are regarded as the most troublesome weeds, and rightly so. They produce not only by seeds but also vegetative parts like roots and tubers. This makes them incredibly hard to control. Like biennials, perennial weeds are best eliminated using spray weed killers. 

Emergence Stage

This simply refers to the current growth stage of the weeds.

Best Lawn Herbicides

Weeds have four development stages, just like any other crop. These are:

  • seedling,
  • vegetative,
  • seed production, and
  • maturity. 

Based on this, herbicides are designed as either pre-emergent or post-emergent.

  • Pre-emergent products kill weeds before they have a chance to sprout or emerge from soil
  • Post-emergent products destroy fully-grown weeds that are already visible.

Keep in mind that the two weed killers cannot be used interchangeably, and using the wrong one won’t solve your weed problem

Weed Killer Safety

Most manufacturers claim that their weed killers are safe to use around people.

Still, you should read the product label and determine whether it’s toxic or not. This is particularly important if you have pets or kids who might walk around the lawn right after an application. 

Check whether the weed killer has the “Safer Product” sticker that’s usually given by the EPA. While you’re at it, look out for warnings like “danger” or “poison” and avoid such products.

Arthur Davidson, a member of our expert panel and a horticulturist with over 50 years of experience, advises that “one must read the label and be precise on application, timing, mixing, temperature, moisture, and many other factors.” He adds that homeowners need to “remember the label is the lawn, and the law IS the label.”

Longevity of the Chemical

Before you rush to apply any weed killer, consider how you’ll use that space in the near future. 

Would you like to plant a few vegetables or fruit trees? If you do, then a temporary weed killer is better than a residual that renders the soil completely infertile.

However, if you’re not planning to grow anything, then a residual herbicide might be what you want.

Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Lawn Weed Killer

Do you have weed killers that just don’t seem to be working?

Lawn Weed Killers

If you answered yes, you’re probably making one of these common mistakes when choosing or using these products: 

Not Understanding the Weeds in Your Lawn

The most common mistake that homeowners make is failing to identify lawn weeds. 

But this ought to be the first step that one takes because it helps one choose the correct herbicide. For instance, if you’re dealing with an annual weed, then you know to buy a powerful pre-emergent weed killer.

Ignoring the Seeds

A good number of weeds spread by producing seeds. 

You may think that you’ve successfully eliminated weeds, yet there are a few seeds that survive. If this happens, the seeds can sustain themselves in soil for as long as they need to. Then once the conditions are favorable, they grow into fully-established weed plants. 

To combat this, consider buying and applying a good pre-emergent weed killer each spring before soil temperatures warm enough for weed seeds to germinate. Pre-emergent herbicide products can block any germinating seeds; ensuring that they don’t grow for the next 4 months (duration varies by product). 

Assuming That Natural Weed Killers are Safe

Most individuals buying organic products to kill weeds naturally do so because they’re safer than their chemical-based counterparts. While there’s some truth to this, this doesn’t mean that the natural products are completely toxic-free. 

This is particularly the case if you have a vinegar weed killer on your hands. Acetic acid – the key ingredient in vinegar weed killers – can be lethal in high concentrations, so I encourage you to handle these products the same way you would a weed killer that you know to be toxic. 

To minimize risks, avoid spraying on a windy day and wear essential protective clothing.

My List of the Best Lawn Weed Killers This Year

Here’s my list of the best lawn weed killers, beginning with the most popular options. 

  1. BEST OVERALL: Tenacity Turf Herbicide
  2. BEST VALUE: Ortho Weed B Gon + Crabgrass Control
  3. BEST PRE-EMERGENT (liquid): Dimension 2EW
  4. BEST PRE-EMERGENT (granular): The Andersons Barricade
  5. BEST POST-EMERGENT: Southern Ag 2,4-D Amine Weed Killer
  6. BEST NATURAL: Natural Armor’s 30% Home & Garden Vinegar
  7. BEST FOR NUTSEDGE: Sedgehammer Plus Turf Herbicide
  8. BEST WEED & GRASS KILLER: Ortho GroundClear Weed & Grass Killer
  9. BEST COMBINATION WEED KILLER: Quinclorac 75 DF

You can read more about each of these weed killers, including a detailed description, what I (and others) liked and disliked about each product, full product specifications, and where to get the best deal below:


Tenacity Turf Herbicide

Have you been hunting for a well-rounded weed killer that will completely transform your lawn? If you have, then Tenacity Turf Herbicide is the solution you’ve been waiting for.

Tenacity pulls double-duty as a pre-emergent and post-emergent weed killer. So not only can it wipe out existing weeds but it can also can help prevent others from growing. Essentially, it solves your weed problem for good!

The icing on the cake is the fact that it’s a systemic herbicide. This makes it ideal for destroying those persistent weeds that come back year after year. 

So just what makes Tenacity Turf Herbicide so effective? Well, it contains an active ingredient known as Mesotrione. This ingredient makes up 40% of its composition and works well against 46 different weeds including:

  • Chickweed
  • Clover
  • Crabgrass 
  • Dandelion
  • Foxtail
  • Goosegrass
  • Henbit

When you order Tenacity, you’ll receive an 8-ounce bottle. But don’t be disappointed – this is more than enough for most people. The manufacturer recommends mixing 4 to 8 ounces of the solution for every 30 gallons of water. So one bottle may last a few years (if stored properly – more on that in a minute).

They also suggest adding a surfactant to boost its efficiency. I use and recommend this one from Southern Ag, which I use with a blue dye so I can see where I’ve sprayed. DoMyOwn sells a kit with everything you’ll need, which is convenient, and a great value.

Tenacity is expensive – more so than other options on this list, but for most people it will last a long time. On the plus side, it’s also one of the few herbicides that can be used for pre- and post-emergence. 

Besides, it has a very long shelf life. If you store it well  – away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures- you can use it 8 years after the date of manufacture, meaning one bottle is all you’ll have to buy for a while. For me, Tenacity checks all the boxes and it’s the product I recommend.

Tenacity Turf Herbicide Specifications

Active IngredientMesotrione
TypeSystemic, Pre-and Post-Emergent
Application StyleSprayer
PROS
  • Acts as both a pre-emergent and post-emergent weed killer
  • Has a long shelf life
  • Ideal for eliminating a wide range of weeds
CONS
  • More expensive than other lawn weed killers

My Final Take-Away: Tenacity Turf Herbicide is a one-stop solution for all your weed problems. It serves as both a pre-emergent and post-emergent weed killer; saving you both time and money.

Where to Buy Tenacity Herbicide

You can compare prices and order this online at the following retailers:


Ortho Weed B Gon + Crabgrass Control

Are you looking for a weed killer that is both effective and affordable? If so, look no further than the Ortho Weed B Gon + Crabgrass Control. There’s a lot to like about this budget-friendly solution.

One thing that sets this weed killer apart is its efficacy. Yes, it’s specially formulated to eliminate crabgrass. But, it’s very effective against other weeds too, such as Bermudagrass, Buffalograss, Ryegrass, Zoysiagrass and Kentucky bluegrass. 

That said, Ortho is quick to note the areas where this weed killer should not be used. 

These include gardens- especially those planted with veggies, fruit trees, berries and vines; and ornamental plants. As for grass species, avoid using Ortho Weed B Gon if your lawn has:

  • Bentgrass
  • Bahiagrass
  • Centipedegrass
  • Carpetgrass
  • Dichondra

Application Tips:

Anytime you’re applying a weed killer, you should learn the correct technique and rate at which to apply. 

To that end, Ortho Weed B Gon comes in a 32-ounce bottle that’s enough to cover an area of up to 5,000 sq.ft. 

The best thing about it is that it arrives in a ready-to-use state. Simply attach your garden hose to the container and start spraying! This means you won’t have to start racking your brain on the ratios to use when mixing with water (a win in my book). 

After application, you should be able to see results within the first few days. And if there are any stubborn weeds that persist, you can spot-treat your lawn after 3 weeks.

Ortho Weed B Gon Specifications

Active Ingredients2,4-D, dimethylamine salt, Quinclorac Acid & Dicamba  acid
TypeSelective
Application StyleSprayer
PROS
  • It’s a fast-acting weed killer
  • Comes in a ready-to-use state
  • Does not damage your lawn
  • Affordable
CONS
  • It’s only effective against the specified weeds

My Final Take-Away: The Ortho Weed B Gon + Crabgrass Control is an excellent weed killer for homeowners working with a limited budget. 

Where to Buy Ortho Weed B Gon + Crabgrass Control

You can compare prices and order this online at the following retailers:


Best Liquid Pre-Emergent

Dimension 2EW Herbicide

Want to nip your weed problem in its budding stage? If you do, a pre-emergent weed killer like Dimension 2EW is exactly what you need. Here’s a look at what this herbicide has to offer.

Ingredient list

This is a powerful herbicide formulated with several ingredients. However, the key ingredient is Dithiopyr, and it makes up 24% of its total composition. 

Research studies carried out on this compound reveal that it’s very effective on both cool- and warm-season turfgrasses. 

Usage

The idea of a pre-emergent herbicide is to stop weed growth in the early stages. 

So for the best outcome, you’ll want to apply the 2EW right before the weeds pop up. If you wait until the weeds are fully visible (or even after the seeds have started to germinate), it might be too late, and you’ll likely not get the results you were hoping for. 

Another point to note is that this weed killer works best on already-established lawns

This means your grass should have a strong root system through which the herbicide can spread and attack the weeds. If you use it on a newly-established lawn, you risk weakening the turf. 

Dimension 2EW Specifications

Active IngredientDithiopyr
TypePre-Emergent
Application StyleSprayer
PROS
  • Formulated with Dithiopyr, which is very good at preventing weed growth
  • Can be used on both warm- and cool-season grasses
  • Available in different sizes
CONS
  • Might be too strong for newly-established lawns

My Final Take-Away: If you want to keep young weeds from ever sprouting, the Dimension 2EW is an excellent first line of defense.

Where to Buy Dimension 2EW

You can compare prices and order this online at the following retailers:


Best Granular Pre-Emergent

The Andersons Barricade

If you prefer a granular pre-emergent weed killer, the Andersons Barricade Weed Control is an excellent example. It keeps weeds from growing without affecting adjacent plants like vines, trees, flowers, and shrubs.

Effectiveness

Besides its ability to stop weed growth early, its granular formula makes this weed killer effective.

Typically, most post-emergent weed killers are diluted before application. This reduces their efficiency to an extent. 

Conversely, theAndersons Barricade Granular Weed killer is applied as is- in its granular form. It’s only diluted after it dissolves in soil. This allows it to soak into the weed seeds while the main ingredient is still active.

Longevity

I also love that the Andersons Barricade Weed Killer lasts as long as six months. So I never have to worry about weeds growing on my lawn for months. 

Since it also inhibits grass growth, I’m careful to apply it after seeding (usually after 60 days) or mowing my lawn the second time. In fact, Andersons recommends applying the weed killer during fall and early spring.

Vast Coverage

The 18-pound bag covers such a large area; 2,500-10,000 sq. feet. This is always enough for my lawn so I never have to buy another bag.

In fact, if you have a small-size lawn, the bag can last over a year. Better yet, it prevents the growth of more than 30 broadleaf and grass weeds, including henbit, crabgrass, and lambsquarter, to mention a few.

Andersons Barricade Specifications

Active IngredientProdiamine
TypePre-emergent
Application StyleLawn Spreader
PROS
  • Prevents over 30 types of weeds
  • Doesn’t affect adjacent plants
  • Lasts for a long period
CONS
  • Won’t really touch existing weeds
  • Need to mow the lawn first for better results

My Final Take-Away: You don’t have to wait for weeds to grow to apply weed killers. Andersons Barricade Granular Weed Control prevents weed growth from the onset, making weed control on your lawn super easy.

Where to Buy The Andersons Barricade Granular

You can compare prices and order this online at the following retailers:


Southern Ag 2, 4-D Amine Weed Killer

So you forgot to apply a pre-emergent weed killer at the beginning of the season. It’s been a few weeks now, and you’ve found yourself dealing with a full-scale weed problem. 

What’s the next best solution? A powerful post-emergent herbicide like Southern Ag 2,4-D Amine will do the trick.

Here is what you need to know about it:

Usage

The 2, 4-D Amine is a selective herbicide. This means that you can apply it on your entire lawn and it won’t damage the turf grass. 

As its name suggests, the active ingredient here is 2, 4-D acid, which is particularly effective against broadleaf weeds. 

That said, it’s important that you dilute it with water before spraying on your lawn. The recommended ratio is 2 to 3 tablespoons of the herbicide for every 3 – 5 gallons of water. The resulting solution is enough to cover an area that spans 1,000 sq.ft. 

The good thing about this is that it’s a very cost-effective weed killer. You only need 1 to 4 pints of the weed killer to cover one acre, so for many homeowners a single bottle is plenty. 

Versatility

Another feature that makes this herbicide unique is its range of use. You can use it to treat not only your lawn but also pastoral land, cemeteries, golf courses and even parks.

Southern Ag 2, 4-D Amine Specifications

Active Ingredient2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid
TypeSelective
Application StyleSprayer
PROS
  • Economical
  • Ideal for eliminating broadleaf weeds
CONS
  • Depending on the specific weed that’s invaded your lawn, it takes a while to act

My Final Take-Away: Southern Ag 2, 4-D Amine is the perfect herbicide to use on fully-established weeds. I’m a big fan of this brand and use their surfactant exclusively (mix it with your liquid herbicides and liquid fertilizer to improve effectiveness).

Where to Buy Southern Ag 2, 4-D Amine

You can compare prices and order this online at the following retailers:


Natural Armor 30% Vinegar Home & Garden Weed Killer

Chemical-based herbicides are almost always effective. But, they aren’t for everyone.

If you’re looking for a weed killer that’s safe to use around kids and pets, natural options are the way to go. Natural Armor’s 30% Vinegar Solution is a good place to start, and it’s a product I’ve found to be effective.

Usage

The main selling point of this weed killer is that it’s made of all-natural components. The main ingredient, vinegar, makes up at least 30% of the solution.

Question is, will you need to dilute it with water before applying on your lawn? Not necessarily.

 Efficiency

Are you a little hesitant to use this vinegar solution as a weed killer? Well, you don’t have to be. The Natural Armor is six times stronger than regular vinegar. 

It contains 30% acetic acid, which is the main ingredient that kills weeds. It works by breaking down their cell walls and extracting moisture. This then causes them to dry out and die. 

Another feature that drew me to this weed killer is the fact that it’s refillable. If you plan to use it just once, then you can buy the 1-pack 128 fl.oz bottle. But if you’re looking to treat a big area, consider the 128-ounce gallon refillable option.

Natural Armor’s 30% Home & Garden Vinegar Specifications

Active IngredientAcetic Acid
TypeNon-Selective
Application StyleSprayer
PROS
  • Safe for the environment, pets and people
  • Its 6 times stronger than table vinegar
  • Versatile; has a wide range of applications apart from killing weeds
  • Economical; option to refill
CONS
  • The weed killer has an off-putting smell so be sure to wear a mask
  • It’s non-selective, so it’ll kill your grass along with your weeds.

My Final Take-Away: Natural Armor’s 30% Home and Garden Vinegar is the best all-natural weed killer. This means it’s safer to use around people and pets. More importantly, it doesn’t cause any serious environmental pollution.

Where to Buy (Product)

You can compare prices and order this online at the following retailers:


Sedgehammer+ Turf Herbicide

Nutsedge is the most aggressive and persistent weed I have ever come across. Not only is it difficult to eradicate, but controlling it is quite tedious.

My neighbor had a bad Nutsedge problem and it took both chemical and cultural management methods to control its growth. One particular product that helped was the Sedgehammer Plus Turf Herbicide. Here’s more about this weed killer:

Effectiveness

The weed killer is pivotal to controlling a nutsedge infestation. You should apply it to the weeds immediately after they emerge from the soil’s surface. This will allow the chemicals to move through the plant system and reach the roots. 

That said, you’ll have to be patient. After application, it takes 3 to 5 weeks for the weeds to rot. And even then, experts recommend reapplying it after six weeks to prevent new infestations. 

Value for Money

The Sedgehammer Plus Turf Herbicide is the true definition of value for money. It’s very affordable and provides enough weed killer to cover vast areas of land. 

It comes in 2 packs of 13.5 grams each. One pack is enough to make a gallon of the herbicide, which then covers 1,000 square feet. This means that the 1.33 oz bottle (40 gallons of the solution) can be used on 1-2 acres of land. 

Finding a weed killer that eliminates the most stubborn weed on a vast area of land for less than $20 is a steal, and while Tenacity (my best overall pick) is excellent at killing Nutsedge as well, I give this one the edge for Nutsedge because of its low cost.

Versatility

Apart from Nutsedge, you can use it to eliminate other weeds. These include the Bermuda grass, Kentucky Bluegrass, creeping bentgrass, seashore paspalum, buffalo grass, among others.

Sedgehammer Plus Specifications

Active IngredientHalosulfuron-methyl
TypePost-Emergent
Application StyleSprayer
PROS
  • Dries out the weed from the root
  • Can be used to kill other weeds
  • Can be used on vast areas of land
CONS
  • Takes long to take effect
  • Needs multiple treatments

My Final Take-Away: With Sedgehammer Plus Turf Herbicide, you never have to worry about the stubborn nutsedge weed. This product dries it from the roots reducing the chances of the weed re-infesting your lawn or garden.

Where to Buy Sedgehammer Plus

You can compare prices and order this online at the following retailers:


Best Weed & Grass Killer

Ortho Groundclear Weed & Grass Killer

If you’re looking for a non-selective herbicide that’s budget-friendly and designed to kill weeds and grass, consider this one from Ortho.

This weed killer does not contain glyphosate, and it’s specially designed to clear weeds and grasses that creep on hard surfaces like stone walkways, pavements, tiles, and driveways. Here’s more about the weed killer:

Effectiveness

Ortho GroundClear Weed & Grass Killer is pretty effective, albeit using a naturally-derived active ingredient. It works within 15 minutes of application, killing most of the weeds within 24 hours. 

The active ingredient – ammonium nonanoate – dissolves the plant cell walls in the leaves and stems. This causes the weed to lose water and dry out. 

An advantage of this weed killer is the fact that it never spreads to the weeds’ root systems. This helps to protect adjacent vegetation such as flowers and other ornamental plants.

Safety

Finding a weed killer that doesn’t contain glyphosate isn’t easy. Ortho manages to formulate one by using a naturally-derived substance – ammonium nonanoate. 

This ingredient is a safe alternative for herbicides because it has a short half-life. This, in turn, reduces the risk of the ingredient reaching water supplies. 

Ergonomics

The applicator wand that comes with this weed killer is a fantastic addition. It’s in the form of a continuous spray, eliminating the need to pump.  

This handy feature means less time putting it together and minimal exposure to the chemicals. Moreover, the handle is large enough to grip, and the two settings on the sprayer make it easy to cover a large area in one pass.

That said, you’ll likely have to pull out the weeds manually once they dry out. If you find this too laborious, you can blast them with your string trimmer, or consider buying an alternative weed killer. 

Ortho GroundClear Weed & Grass Killer Specifications

Active IngredientAmmonium Nonanoate
TypePost-Emergent
Application StyleSprayer
PROS
  • Has a natural active ingredient
  • Doesn’t spread to adjacent plants
  • Easy to operate
CONS
  • You will need to remove weeds manually once the weeds dry out

My Final Take-Away: With Ortho GroundClear Weed & Grass Killer, you can rest easy knowing that any growing weeds will dry out from the leaves and that turfgrass and adjacent plants that are not sprayed will survive. It’s best for walkways and hardscapes, and unless you want to kill your lawn with the weeds, don’t use it on weeds growing in the lawn.

Where to Buy Ortho GroundClear Weed & Grass Killer

You can compare prices and order this online at the following retailers:


Best Combination Killer

Quinclorac 75 DF

Are you looking for an all-round weed killer that’s suitable for both residential and commercial turfgrasses? If you are, Quinclorac 75 DF is the ultimate solution. Here’s a look at some of its features. 

Efficiency

The active ingredient, Quinclorac, is the greatest highlight of this weed killer. 

What I like about it is that it’s very effective against crabgrass, regardless of the growth stage. So whether you’re dealing with young crabgrass weeds or a full-blown invasion, Quinclorac 75 DF is bound to work. 

Important to note though is that this only applies to crabgrass. If you’re dealing with other broadleaf or grassy weed species, then Quinclorac works best as a post-emergent weed killer. 

So while it kills visible weeds and pest grasses, it won’t prevent more from sprouting. This means you’ll still need to apply a pre-emergent herbicide. 

The specific weeds that Quinclorac is effective against are:

Longevity

Some weed killers are only effective for the first few days or weeks. Within a short time, the weeds start growing back, forcing you to re-apply the herbicide. 

With Quinclorac 75 DF, you only need to treat your lawn once and this gets the job done. The effects of this weed killer linger for anywhere between a month and 3 months. This reduces the frequency of reapplying the herbicide while also helping the grass to grow strongly.

(Product) Specifications

Active IngredientQuinclorac
TypePost-Emergent
Application StyleSprayer
PROS
  • Perfect weed killer for crabgrass; be it in the early or mature stages
  • Provides a long-lasting solution; effects can last up to 3 months
  • Suitable to apply on both residential and commercial turfgrass
CONS
  • Being a post-emergent weed killer, it’s only good at killing fully-established weeds

My Final Take-Away: Want to keep weeds from your lawn for the longest time possible? Then Quinclorac 75 DF is just what you need. The effects of this herbicide last for three months, making it easier to maintain your lawn in the long run. 

Where to Buy Quinclorac 75DF

You can compare prices and order this online at the following retailers:


Still Not Sure?

Let Me Answer Some Common Buyer Questions

Sarah, the "Lawn Chick" of LawnChick.com

If you’re like many homeowners shopping for a lawn weed killer, you might still have some questions.

Below I’ll try to provide some more information about choosing and using lawn herbicides.

I’ll also help you out by explaining some tips, tricks, and things to consider when buying the best weed killer for your lawn.

If you’re still on the fence, please explore my site. I have hundreds of in-depth articles on a range of topics about yard maintenance and lawn care, and I expect that you might find one that addresses your specific question or concern.

For now, here’s some further reading about lawn weed killer products that might help as you make your final purchase decision:

What Weed Killer Doesn’t Kill Grass?

If you want to get rid of weeds without harming grass, then be sure to buy a selective weed killer. This herbicide is designed to only target weeds, making it a safe bet for your lawn. 

So before you buy any weed killer, read its product label thoroughly. Check whether it’s recommended for lawns with beneficial plants and grass. 

If these details aren’t available, then go through the list of ingredients. Look for ingredients like quinclorac and fenoxaprop that are capable of killing grass weeds selectively.

Should I Cut My Grass Before Spraying a Weed Killer?

Yes, it’s okay to mow your lawn before applying a weed killer. But once you mow, wait at least 5 days before spraying. 

Here’s the thing, weed killers are best absorbed through foliage. Once you mow, the weeds will only have a few leaves left. 

So if you apply the weed killer immediately after mowing, it might not get absorbed efficiently. This means that your lawn will remain vulnerable to those invasive plants and your weed killer may not be quite as effective as it otherwise would be..

How Long After Spraying Weeds Should I Wait Before Mowing?

A common mistake homeowners make is to mow their lawns almost immediately after a treatment. 

Best Herbicide for Lawn Grass

There are two issues that arise from this. For starters, you risk spreading the weed killers over a bigger area and damaging beneficial plants. 

Secondly, the chemicals can attach to the grass clippings. So the minute you rake or bag the cut grass, you’ll end up removing the weed killer as well. To avoid this, wait until 48 hours have passed to mow your lawn again.

When is the Best Time to Spray Herbicides on the Lawn?

The most ideal time to apply a weed killer is right before they start germinating, which is usually in early spring. 

You can then reapply the product about two months after the first application. This weed control technique helps you eliminate even the most persistent weeds like nutsedge, crabgrass, and wild violets.

How Fast Does a Weed Killer Act?

This will vary from one herbicide to another. Some weed killers yield results within a few days while others take up to a month. Generally, you should see the weeds start to curl up after a week or two.

Most pre-emergent herbicides remain effective at blocking weed germination for 3 months or more – consult your product’s packaging for details.

Do I Need to Pull Weeds After Spraying a Herbicide?

Yes, you do. Even though herbicides do the brunt of the work and are great at killing weeds, you still have to remove them manually afterward. 

If you’re killing weeds in your lawn, they might just dry up and decompose on their own, but weeds sprayed on walkways or hardscaped areas should be removed after they are killed.

Once you apply the weed killer, give it time to reach the weeds’ root systems. This can take anywhere from 1 to 3 days. You should then pull the weeds out by hand (wear gloves). This way, you won’t leave any rotting weeds behind.

If you want to remove dead weeds from your lawn, you can probably rake them out. Avoid putting these in your compost.

What’s the Best Way to Prevent Weeds from Growing in Your Lawn?

Don’t want to keep applying weed killers on your lawn? Then consider stopping them before they take root. Here are a few tips on how to achieve this:

  • Mulch – one foolproof way of preventing weed growth in gardens alongside your lawn (where they’ll eventually migrate) is applying a layer of organic mulch. This helps in two ways. For one, it prevents weed seeds from accessing the light they need to germinate. Secondly, weeds usually inhabit areas with bare dirt. So by covering your lawn with mulch, you’re ensuring that weeds can never come into contact with bare soil. 
  • Thick Grass – if there’s one thing that allows weeds to thrive, it’s the open spaces in your lawn. To combat this, consider taking steps like overseeding to thicken your lawn and eliminate these open spaces and thin areas.
  • Apply Pre-Emergent Annually – An annual application of pre-emergent in the early spring will go a long way toward maintaining a weed-free lawn. It’s one of the best things you can do to combat persistent weed issues and is well worth the investment.

Now over to you – do you have a question or want to share a product you’ve had great results with? Leave me a comment below!

At Lawn Chick, I am committed to publishing accurate, useful, and trustworthy resources for my readers. As part of this commitment, I’ve invited subject matter experts to review our articles for accuracy. I invite you to read our editorial policy and publishing standards which outlines in detail how every article on this site is sourced, edited, fact-checked, and vetted.

-Sarah

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Sarah Jameson’s blog, Lawn Chick, is read by over 2 million homeowners each year and she is regularly cited as an expert source of lawn care knowledge by major publications. Her goal is to meet you where you are, and help you achieve a yard you’ll be proud of. Ready to take the next step toward improving your lawn? Grab her free lawn care cheat-sheet: What to Do When - Take the Guesswork Out of Lawn Care, or upgrade your garage by browsing her favorite DIY lawn care products.

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