Does your perfect green lawn turn into a battleground every spring? You spend time mowing and watering, only to see those tough, spiky crabgrass invaders pop up, ruining your hard work. It’s frustrating when you want a beautiful yard but face this common enemy. Choosing the right fertilizer that also stops crabgrass can feel like a confusing science project. You see bags promising everything, and you worry about applying the wrong thing and harming your good grass.
We know you want a simple solution that works. That is why we dug deep into the best Lawn Fertilizers with Crabgrass Preventers available today. By the end of this post, you will understand exactly what to look for, how these products work together, and which one is the best fit for your yard’s specific needs this season. Get ready to take control of your lawn care routine and finally enjoy a thick, weed-free carpet of green!
Top Lawn Fertilizer With Crabgrass Preventer Recommendations
- Scotts Turf Builder Halts Crabgrass Preventer with Lawn Food stops crabgrass before it invades and feeds grass for a fast green-up after winter
- Prevents listed weeds including crabgrass, barnyard grass, foxtail, poa annua, chickweed, and oxalis
- Apply pre-emergent weed killer plus fertilizer to a dry lawn in early spring (prior to 3rd or 4th mowing) before temperatures are regularly in the 80s
- Rain, snow, or freezing conditions after application will not affect product performance
- One 37.38 lb. bag of Scotts Turf Builder Halts Crabgrass Preventer with Lawn Food covers 14,000 sq. ft.
- Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer prevents the germination of listed lawn weeds so you can enjoy your lawn
- Prevents the germination of crabgrass, foxtail, spurge, barnyardgrass, and more as listed in the early spring all season long, and moss (except in California), Poa annua, henbit, corn speedwell, and chickweed in the fall
- Apply this pre-emergent weed killer in the early spring to a dry lawn or in the fall; rain, snow, or freezing weather after application will not affect the performance of this product
- This lawn care product is for use on all grass types (with the exception of Dichondra or Bentgrass)
- One 20.12 lb. bag of Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer covers 10,000 sq. ft.
- Scotts Turf Builder Halts Crabgrass Preventer with Lawn Food stops crabgrass before it invades and feeds grass for a fast green-up after winter
- Prevents listed weeds including crabgrass, barnyard grass, foxtail, Poa annua, chickweed, and oxalis
- Apply pre-emergent weed killer plus fertilizer to a dry lawn in early spring (prior to 3rd or 4th mowing) before temperatures are regularly in the 80s; rain, snow, or freezing conditions after application will not affect the performance of this product
- Do not apply this lawn care product to Dichondra and Bentgrass
- One 40.05 lb. bag of Scotts Turf Builder Halts Crabgrass Preventer with Lawn Food covers 15,000 sq. ft.
- Two in one lawn fertilizer and crabgrass preventer. Contains 20-0-3 Fertilizer.
- Designed to suppress crabgrass and controls other annual grass and broadleaf weeds in lawns.
- Can be applied up to 4 weeks later than other pre emergent crabgrass products.
- Nitrogen and Potassium Rich 20-0-3 fertilizer improve lawn health and resilience all season long.
- Application varies by dimension, region and grass type. See label for application instruction.
- Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action1 is a three-in-one formula that kills weeds, prevents crabgrass, and feeds grass to build thick, green lawns
- Controls dandelion, clover, dollarweed, ground ivy, chickweed, plantain, henbit, and english daisy
- Prevents crabgrass for up to 4 months (will not kill existing crabgrass); prevents other listed grassy weeds from invading your lawn
- For use on Bahiagrass, Centipedegrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, Bermudagrass, Tall Fescue, Fine Fescue, and Zoysiagrass
- Apply to a wet lawn with a Scotts spreader, and then water in after 24 hours; apply in spring when dandelions are actively growing; an 11.31 lb. bag treats 4,000 sq. ft.
- Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action1 is a three-in-one formula that kills weeds, prevents crabgrass, and feeds grass to build thick, green lawns
- Controls existing listed lawn weeds, including dandelion, clover, dollarweed, ground ivy, chickweed, plantain, henbit, and english daisy
- Prevents crabgrass for 4 months (will not kill existing crabgrass); prevents other listed grassy weeds from invading your lawn
- For use on Bahiagrass, Centipedegrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, Bermudagrass, Tall Fescue, Fine Fescue, and Zosyiagrass
- Apply to a wet lawn with a Scotts spreader, and then water in after 24 hours; apply in early spring when dandelions are actively growing; an 11.31 lb. bag treats 4,000 sq. ft.
- Scotts Turf Builder Bundle for small lawns up to 4,000 sq. ft. contains Halts Crabgrass Preventer with Lawn Food, Weed & Feed5, SummerGuard Lawn Food with Insect Control, and WinterGuard Fall Lawn Food
- In early spring, 13.35 lb Scotts Turf Builder Halts Crabgrass Preventer with Lawn Food stops crabgrass before it invades and protects your lawn all season, creating strong, deep roots and providing fast green-up after winter
- In late spring, 11.32 lb Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed5 with WeedGrip technology clears out dandelions and clover and thickens grass to crowd out future weeds
- In summer, 13.35 lb Scotts Turf Builder SummerGuard Lawn Food with Insect Control kills and protects against listed bugs, and feeds and strengthens your lawn against heat and drought
- In fall, 10 lb Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard Fall Lawn Food builds strong, deep grass roots for a better lawn next spring, helping the lawn recover from damage caused by summer heat, drought, and activity
Your Essential Guide to Buying Lawn Fertilizer with Crabgrass Preventer
Keeping your lawn green and weed-free is a big job. A combination product—lawn fertilizer with crabgrass preventer—makes it easier. This guide helps you pick the best one for your yard.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look closely at the bag. Not all products work the same way.
1. The N-P-K Ratio (The Numbers on the Bag)
- What it is: These three numbers (like 24-0-10) show the percentage of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K).
- Nitrogen (N): This is the most important part for green, leafy growth. More N means a greener lawn, but too much can burn it.
- Phosphorus (P): Helps with strong root development, especially for new lawns. Many established lawns do not need much P.
- Potassium (K): Helps the grass handle stress like heat or cold.
2. Pre-Emergent vs. Post-Emergent Crabgrass Control
- Pre-Emergent: This is the most common type in combination products. It stops crabgrass seeds from sprouting in the spring. You must apply this *before* the crabgrass appears.
- Post-Emergent: This kills crabgrass that has already sprouted. Products that do both are rare and usually cost more. For prevention, focus on pre-emergent.
3. Application Timing
Check the bag for the recommended time of year. Most preventers work best when soil temperatures hit a specific mark (usually around 55°F for several days). Applying too early or too late wastes the product.
Important Materials in the Mix
The effectiveness of the product depends on the active ingredients.
Fertilizer Components
- Slow-Release Nitrogen: Look for ingredients like Sulfur-Coated Urea (SCU) or polymer-coated nitrogen. These feed your lawn slowly over weeks, preventing fast, weak growth and burning.
- Quick-Release Nitrogen: This gives your lawn an immediate green boost but fades fast. Good products balance both types.
Crabgrass Preventer Chemicals
Common active ingredients include Pendimethalin or Prodiamine. These chemicals form a barrier in the top layer of the soil. If you plan to sow new grass seed, make sure the product is “safe for overseeding” or avoid using it entirely, as it stops all seeds from growing.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Good quality means better results and less work for you.
Quality Boosters
- Uniform Granules: Look at the texture. If the fertilizer granules are all the same size, your spreader will put down an even coating. Uneven sizes lead to stripes of thick and thin coverage.
- Added Micronutrients: Some premium products include small amounts of iron (for deep green color) or other trace minerals your soil might lack.
Quality Reducers
- Dusty Product: If the bag is very dusty, the fine particles can clog your spreader or wash away too easily before forming the barrier.
- Wrong Timing: Applying a pre-emergent when the soil is already warm enough for crabgrass to sprout renders the prevention useless.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the product determines your success.
Application Tips
You almost always need a spreader for these granular products. Use a broadcast or drop spreader. Always calibrate your spreader according to the bag directions. Over-application causes fertilizer burn; under-application lets weeds through.
When to Use It
- Early Spring: This is the primary time for application, targeting the crabgrass seeds before they germinate.
- Established Turf: These products work best on lawns that are already thick. Thin, patchy lawns struggle to compete with weeds even with preventers.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When is the best time to apply fertilizer with crabgrass preventer?
A: You apply it in early spring, usually before your soil reaches 55 degrees Fahrenheit for several days in a row. This stops the crabgrass seeds from sprouting.
Q: Can I spread grass seed at the same time as applying this product?
A: Usually, no. Most crabgrass preventers stop all seeds from growing, including your good grass seed. Check the label for “safe for overseeding.”
Q: How long does the crabgrass preventer last?
A: Most pre-emergent barriers last about 8 to 12 weeks, covering the main germination window for crabgrass.
Q: What happens if I apply it too late?
A: If you see little green crabgrass sprouts already, the pre-emergent will not work. You need a different product called a post-emergent weed killer instead.
Q: Does this product kill existing weeds?
A: No. A pre-emergent stops seeds from starting. It does not kill weeds that have already grown leaves.
Q: Is the N-P-K ratio important for prevention?
A: The N-P-K ratio is important for feeding your lawn, but the crabgrass prevention power comes from the separate chemical ingredient listed on the bag.
Q: Do I need to water the lawn after applying the granules?
A: Yes. You usually need a light watering (about a quarter inch) to wash the fertilizer into the soil and activate the chemical barrier.
Q: Can I use this product on a new lawn?
A: Only if the lawn was established (seeded or sodded) several weeks prior, and only if the product specifically says it is safe for new turf.
Q: Will this fertilizer make my lawn greener right away?
A: Some products have quick-release nitrogen that makes it green fast. Slow-release nitrogen feeds it slowly for a longer green look.
Q: How often should I use a fertilizer/preventer combo?
A: Most homeowners use this type of product once in the early spring. You might use a regular fertilizer later in the season after the prevention window closes.