Quick Answer
Drive XLR8 Herbicide Accelerate proved most effective in head-to-head testing, killing mature crabgrass within 24 hours. Products containing quinclorac as the active ingredient consistently outperform general-purpose herbicides like Tenacity for crabgrass control.
Key Takeaways
- Quinclorac-based herbicides like Drive XLR8 Accelerate work faster and more effectively than general herbicides
- Ortho Weed B Gon offers decent results and wider availability at big box stores
- Tenacity, despite its popularity, shows limited effectiveness against established crabgrass
- Adding a surfactant dramatically improves herbicide absorption and effectiveness
- Proper crabgrass identification is crucial - look for thick blades and lime green color
How to Identify Crabgrass in Your Lawn
Before choosing any treatment, proper identification is essential. Crabgrass stands out from your regular turf with its distinctive thick blades and lime green color that's noticeably different from surrounding grass. This invasive weed thrives in hot, sunny areas and becomes particularly aggressive during late summer when high temperatures stress your lawn.
Crabgrass typically establishes itself in thin or bare spots where your regular grass struggles to compete. Once it takes hold, this annual weed can quickly spread and dominate entire sections of your lawn if left untreated.
The Three Most Popular Crabgrass Control Options
Drive XLR8 Herbicide Accelerate: The Professional Choice
Drive XLR8 Herbicide Accelerate has earned its reputation as the go-to choice among lawn care professionals and serious DIY enthusiasts. While you won't find it at your local Home Depot, it's readily available through landscape supply stores or online retailers like Amazon.
The active ingredient quinclorac makes this product particularly effective against grassy weeds like crabgrass. In real-world testing, this herbicide showed dramatic results within just 24 hours, with crabgrass beginning to yellow and die off significantly faster than competing products.
Ortho Weed B Gon: The Convenient Compromise
For homeowners who prefer the convenience of big box store shopping, Ortho Weed B Gon offers a solid middle-ground option. Available everywhere from Walmart to Target, this herbicide also contains quinclorac as its active ingredient.
While it doesn't work quite as quickly as Drive XLR8, Ortho Weed B Gon provides the added benefit of controlling broadleaf weeds like clover and dandelions alongside crabgrass. This makes it an excellent choice if you're dealing with multiple weed types and want a single solution.
Tenacity: The Overrated Option
Despite its popularity on social media and lawn care forums, Tenacity shows surprisingly limited effectiveness against established crabgrass. While this herbicide excels in certain situations—particularly during seeding or for spot-treating specific broadleaf weeds—it's not the miracle cure many homeowners believe it to be.
Tenacity's claim to fame is its ability to bleach weeds white without harming grass, creating a dramatic visual effect. However, when it comes to actually killing mature crabgrass plants, products containing quinclorac consistently deliver superior results.
Application Tips for Maximum Effectiveness
The Surfactant Secret
One crucial factor that many homeowners overlook is the importance of adding a surfactant to their herbicide mix. Crabgrass leaves have a natural waxy coating that repels water—similar to a freshly waxed car. Without a surfactant, your expensive herbicide may simply bead up and roll off the plant instead of being absorbed.
A commercial surfactant is ideal, but you can achieve similar results by adding a small amount of dish soap to your spray tank. This simple addition can dramatically improve your herbicide's effectiveness by ensuring better coverage and absorption.
Proper Application Equipment
While you can apply herbicides with a basic pump sprayer, investing in a battery-powered backpack sprayer makes the job significantly easier. These tools maintain consistent pressure without manual pumping, allowing you to cover large areas more efficiently and with better coverage uniformity.
Why Timing and Realistic Expectations Matter
The most effective crabgrass control actually begins in early spring with pre-emergent herbicides applied before seeds germinate. However, when you're dealing with established crabgrass during growing season, post-emergent herbicides containing quinclorac offer your best chance of success.
Expect to see initial results within 2-3 days with quality products, though complete kill may take 1-2 weeks depending on plant maturity and environmental conditions. Large, well-established crabgrass plants are always more challenging to eliminate than younger specimens.
Remember that dead crabgrass will leave bare spots in your lawn. Plan to overseed these areas in fall or spring to prevent new weeds from establishing in the vacant space.