Dealing with crabgrass can feel like a never-ending battle for homeowners. This invasive weed pops up when you least expect it, stealing nutrients and ruining the pristine look of your lawn. Fortunately, Scotts offers a range of fertilizers designed to combat this common nuisance. We’ve scoured the market to find the best Scotts fertilizer for crabgrass, focusing on effectiveness, ease of use, and overall lawn health.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 6 Best Scotts Fertilizer For Crabgrass Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. BONIDE 60410 Crab Grass Preventer
The BONIDE 60410 Crab Grass Preventer is a top-tier choice for homeowners looking to tackle crabgrass head-on. It’s formulated to feed your lawn while simultaneously preventing crabgrass and other undesirable weeds from germinating. This product is designed for early spring application, setting your lawn up for success throughout the growing season.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Dual-Action Formula: Feeds your lawn and prevents crabgrass germination simultaneously.
- ✓ Slow-Release Nitrogen: Features 20% slow-release nitrogen for sustained feeding and healthier grass growth.
- ✓ Covers Large Areas: Effectively treats up to 5,000 sq. ft., making it suitable for most lawns.
- ✓ Fast-Acting: Designed for quick application and noticeable results in preventing weed growth.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend this BONIDE product because it provides a comprehensive solution for crabgrass control. Its ability to nourish your lawn while preventing weed growth makes it an efficient and effective choice for maintaining a lush, healthy yard. It’s a reliable option for proactive lawn care.
Best For
This product is best for homeowners who want a preventative solution for crabgrass that also contributes to overall lawn health and provides sustained feeding.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Effectively prevents crabgrass germination.
- Provides essential nutrients for lawn health.
- Covers a significant area, offering good value.
- Fast-acting formula.
Cons:
- Requires timely application in early spring for best results.
- May not be effective on established crabgrass.
Customer Reviews
Customer reviews highlight a mixed experience. Some users have found it ineffective, stating, “It’s like I never put on the early spring application & mid June as the crabgrass is popping up all over the place.” This indicates that timing and environmental factors can significantly impact its performance.
2. Scotts Starter Food Ready-Spray
While not strictly a crabgrass *preventer*, Scotts Starter Food Ready-Spray is an excellent choice for new lawns or overseeding. It provides the essential nutrients needed for young grass to establish strong roots and outcompete weeds, including crabgrass, as they grow. Its spray application makes it incredibly convenient.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Easy Ready-Spray Application: Connects directly to your garden hose for effortless application.
- ✓ Nutrient Rich Formula: Specifically designed to promote rapid root development and strong grass growth.
- ✓ Supports New Grass: Ideal for seeding, sodding, or reseeding efforts, helping new grass establish quickly.
- ✓ Feeds & Waters: This liquid fertilizer helps feed and water your grass simultaneously for better results.
Why We Recommend It
We selected this Scotts product as an editor’s choice because of its incredible ease of use and its role in establishing a dense, healthy lawn from the start. A thick, healthy lawn is the best defense against crabgrass, and this product excels at promoting that initial growth. It’s a fantastic option for anyone starting a new lawn or refreshing an existing one.
Best For
This starter food is best for homeowners planting new grass seed, laying sod, or undertaking significant reseeding projects where establishing a dense, healthy turf is the primary goal to naturally outcompete weeds.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely easy to apply with a hose.
- Promotes robust growth of new grass.
- Helps create a dense lawn that can choke out weeds.
- Good for overall lawn establishment.
Cons:
- Does not actively kill existing crabgrass.
- Coverage is limited to 600 sq. ft. per bottle.
Customer Reviews
Customers are highly satisfied with this product, frequently praising its effectiveness: “Awesome grass fertilizer. I only buy Scott’s for 30 years. It’s perfect. Works great as it should. Grass is so much thicket and greener. It grows very fast now. Perfect. Highly recommend.”
3. Espoma EOLF28 Organic Lawn Food
For those seeking an organic and budget-friendly option, the Espoma EOLF28 Organic Lawn Food is a fantastic choice. While it doesn’t contain specific crabgrass pre-emergents, its focus on creating a robust, healthy lawn with natural ingredients helps grass outcompete weeds effectively. It provides essential nutrients for lush growth.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Organic Formulation: Made from natural and organic ingredients, promoting a healthier environment.
- ✓ Bio-tone Formula: Enhanced with an exclusive Bio-tone formula for better nutrient uptake and soil health.
- ✓ All-Season Feeding: Provides essential nutrients for lawns in all seasons, supporting consistent growth.
- ✓ Won’t Burn Lawns: Gentle formula designed to nourish grass without the risk of burning.
Why We Recommend It
This Espoma product is recommended for its commitment to organic lawn care and its ability to foster a healthy lawn ecosystem. By strengthening your grass naturally, it creates a dense turf that is less susceptible to weed invasion, making it a great long-term strategy against crabgrass. It offers excellent value for its price point.
Best For
This organic lawn food is best for environmentally conscious homeowners looking for a safe, effective, and affordable way to feed their lawn and promote natural weed suppression.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- 100% organic and safe for the environment.
- Promotes healthy soil and strong grass growth.
- Does not pose a risk of burning your lawn.
- Good value for a large 28-pound bag.
Cons:
- Does not contain active crabgrass pre-emergent ingredients.
- Results may take longer to appear compared to synthetic fertilizers.
Customer Reviews
Customers appreciate the organic nature and positive impact on their lawns: “Works wonders and you can feel good about what your putting in the environment.” and “Loves this brand Good results and like that it isn’t like similar products that are toxic to humans and animals. It’s true that a healthy lawn chokes out weeds.”
4. Bonide BND60400 Crabgrass & Weed Preventer
The Bonide BND60400 offers reliable pre-emergent control for crabgrass and other weeds, providing season-long protection. It’s designed for application in early spring, before crabgrass seeds germinate, making it a proactive solution. This product is also noted for its “ready-to-use” convenience.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Pre-Emergent Control: Effectively prevents crabgrass and other annual weeds from sprouting.
- ✓ Dura Turf Technology: Ensures long-lasting protection for your lawn.
- ✓ Ready-To-Use Formula: No mixing required, making application straightforward.
- ✓ Covers Up To 5,000 Sq. Ft.: A single bag provides ample coverage for most residential lawns.
Why We Recommend It
This Bonide product is a solid choice for its straightforward crabgrass prevention capabilities. It’s particularly useful for those who want a no-fuss, ready-to-apply solution that offers reliable pre-emergent weed control. Its ability to be applied later than some other products also offers a bit more flexibility.
Best For
This weed preventer is best for homeowners who need a dependable pre-emergent solution to stop crabgrass before it starts, especially those who prefer a ready-to-use product.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent pre-emergent weed control.
- Convenient ready-to-use formulation.
- Covers a large area effectively.
- Can be applied on both cool-season and warm-season turfgrass.
Cons:
- Does not address existing crabgrass or other established weeds.
- Application timing is crucial for maximum effectiveness.
Customer Reviews
Customers have reported positive results: “I use this twice a year to keep weeds out of my junipers of steep hill” and “Good product. No crabgrass where I applied it. Would recommend it.” These reviews suggest it performs well as a preventative measure.
5. Fertilome 11910 Crabgrass Preventer Lawn Food
The Fertilome 11910 combines the benefits of a lawn fertilizer and a crabgrass preventer into one product. Its “Dimension” ingredient targets crabgrass and other annual grassy weeds while the 20-0-3 fertilizer formulation promotes healthy, dense turf growth. This dual-action approach is efficient for lawn maintenance.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Two-in-One Action: Combines fertilization with crabgrass and weed prevention.
- ✓ Contains Dimension: Effectively suppresses crabgrass and other annual weeds.
- ✓ 20-0-3 Fertilizer Ratio: Provides nitrogen for growth, phosphorus for root development, and potassium for overall health.
- ✓ Later Application Window: Can be applied up to four weeks later than some other pre-emergent products.
Why We Recommend It
This Fertilome product is a great option for homeowners who appreciate the convenience of a “weed and feed” type solution. The combination of feeding and preventing weeds means fewer applications and less work, while still effectively targeting crabgrass and nurturing a healthy lawn. It’s particularly useful for those who might miss the earliest application window.
Best For
This lawn food with crabgrass preventer is best for those who want a combined fertilizer and pre-emergent treatment to simplify their lawn care routine and ensure good growth while controlling weeds.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Convenient dual-action formula.
- Effective against crabgrass and other weeds.
- Supports strong lawn growth with its fertilizer blend.
- Offers a flexible application window.
Cons:
- Requires proper timing for pre-emergent effectiveness.
- May not kill established weeds.
Customer Reviews
User feedback indicates satisfaction: “I’m using fertilome already but haven’t used the crabgrass preventer. With the performance of the other fertilome product, I’m sure this will meet it’s expectations.” and “Purchased this last March and put it down then. We are now in August and seems to have worked out well as to only a couple crabgrass sprouted up.”
6. Fertilome 10921 Weed-Out Lawn Fertilizer
The Fertilome 10921 Weed-Out Plus Lawn Fertilizer is a powerful “weed and feed” product designed to tackle a wide variety of broadleaf weeds while also fertilizing your lawn. While its primary focus is on broadleaf weeds, a healthy, dense lawn promoted by this fertilizer can help suppress the growth of crabgrass.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Broadleaf Weed Control: Effectively eliminates over 200 types of broadleaf weeds.
- ✓ 25-0-4 Fertilizer: Provides a good balance of nutrients to promote healthy grass growth.
- ✓ Covers Large Areas: A 20 lb bag can treat up to 5,000 square feet.
- ✓ Dual-Action Benefits: Fertilizes your lawn while simultaneously controlling many common lawn weeds.
Why We Recommend It
We’ve included this Fertilome product because it represents a popular and effective approach to lawn maintenance for many homeowners. By controlling broadleaf weeds and providing essential nutrients, it helps create a healthier, more resilient lawn that is naturally better at resisting invasive species like crabgrass. It’s a good all-around performer.
Best For
This weed and feed is best for homeowners looking for a comprehensive solution to manage broadleaf weeds and fertilize their lawn simultaneously, leading to a thicker, healthier turf.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Effectively controls a wide range of broadleaf weeds.
- Provides beneficial fertilization for lawn health.
- Covers a substantial area for its size.
- Simplifies lawn care with a combined formula.
Cons:
- Primarily targets broadleaf weeds, not grassy weeds like crabgrass directly.
- Requires application at the right time for best weed control results.
Customer Reviews
Customers have expressed strong satisfaction with its performance: “This is the best fertilizer/weed killer I have used in 60 years of maintaining lawns. We use it on all our rental properties.”
Complete Buying Guide for Best Scotts Fertilizer For Crabgrass
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing the best fertilizer for crabgrass, we look at several key factors. Primarily, we prioritize products that offer effective pre-emergent control, meaning they stop crabgrass seeds from germinating in the first place. We also consider the fertilizer’s ability to promote a thick, healthy lawn, as dense turf is the best natural defense against weeds. Ease of application is another crucial aspect; we look for products that are straightforward to use, whether they come in granular or liquid form. Finally, ingredient quality and safety for your lawn and the environment are paramount in our selection process.
Budget Planning
Fertilizers for crabgrass control vary in price depending on their formulation, brand, and coverage area. Generally, pre-emergent herbicides tend to be more expensive than standard lawn fertilizers due to the active ingredients required for weed prevention. Scotts offers a range of options, from more basic weed preventers to advanced formulas that combine weed control with specialized fertilizers. Before purchasing, consider the size of your lawn and how many applications you might need. Investing in a quality product early in the season can save you money and effort in the long run by preventing a widespread crabgrass infestation.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right fertilizer to combat crabgrass is a proactive step towards a healthier, more attractive lawn. While Scotts is a prominent name in lawn care, it’s important to note that other reputable brands like BONIDE, Espoma, and Fertilome also offer excellent crabgrass control solutions. The best choice for you will depend on your specific lawn needs, budget, and preferred application method. Remember that timing is critical for pre-emergent treatments, so applying early in the spring before soil temperatures reach 55°F is key to success. For a truly resilient lawn, consider combining a pre-emergent treatment with ongoing fertilization that promotes dense grass growth, such as the best Scotts fertilizer for Zoysia grass or appropriate options for other grass types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is the best time to apply a Scotts fertilizer for crabgrass?
A: The ideal time to apply a crabgrass pre-emergent is in early spring, typically before soil temperatures consistently reach 55°F. This is usually from late March to early April in many regions. Applying too late means the crabgrass seeds may have already germinated.
Q: Can Scotts fertilizer kill existing crabgrass?
A: Most Scotts fertilizers designed for crabgrass prevention are pre-emergents, meaning they stop crabgrass from growing. They are not designed to kill crabgrass that has already emerged. For existing crabgrass, you would need a post-emergent herbicide, or focus on improving lawn health to outcompete it.
Q: How often should I fertilize my lawn for crabgrass control?
A: If you are using a product that combines fertilizer and crabgrass prevention, follow the package instructions, which often recommend one or two applications per year. For general lawn health, continuing to fertilize throughout the growing season according to your grass type’s needs (e.g., using Scotts fertilizer for St. Augustine grass if you have that type) will help create a dense turf that is less susceptible to weeds.
Q: What is the difference between pre-emergent and post-emergent crabgrass control?
A: Pre-emergent crabgrass control prevents crabgrass seeds from germinating and establishing roots. Post-emergent control targets crabgrass that has already sprouted. Fertilizers that prevent crabgrass are generally pre-emergents.
Q: Can I use a crabgrass preventer on my newly seeded lawn?
A: Generally, you should avoid applying crabgrass pre-emergents on newly seeded lawns for a specified period after seeding, as they can inhibit the germination of your desirable grass seed. Always check the product label for specific instructions regarding application around new grass seed or sod. For new lawns, focusing on a good starter fertilizer like Scotts Starter Food Ready-Spray is often recommended.
Tackling crabgrass is a crucial part of maintaining a beautiful, healthy lawn. By understanding the options available, especially from trusted brands like Scotts, you can make an informed decision to protect your turf. Whether you opt for a dedicated pre-emergent, a combination fertilizer, or focus on creating a dense, competitive lawn, the goal is to keep that unwanted grass at bay. Explore the products reviewed here and choose the best Scotts fertilizer for crabgrass that fits your lawn care routine and helps you achieve the yard of your dreams.