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Best Pre-Emergent Herbicide for Your Lawn
Pre-emergent herbicides prevent crabgrass and other weeds by creating a barrier in the soil before seeds germinate. The three most common active ingredients each have distinct advantages. Here is a side-by-side comparison to help you choose.
| Active Ingredient | Duration | Post-Emergent Ability | Application Type | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prodiamine e.g., Prodiamine 65 WDG | 8+ months | None | Liquid (water-soluble granule) | $25-35 |
| Dithiopyr e.g., Dimension 2EW | 3-4 months | Early post-emergent on young crabgrass | Liquid | $30-45 |
| Pendimethalin e.g., Scotts Halts / Pendulum | 3-4 months | None | Granular (spreader-ready) | $25-35 |
Prodiamine
e.g., Prodiamine 65 WDG
Best for: Full-season coverage with one application
Duration: 8+ months
Post-emergent control: None
Application: Liquid (water-soluble granule)
Typical price: $25-35
Drawback: Cannot kill already-germinated weeds
Dithiopyr
e.g., Dimension 2EW
Best for: Late applicators who might have missed the window slightly
Duration: 3-4 months
Post-emergent control: Early post-emergent on young crabgrass
Application: Liquid
Typical price: $30-45
Drawback: Shorter residual than Prodiamine
Pendimethalin
e.g., Scotts Halts / Pendulum
Best for: Homeowners who prefer easy granular application
Duration: 3-4 months
Post-emergent control: None
Application: Granular (spreader-ready)
Typical price: $25-35
Drawback: Needs watering in within 24 hours; stains concrete
Not sure when to apply?
Use our free GDD Tracker to check your soil temperature and find the perfect application window for your ZIP code.