Maintaining a healthy, green lawn requires targeted weed prevention paired with effective fertilization. This article highlights top liquid and granular crabgrass preventers and lawn fertilizers from Scotts, designed to stop crabgrass and other broadleaf weeds while feeding your grass. Each product below includes a quick overview, ideal coverage, and how it fits into a year-round lawn care plan. Use the buying guide to compare features and choose what best suits your yard.
Summary of chosen products:
- Scotts Liquid Turf Builder with Plus 2 Weed Control — liquid weed killer and fertilizer for quick greening.
- Scotts Turf Builder Halts Crabgrass Preventer with Lawn Food (14,000 sq. ft.) — pre-emergent weed killer plus feeding.
- Scotts Turf Builder Halts Crabgrass Preventer with Lawn Food (15,000 sq. ft.) — pre-emergent protection and fertilizer.
- Scotts WeedEx Prevent with Halts — pre-emergent crabgrass prevention for season-long control.
- Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer (10,000 sq. ft.) — early-spring proactive weed prevention with feeding.
Best Liquid Turf Builder With Weed Control
Scotts Liquid Turf Builder with Plus 2 Weed Control combines weed-killing action with lawn nutrition. The product delivers a rapid boost of nitrogen to promote greener, thicker turf, while targeting broadleaf weeds such as dandelions, clover, ground ivy, and chickweed. It is designed for active weed growth periods, providing a ready-to-spray solution that can be applied to an established lawn. This option is ideal for homeowners seeking both weed suppression and quick greening in one routine.
Crabgrass Preventer With Lawn Food — 14,000 Sq Ft
This Scotts product offers a pre-emergent crabgrass preventer combined with lawn food. It aims to stop crabgrass before it invades and provides a fast green-up after winter. It protects against a range of listed weeds and should be applied to a dry lawn in early spring before temperatures regularly rise into the 80s. This option is well-suited for homeowners wanting pre-emergent protection plus fertilization in one step.
Pre-Emergent With Lawn Food — 15,000 Sq Ft
This Scotts formulation provides a pre-emergent weed killer plus fertilizer for up to 15,000 square feet. It guards against crabgrass and other listed weeds and supports a faster green-up after winter dormancy. It is designed for early spring application on a dry lawn, with a note that certain weather conditions after application will not affect its performance. A solid choice for larger lawns seeking comprehensive prevention and nutrition.
WeedEx Prevent With Halts — 5,000 Sq Ft
Scotts WeedEx Prevent with Halts combines crabgrass prevention with a broader weed killer approach. It is designed to prevent crabgrass all season and can be applied in early spring for season-long protection or in the fall to target winter weeds like Poa annua, henbit, and chickweed. This option emphasizes extended control and flexibility for seasonal weed challenges on home lawns.
Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer — 10,000 Sq Ft
This pre-emergent weed killer helps prevent germination of crabgrass and other grassy weeds while providing lawn feeding. It is suitable for early spring application on a dry lawn and remains effective through varying weather patterns. It targets a range of listed grasses and broadleaf weeds, offering a straightforward option for ongoing lawn maintenance with nourishment.
Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer — 5,000 Sq Ft (2-Pack)
This two-pack provides a compact option for smaller lawns or multiple applications. It focuses on preventing crabgrass and other listed grassy weeds, with early-spring and fall applications recommended. The product combines prevention with lawn nutrition, aiding in a quick green-up and sustained turf health.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations And Comparisons
When choosing a crabgrass preventer and fertilizer, consider lawn size, weed pressure, and seasonal timing. Pre-emergent products work best when applied before weed seeds germinate, typically in early spring. Liquid formulas provide fast distribution and quick green-up but may require more frequent applications. Granular products often offer longer residual protection and can be paired with regular mowing schedules.
- Coverage and scalability: Match product coverage to your lawn size. Larger areas (10,000–15,000 sq ft) benefit from granular formulations, while smaller spaces may be well-suited for liquids or combined weed-and-feed products.
- Weed spectrum: Most options target crabgrass and common broadleaf weeds. If your lawn struggles with winter weeds, fall applications can add season-long protection.
- Timing and application: Apply in early spring before soil temperatures favor germination. Avoid applying during extreme heat or drought conditions, and follow label guidance for watering after application to activate the product.
- Fertilization balance: Some products offer immediate greening due to nitrogen content, while others emphasize long-term feeding. Consider your soil health, existing fertilizer schedule, and whether you prefer single-step weed-and-feed or separate applications.
- Lawn type and area: Big lawns may benefit from higher coverage granular products, whereas irregularly shaped or shaded lawns might respond better to liquid formulations for uniform distribution.
- Safety and storage: Keep products away from children and pets. Store in a cool, dry place and dispose of containers according to local guidelines.
- Environmental impact: Use the minimum effective amount to reduce runoff into waterways. Look for labels that emphasize safe use around water sources and pollinator considerations if applicable.
In practice, homeowners may combine a liquid turf-builder for quick greening with a pre-emergent crabgrass preventer to maintain season-long protection. For larger properties, consider staggered applications or multiple products to ensure continuous coverage across different yard zones. Always read product labels to confirm compatibility with existing lawn care programs, seeding plans, and local climate patterns.