Pre-Emergent Herbicides
Pre-emergent herbicides form a chemical barrier in the soil that prevents weed seeds from germinating. Timing is everything — apply when soil temperatures reach 50-55°F in spring.
Pre-Emergent Comparison
| Product | Form | Coverage | Cost | Tier | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Andersons Barricade Granular (0.48% Prodiamine) Prodiamine 0.48% | Granular | 18 lb · ~5,800 sq ft | $45-112 | Strong Pick | |
| Dimension 2EW (Dithiopyr) Dithiopyr 24% | Liquid | 64 oz · ~87,000 sq ft | ~$160 | Community Gold | |
| Mesotrione (Tenacity / Torocity / MESO 4SC) Mesotrione 40% | Liquid | 8 oz · ~1 acre | $30-70 | Seeding Safe | |
| Quali-Pro Prodiamine 65 WDG Prodiamine 65% | WDG (mix & spray) | 5 lb jug · ~213,000 sq ft | $80-110 | Community Gold | |
| Scotts Halts Crabgrass Preventer Pendimethalin | Granular | ~5,000 sq ft per bag | $25-35 | Strong Pick | |
| Scotts Turf Builder Starter Food + Weed Preventer Mesotrione (granular) + starter fertilizer | Granular | ~5,000 sq ft per bag | $25-35 | Seeding Safe |
Affiliate disclosure: we may earn from qualifying purchases.
Granular (Spreader Application)
Prodiamine 0.48%
Homeowners without spray equipment who want professional-grade active ingredient (prodiamine) in a simple granular form
$45-112
Pendimethalin
Homeowners who want a simple granular application without spray equipment
$25-35
Mesotrione (granular) + starter fertilizer
Beginners doing their first overseeding who want a simple one-product solution
$25-35
Liquid / Spray Application
Dithiopyr 24%
Split-app first pass, late starters, or anyone planning fall overseeding
~$160
Mesotrione 40%
Pre-emergent protection during new seeding or overseeding. Also post-emergent on select broadleaf and grassy weeds.
$30-70
Prodiamine 65%
Single-application season-long crabgrass and broadleaf weed prevention
$80-110
Affiliate disclosure: we may earn from qualifying purchases.
Why these products?
Our recommendations come from community consensus across lawn care forums, real-world testing results, and verified product performance. We include options at every price point so you can choose what fits your lawn and budget.