Best Lawn Weed Control Products: From Crabgrass to Clover

For residential and commercial properties alike, controlling weeds is essential for ensuring lawn health and aesthetic appeal. 

With the unpredictable Midwest weather and seasonal fluctuations, finding the right weed control product is critical.

If you’re seeking the best solutions for weed control, here’s an overview of the best weed killers available in the market today. 

Why Weed Control Is Essential for Lawns in the Midwest

If you’re in the Midwest, you know the region’s diverse climate adds an extra layer of complexity to lawn care. This area experiences cold winters and humid heat summers which create ideal conditions for a variety of weeds to thrive.

Common weed types in the Midwest include:

• Dandelions (Taraxacum officinale)
• Crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis)
• Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea)
• Chickweed (Stellaria media)
• Clover (Trifolium repens)

Those pesky weeds compete with grass for vital nutrients, water, and sunlight, weakening your lawn and hindering its growth.

To combat this, selecting the best lawn weed killer tailored to the needs of your lawn is vital. 

Understanding Weed Control Chemicals

Weed control products come in various formulations. They’re either designed to target specific types of weeds, known as a selective herbicide, or to provide broader, more general control (a non-selective herbicide). 

There are also two main categories; pre-emergent and post-emergent products:

• Pre-emergent herbicides: they prevent weed seeds from germinating and are typically applied in early spring or fall.
• Post-emergent herbicides: those kill weeds after they have sprouted, making them ideal for dealing with existing weed problems during warm summer months.

Additionally, weed control products can be either selective weed killers (target weeds specifically without harming grass) or non-selective weed killers (killing all vegetation). Many brands combine these features into effective solutions suitable for varying lawn conditions. 

Here’s a breakdown of the best weed killers available today:

Roundup for Lawns: Crabgrass Destroyer

Roundup for lawns is a popular post-emergent lawn weed killer designed to target broadleaf weeds like dandelions, clover, and crabgrass without damaging grass growing. Apply directly to weeds on moist soil. Safe for use on northern lawns (Kentucky bluegrass, Perennial ryegrass, and Fescue) commonly found in Omaha lawns.

• Active ingredients: MCPA, Quinclorac, Dicamba
• Type: Post-emergent, selective 
• Coverage: Up to 5,000 sq. ft.
• Average price: starting at $18 for 32 oz. concentrate
• Advantages: Selective herbicide meaning it targets weeds without harming turfgrass. 
• Ideal for: Lawns overrun with crabgrass and other broadleaf weeds, especially in commercial properties needing expensive coverage.

Ortho Weed B Gon Plus Crabgrass Control

Ortho Weed B Gon Plus offers effective control of more than 200 types of weeds, including dandelions, clover, and crabgrass.

The formulation is rainproof in just an hour making it ideal for Omaha’s unpredictable summer thunderstorms. This product works best when applied during the early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler. 

• Active ingredients: 2,4-D, Quinclorac, Dicamba
• Type: Post-emergent, selective
• Coverage: Up to 5,000 sq. ft.
• Average price: $25 for 32 oz. concentrate
• Advantages: This fast-acting lawn weed killer won’t harm your grass or desirable plants but will attack unwanted existing weeds. Rainproofing after one hour ensures that it stays effective even with the Midwest’s sudden downpours. 
• Ideal for: Residential properties with dense weeds. The quick action and easy application are beneficial for homeowners who want a simple solution.

Spectracide Weed Stop for Lawns

Spectracide Weed Stop is a cost-effective weed killer that kills over 200 weed types including clover, dandelions, and plantain while being safe for established grass types.

The product is especially popular in the Midwest where large lawns can become expensive to maintain.

It’s best applied during the early morning when there’s little to no wind, ensuring minimal drift. It can be sprayed on weeds that have already emerged. 

• Active ingredients: 2,4-D, Mecoprop-p, Dicamba
• Type: Post-emergent, selective
• Coverage: Up to 5,000 sq. ft.
• Average price: $11 for 32 oz. concentrate
• Advantages: Affordable and highly effective for homeowners and commercial properties. It also offers residual weed control for weeks after application. 
• Ideal for: Cost-conscious homeowners and property managers with large lawns in need of weed management solutions. This product covers a lot of ground without breaking the bank. 

Preen Lawn Weed Control

Preen Lawn Weed Control is a weed killer that prevents broadleaf weeds growing in your lawn without killing the grass.

It is designed for use in the early spring targeting weeds like dandelions before they sprout making it an excellent choice for homeowners preparing their lawn.

Spread evenly across your lawn to form a protective barrier against weed seeds. It works best when applied to dry lawns followed by light watering.

• Active ingredients: 2,4-D, MCPP-p, Dicamba
• Type: Pre-emergent, selective
• Coverage: Up to 5,000 sq. ft.
• Average price: $18 for a 10 lb. bag
• Advantages: Long-lasting control of weed germination allowing lawns to stay weed-free throughout the season. 
• Ideal for: Lawns that require a pre-emergent solution to avoid future weed issues. This is especially helpful for commercial properties looking to prevent weed growth in landscaped areas. 

Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed

Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed is a dual-purpose product that fertilizes your lawn while controlling a broad range of weeds, making it a great choice for busy property owners.

The product contains powerful weed control agents that target dandelions and clover. Apply to a wet lawn with a spreader to ensure even coverage.

Works well during the Midwest’s growing season when weeds are most active. 

• Active ingredients: 2,4-D, Mecoprop, Dicamba
• Type: Post-emergent, selective
• Coverage: Up to 5,000 sq. ft.
• Average price: $31 for a 14.29 lb. bag
• Advantages: Dual-action formula that not only eliminates weeds but also nourishes your lawn for better overall health. This product is especially effective when paired with regular lawn maintenance services.
• Ideal for: Homeowners and commercial clients who want to both fertilize and control weeds in one step, especially during peak growing seasons.

Tenacity Herbicide

Tenacity Herbicide is a professional-grade solution used to combat a wide variety of lawn weeds, including crabgrass, yellow nutsedge, and ground ivy.

Though it’s more expensive than most consumer-grade products, Tenacity provides comprehensive control for serious lawn infestations.

This product can be used as a pre-emergent and post-emergent weed killer, making it versatile for different times of the year. It is best applied with a sprayer for even distribution. 

• Active ingredients: Mesotrione
• Type: Pre-emergent and post-emergent, selective
• Coverage: Up to 1 acre
• Average price: $48 for 8 oz.
• Advantages: Long-lasting effects and the ability to control over 40 types of weeds. Safe to use on most cool-season turf and northern lawns’ grasses found in the Midwest, such as Kentucky bluegrass and Fine fescue. 
• Ideal for: Commercial properties, sports fields, or large residential lawns where tough weeds are persistent. This is a high-end product designed for serious lawn care enthusiasts or lawn care professionals. 

BioAdvanced All-In-One Lawn Weed and Crabgrass Killer

BioAdvanced All-In-One Lawn Weed and Crabgrass Killer is a highly effective weed killer designed to target over 200 types of weeds, including broadleaf weeds like dandelions and tough creeping lawn weeds like crabgrass and annuals like barnyard grass.

This product is formulated to work quickly, killing tough weeds to the root without harming your lawn. It is best applied when weeds are growing during warm weather.

This weed killer is rain-resistant within one hour, making it resilient to the Midwest’s unpredictable weather patterns. 

• Active ingredients: 2,4-D, Quinclorac, Dicamba
• Type: Post-emergent, selective
• Coverage: Up to 6,250 sq. ft.
• Average price: $14 for 40 oz. liquid concentrates             
• Advantages: Dual action formula for broadleaf and grassy weeds with fast results. It’s effective on both residential and commercial lawns, covering a wide range of weeds commonly found in the Midwest. 
• Ideal for: Homeowners and commercial properties facing crabgrass infestations and other tough weeds. The rainproof feature makes it perfect for the climate where sudden rain storms can otherwise wash away most weed killers. 

Considerations When Choosing a Weed Control Product

When selecting the right weed killer for your lawn, it’s important to consider a few key factors:

• Grass type
• Weed type
• Weather conditions
• Lawn size and how much weed killer does it need
• Lawn care goals

Effective Weed Control With SunCo.

Whether you’re managing a small residential yard or a large commercial landscape, selecting the right product and the right company makes all the difference.

Contact us today to learn more about our assortment of lawn care services! Call us at (402) 972-8603 or visit our website to schedule a consultation with our lawn care experts.