Best Pre-Emergent for Weeds: 10 Lawn and Garden Preventers Compared

A pre-emergent works only before weed seeds sprout, which makes the date on your calendar part of the product. Put it down too late and the weeds are already up. Put it down too early and the barrier may fade before the season ends.

Listings give the timing clues. The Scotts Halts Crabgrass Preventer 10.06 lb lists spring for crabgrass and fall for winter weeds. The Andersons Barricade Prodiamine 40 lb lists early spring and fall. The Preen Extended Control 13.75 lb lists up to 6 months of control in garden beds, and the Hi-Yield Oryzalin Weed and Grass Stopper 12 lb says it can go on up to 4 weeks later than other crabgrass products.

We compared 10 products by form, bag size, coverage and control period, using only listing details. A preventer does not kill weeds already growing, and it can also stop grass seed from sprouting, so read the label before you reseed.

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On this page

1. Compare Pre-Emergent Weed Preventers by Form, Size and Control Period
2. Detailed Reviews: Best Pre-Emergent for Weeds
3. Do Not Expect a Preventer to Kill Weeds Already Up
4. Check the Label Before Reseeding or Planting
5. How to Choose a Pre-Emergent Weed Preventer
6. Which Pre-Emergent Should You Choose?
7. Frequently Asked Questions
8. Final Verdict

Compare Pre-Emergent Weed Preventers by Form, Size and Control Period

Detailed Reviews: Best Pre-Emergent for Weeds

1. Scotts Halts Crabgrass and Grassy Weed Preventer, 10.06 lbs. (Best overall pre-emergent for lawns)

• 10.06 lbBag
• 5,000 sq ftCoverage
• SpringCrabgrass
• FallWinter weeds

Best for: lawns where you want a spring crabgrass step and an optional fall step

Why it ranks #1: It lists coverage, both seasons and what each application targets, and it keeps working through weather.

Scotts lists a preventer that stops crabgrass all season with one spring application, and in fall it prevents winter weeds such as poa annua, henbit and chickweed. The listing says to apply in fall to prevent moss.

It says rain, snow or freezing weather after application will not affect performance, and the 10.06 lb bag treats up to 5,000 sq ft. It prevents weeds, so it does not remove ones already up.

Skip it if you want fertilizer in the same bag; the Scotts Turf Builder Halts with Lawn Food and GreenView Crabgrass Control Plus Lawn Food 13.5 lb add lawn food.

2. The Andersons Barricade Professional-Grade Granular Pre-Emergent Weed Control, 40 lb (Best large-bag option for bigger lawns)

• 40 lbBag
• 12,880 sq ftCoverage
• 0.48%Prodiamine
• USAMade in

Best for: larger lawns where a big bag saves repeat purchases

Why it ranks #2: It lists the active ingredient and percentage, a large coverage figure and spring and fall timing.

The Andersons lists a professional-grade granule with 0.48 percent prodiamine that prevents grassy and broadleaf weeds including crabgrass, poa annua, goosegrass and henbit. The listing says it will not aid in eliminating existing weeds.

It lists early spring and fall use, dispersible granules that dissolve with watering, and coverage up to 12,880 sq ft per 40 lb bag. It is made in the USA.

Skip it if you have a small lawn; the Scotts Halts Crabgrass Preventer 10.06 lb has a smaller bag.

3. Scotts Turf Builder Halts Crabgrass Preventer with Lawn Food, 5,000 sq. ft. (Best preventer with fertilizer in the bag)

• 5,000 sq ftCoverage
• CrabgrassPrevents
• Lawn foodIncluded
• 1/4 to 1/2 inWater after

Best for: spring lawns that also need a feeding

Why it ranks #3: It combines crabgrass prevention with fertilizer and lists a watering rule.

Scotts lists a product that stops crabgrass before it invades and feeds the lawn for a fast green-up after winter. The listing says rain, snow or freezing conditions after application will not affect performance.

It advises 1/4 to 1/2 in of water from rain or watering within 2 to 3 days. Feeding and preventing are done in one pass, so it is a spring product.

Skip it if you want preventer only; the Scotts Halts Crabgrass Preventer 10.06 lb is a preventer without fertilizer.

4. Preen Extended Control Weed Preventer, 13.75 lb. Drum (Best for garden beds with long control)

• 13.75 lbDrum
• 2,245 sq ftCoverage
• 6 monthsControl
• 125+Weeds

Best for: perennial, shrub and tree beds

Why it ranks #4: It lists the longest control period among the garden products, plus a wide plant compatibility figure.

Preen lists a pre-emergent for garden space that blocks over 125 broadleaf and grassy weed species from germinating for up to 6 months. It works around over 600 established perennials, groundcovers, shrubs and trees as listed on the label.

You apply the granules by hand spreader or scoop in spring, summer or fall and water thoroughly to activate the barrier. It is for planting beds, not lawns.

Skip it if you want a lawn product; the Scotts Halts Crabgrass Preventer 10.06 lb and Andersons Barricade Prodiamine 40 lb are for lawns.

5. Preen Garden Weed Preventer, Pre-Emergent Formula, 16 lb (Best for flower and vegetable gardens)

• 16 lbDrum
• 2,560 sq ftCoverage
• 3 monthsControl
• 200+Plants

Best for: flower and vegetable gardens around established plants

Why it ranks #5: It names vegetables and flowers and lists over 200 compatible plants.

Preen lists a preemergent that prevents weed seeds from germinating for up to 3 months when applied around established flowers, vegetables, trees and shrubs. It works with over 200 plants as listed on the label.

The listing says to remove existing weeds, then sprinkle granules over the soil in spring, summer or fall with a hand spreader or scoop. It covers 2,560 sq ft.

Skip it if you want longer control; the Preen Extended Control 13.75 lb lists up to 6 months.

6. GreenView Crabgrass Control Plus Lawn Food, 13.5 lb. (Best slow-release feed and preventer)

• 13.5 lbBag
• 5,000 sq ftCoverage
• 26-0-4NPK
• 8 weeksFeeding

Best for: spring lawns that need nitrogen and crabgrass prevention

Why it ranks #6: It lists a slow-release 26-0-4 formula and 8 weeks of feeding.

GreenView lists a 13.5 lb bag that treats up to 5,000 sq ft, with a 26-0-4 NPK ratio and slow-release nutrients for up to 8 weeks. It acts as a crabgrass preventer that stops crabgrass all season.

The listing calls it a spring weed and feed that promotes green-up. It adds nitrogen, so check your lawn needs before using it.

Skip it if you want a preventer only; the Scotts Halts Crabgrass Preventer 10.06 lb has no fertilizer.

7. 0-0-7 Granular Prodiamine Pre-Emergent Herbicide Fertilizer, 18 lbs (Best for warm-season grass types)

• 18 lbBag
• 6,000 sq ftCoverage
• 0.37%Prodiamine
• 0-0-7Analysis

Best for: bermuda, zoysia, St. Augustine and other listed turf types

Why it ranks #7: It names the grass types it is for and states rate and coverage.

Turf Care Supply lists 0.37 percent prodiamine in an 18 lb bag that covers 6,000 sq ft at 3 lb per 1,000 sq ft. It names crabgrass and poa annua, and lists suitability for grasses including bahiagrass, centipede, bermuda, zoysia, St. Augustine, paspalum and tall fescue.

The listing says it cannot ship to Alaska, Hawaii, Maine or New York. Check the label for any state use limits.

Skip it if you want a bigger bag; the Andersons Barricade Prodiamine 40 lb is 40 lb.

8. Hi-Yield Turf and Ornamental Weed and Grass Stopper, 12 lbs (Best for late applications)

• 12 lbBag
• 5,000 sq ftCoverage
• OryzalinActive
• 4 weeksLater

Best for: lawns and landscape beds when you missed the early window

Why it ranks #8: It is the one listing that says it can go on later than other crabgrass preventers.

Hi-Yield lists oryzalin granules for annual grasses and broadleaf weeds in established lawns, ornamental turf and landscape areas. The listing says it can be applied up to 4 weeks later than other pre-emergent crabgrass products.

The 12 lb bag treats up to 5,000 sq ft, and the listing says to apply within a few days of mowing. Check the label for rates and the full weed list.

Skip it if you want a named control period; the Preen Extended Control 13.75 lb lists 6 months.

9. DOW Snapshot 2.5 TG Granular Pre-emergent Herbicide (Best for ornamental and nursery beds)

• 111Weeds
• 6 to 8 moControl
• IsoxabenActive
• TrifluralinActive

Best for: ornamental and landscape beds

Why it ranks #9: It lists a long control period but little size or coverage detail.

The listing says Snapshot 2.5 offers up to 6 to 8 months of control for 111 broadleaf and grassy weeds, with a rate of 2.3 to 4.6 lb per 1,000 sq ft. The active ingredients are isoxaben and trifluralin.

It says to apply before rainfall or irrigation. It does not list bag size or turf use, so read the label.

Skip it if you want a lawn product; the Scotts Halts Crabgrass Preventer 10.06 lb and Andersons Barricade Prodiamine 40 lb are for lawns.

10. Hi-Yield Herbicide Granules Weed and Grass Preventer, 4 lbs (Pendimethalin) (Best small bag for garden spots)

• 4 lbBag
• PendimethalinActive
• SmallAreas
• LabelRates

Best for: small lawn or flowerbed areas

Why it ranks #10: Its listing gives no coverage or control period, so it ranks last.

Hi-Yield lists pendimethalin granules that prevent weed and grass growth where applied, controlling bluegrass, barnyard grass, crabgrass and more. It names smaller turf and ornamental areas.

Rates vary with plant type and size, and the listing says to see the label. It gives no coverage figure.

Skip it if you want a stated coverage; the Scotts Halts Crabgrass Preventer 10.06 lb lists 5,000 sq ft.

Do Not Expect a Preventer to Kill Weeds Already Up

The Andersons Barricade Prodiamine 40 lb listing says it will not aid in eliminating existing weeds, and the Preen Garden Weed Preventer 16 lb listing tells you to remove existing weeds first. A pre-emergent stops new seeds from germinating, it does not clear what is growing. Pull or treat those weeds, then apply the barrier.

Watering matters too. The Scotts Turf Builder Halts with Lawn Food listing advises 1/4 to 1/2 in of water within 2 to 3 days, and the Preen Extended Control 13.75 lb says to water thoroughly to activate the barrier.

Check the Label Before Reseeding or Planting

Pre-emergents stop seeds from sprouting, and that includes grass seed you want. If you plan to overseed a lawn or sow flowers, read the label and pick a different time. Garden products like the Preen Extended Control 13.75 lb and Preen Garden Weed Preventer 16 lb list compatible established plants, so check the plant list on the label before you apply.

The Turf Care Supply Prodiamine 0-0-7 18 lb listing also names shipping limits for some states. Use limits can vary by state, so check the label and your local rules.

How to Choose a Pre-Emergent Weed Preventer

Lawn or garden

Lawn products like the Scotts Halts Crabgrass Preventer 10.06 lb and Andersons Barricade Prodiamine 40 lb are for turf. Garden products like the Preen Extended Control 13.75 lb and Preen Garden Weed Preventer 16 lb are for planting beds.

Feed or not

The Scotts Turf Builder Halts with Lawn Food and GreenView Crabgrass Control Plus Lawn Food 13.5 lb add fertilizer. The Scotts Halts Crabgrass Preventer 10.06 lb is a preventer only.

Coverage

The Andersons Barricade Prodiamine 40 lb covers up to 12,880 sq ft, the Turf Care Supply Prodiamine 0-0-7 18 lb 6,000 sq ft and the Scotts Halts Crabgrass Preventer 10.06 lb 5,000 sq ft. Measure your area first.

Control period

The Preen Extended Control 13.75 lb lists up to 6 months, the Preen Garden Weed Preventer 16 lb up to 3 months and the Dow Snapshot 2.5 TG up to 6 to 8 months.

Which Pre-Emergent Should You Choose?

• If you want the best all-round lawn preventer, choose the Scotts Halts Crabgrass Preventer 10.06 lb, because it lists spring and fall use.
• If you have a big lawn, choose the Andersons Barricade Prodiamine 40 lb, because it covers up to 12,880 sq ft.
• If you want feeding too, choose the Scotts Turf Builder Halts with Lawn Food, because it adds lawn food.
• If you want garden beds covered longer, choose the Preen Extended Control 13.75 lb, because it lists up to 6 months.
• If you want a flower and vegetable bed product, choose the Preen Garden Weed Preventer 16 lb, because it names vegetables.
• If you want slow-release nitrogen, choose the GreenView Crabgrass Control Plus Lawn Food 13.5 lb, because it lists 8 weeks of feeding.
• If you have warm-season grass, choose the Turf Care Supply Prodiamine 0-0-7 18 lb, because it names the grass types.
• If you missed the early window, choose the Hi-Yield Oryzalin Weed and Grass Stopper 12 lb, because it can go on later.
• If you want a long-control ornamental bed product, choose the Dow Snapshot 2.5 TG, because it lists 6 to 8 months.
• If you need a small bag, choose the Hi-Yield Pendimethalin Granules 4 lb, because it is 4 lb.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best pre-emergent for weeds?

For lawns, the Scotts Halts Crabgrass Preventer 10.06 lb is the best pick here, with spring and fall use and 5,000 sq ft of coverage. For garden beds, the Preen Extended Control 13.75 lb lists up to 6 months of control.

When should I apply a pre-emergent?

It depends on the product and the weeds. The Scotts Halts Crabgrass Preventer 10.06 lb lists spring for crabgrass and fall for winter weeds, and the Andersons Barricade Prodiamine 40 lb lists early spring and fall. Follow the label.

Does a pre-emergent kill existing weeds?

No. The Andersons Barricade Prodiamine 40 lb listing says it will not aid in eliminating existing weeds. Remove them first.

Can I use a pre-emergent when I plan to seed?

Usually not. Pre-emergents stop seeds from sprouting, including grass seed. Read the label and wait or choose another time before reseeding.

Do I need to water it in?

Often yes. The Scotts Turf Builder Halts with Lawn Food advises 1/4 to 1/2 in within 2 to 3 days, and the Preen Extended Control 13.75 lb says to water thoroughly. Check each label.

Is a weed and feed worth it?

It saves a pass, but it adds fertilizer. The Scotts Turf Builder Halts with Lawn Food and GreenView Crabgrass Control Plus Lawn Food 13.5 lb add nitrogen, so check your lawn needs before using one.

Final Verdict

The Scotts Halts Crabgrass Preventer 10.06 lb is the best pre-emergent for weeds in this guide. It lists spring and fall use, 5,000 sq ft of coverage and weather tolerance. For bigger lawns, the Andersons Barricade Prodiamine 40 lb covers more, and for garden beds the Preen Extended Control 13.75 lb lists up to 6 months of control. Before you buy, match the product to lawn or garden, check your timing and read the label before reseeding.

See the Scotts Halts Crabgrass Preventer 10.06 lb on Amazon