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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
Check price Quali-Pro Prodiamine 65 WDG Bulk WDG bottle for larger lawns Check price Prodiamine 65 WDG 5 lb Alternate bulk WDG listing Check price Granular Prodiamine 0-0-7 Spreader-ready granular option

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
Check price Dimension 2EW Herbicide Liquid Dimension-style concentrate Check price Dimension Granular Herbicide Professional-size granular bag Check price Generic Dithiopyr 2EW Liquid generic 2EW alternative

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
Check price Scotts Halts Crabgrass Preventer Homeowner granular pendimethalin Check price Pendulum 2G Herbicide Professional granular pendimethalin Check price Pendi Hydrocap Weed Killer Liquid pendimethalin concentrate

Check timing before you buy

A pre-emergent is only worth the money when it goes down before weeds break the soil surface. Use the free tracker to see whether your ZIP is still in the buying window.

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