Protect your lawn from crabgrass while nourishing it with a balanced fertilizer. The products below combine pre-emergent weed control with lawn food, helping you achieve a thicker, greener turf. This guide highlights five top options popular in American yards, detailing coverage, seasonal readiness, and weed control capabilities to fit different lawn sizes and needs.
| Product | Brand | Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scotts Turf Builder Halts Crabgrass Preventer with Lawn Food | Scotts | 14,000 sq ft | Pre-emergent + fertilizer; stops crabgrass and listed weeds |
| Scotts Turf Builder Halts Crabgrass Preventer with Lawn Food | Scotts | 15,000 sq ft | Pre-emergent + fertilizer; effective in early spring |
| The Andersons Premium Crabgrass Preventer Plus Fertilizer | The Andersons | Up to 6,000 sq ft | Dimension-based; extended weed protection |
| Fertilome Crabgrass Preventer Plus Lawn Food with Dimension | ferti-lome | 32 lbs bag (coverage varies) | Two-in-one product; 20-0-3 analysis |
| Jonathan Green Veri-Green Crabgrass Preventer Plus Fertilizer | Jonathan Green | Up to 15,000 sq ft | 3-month feeding; pre & post emergent control |
Note: Coverage figures may vary slightly with lawn conditions and application rates. Always read label directions for proper timing and mowing height. The selections below provide a range of coverage to help you pick a product that fits your yard size and weed-control needs.
Scotts Turf Builder Halts Crabgrass Preventer With Lawn Food
Features a pre-emergent weed killer combined with lawn fertilizer. Designed to stop crabgrass before germination and to feed grass for a quick green-up after winter. It protects against a range of listed weeds including crabgrass, barnyard grass, foxtail, Poa annua, chickweed, and oxalis. Best applied to a dry lawn in early spring, before the lawn regularly reaches 80-degree temperatures.
Scotts Turf Builder Halts Crabgrass Preventer With Lawn Food (15,000 Sq Ft)
This pre-emergent plus fertilizer stops crabgrass before invasion and promotes fast spring green-up. It notes protection against listed weeds such as crabgrass, barnyard grass, foxtail, Poa annua, chickweed, and oxalis. Tailored for early spring application on dry lawns before temperatures regularly hit the 80s; rain or snow after application does not reduce effectiveness.
The Andersons Premium Crabgrass Preventer Plus Fertilizer
Combines Dimension-based crabgrass protection with lawn fertilizer for a thick, green lawn. Provides up to four months of protection against 24 grass and broadleaf weeds. Includes quick- and slow-release nitrogen for fast spring green-up and extended feeding, making it suitable for users seeking longer-lasting weed control with steady nourishment.
Fertilome Crabgrass Preventer Plus Lawn Food With Dimension
Two-in-one lawn fertilizer and crabgrass preventer designed to suppress crabgrass and control other annual grasses and broadleaf weeds. Features a 20-0-3 fertilizer analysis and can be applied up to four weeks later than some other pre-emergent products. This offers flexibility for spring timing and weed management in changing climates.
Jonathan Green Veri-Green Crabgrass Preventer Plus Fertilizer
This lawn food provides feeding for up to three months with a 20-0-3 analysis. It offers both pre- and post-emergent crabgrass control, enabling season-long protection. Its formulation targets various weeds beyond crabgrass, including goosegrass, dallisgrass, chickweed, henbit, oxalis, spurge, and more, for broader weed management while feeding the lawn.
GreenView Crabgrass Control Plus Lawn Food
Designed to stop and prevent crabgrass all season long, GreenSmart Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizer provides continuous feeding for up to eight weeks. It also helps restore soil nutrients and aids in water retention to protect against heat and drought, supporting lawn resilience during hot summers and dry spells.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Coverage and lawn size: Match product coverage with your yard. Larger lawns may benefit from products listed for bigger square footage, while smaller lawns can use compact bags that still provide season-long protection.
- Active ingredient and weed targets: Dimension-based products deliver pre-emergent protection for crabgrass and multiple weeds. If your lawn battles specific annual grasses or broadleaf weeds, verify the label for weed targets and compatibility with seeding or renovation.
- Timing and climate: Apply in early spring before soil temperatures consistently reach the 80s. Some products tolerate minor weather variances, but heavy rain, snow, or freezing conditions after application can influence performance.
- Feeding strategy: Consider whether you want quick green-up through quick-release nitrogen or a longer feeding cycle with slow-release nitrogen. Balanced options provide both weed control and lawn nourishment over time.
- Longevity and season coverage: Look for products offering several months of protection. Some formulas advertise up to three months of control, others extend to four months or more, depending on active ingredients and lawn conditions.
- Seeding and renovation: If you plan to seed a new lawn, avoid products that are labeled for overlapping with new seed germination. Some formulas caution against simultaneous seeding and application.
- Safety and lawn type: Ensure compatibility with your grass type (cool-season vs warm-season) and follow safety guidelines for pets and children after application.
Across these options, the common goal remains clear: reduce crabgrass invasion while nourishing the lawn. Choose a product that aligns with your yard size, weed challenges, and seasonal timing to maintain a healthy, resilient lawn throughout the growing season.