Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
Foxtails are those nasty grassy weeds with seed heads that look like a fox’s tail — and once they invade your lawn, they spread fast and can even harm your pets. The right weed killer for foxtails needs to hit them hard without wrecking your grass, and the active ingredient Quinclorac (a selective herbicide that targets grassy weeds but spares turf) is your best bet for getting that done.
I’m Rikta — the founder and writer behind Lawn Gear Lab. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
Choosing the wrong spray wastes time and lets foxtails take over another season. That’s exactly why I narrowed these down to five proven formulas — so you can confidently pick the weed killer for foxtails that fits your lawn size and your approach to the job.
Quick Picks
- GORDON’S Trimec Crabgrass Plus Lawn Weed Killer Concentrate — Best Overall
- PrimeSource Quinclorac 1.5L Select Liquid Crabgrass Killer — Pro Grade
- BASF Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Killer for Lawn & Turf — Longest Residual
- Pro Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Killer – 18.92% Quinclorac — Mid-Range Powerhouse
- Fertilome (11031) Weed-Out with Crabgrass Killer RTS — Easiest to Use
How To Choose The Best Weed Killer For Foxtails
Foxtails are tough annual grassy weeds, so a general-purpose spray often fails. Your best chance is a selective herbicide that targets grasses like foxtail while leaving your lawn alone. The active ingredient Quinclorac is the proven superhero here — it stops foxtails and crabgrass without harming Bermuda, Kentucky Bluegrass, or Fescue. Look for a product that lists “Foxtail” on the label, check the concentration of Quinclorac (higher percentages, like 18.92%, mean fewer ounces of liquid to mix), and decide if you want a ready-to-spray bottle for small patches or a concentrate to cover a big property.
Match the Coverage to Your Lawn Size
A small bottle of concentrate that covers only 500 square feet will frustrate you if your lawn is an acre. Always compare the “Coverage” spec — it tells you how much area the bottle treats. For foxtail invasions, you also want a product with residual control (staying active in the soil for weeks) so new seeds don’t sprout immediately after the first kill.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Quinclorac Strength | Coverage | Volume | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GORDON’S Trimec | Big yards, total coverage | Triple-blend (Q + others) | 20,000 sq ft | 128 fl oz (1 gal) | Amazon |
| PrimeSource Quinclorac | Precision, fast kill | 18.92% Quinclorac | 500 sq ft | 64 fl oz | Amazon |
| BASF Drive XLR8 | Long residual control | 18.92% Quinclorac | 1,000 sq ft | 64 fl oz | Amazon |
| Pro Crabgrass Killer | Budget, high concentration | 18.92% Quinclorac | Selective | 16 fl oz | Amazon |
| Ferti-lome Weed-Out | Quick, no-mix application | Dicamba + Quinclorac | 2,500 sq ft | 32 fl oz | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. GORDON’S Trimec Crabgrass Plus Lawn Weed Killer Concentrate
The 128-fluid-ounce jug covers 20,000 square feet, so you do not need a refill mid-spray.
Foxtails do not stand a chance against a 3-way herbicide blend (a mix of active ingredients for a wider weed kill), and this gallon-sized bottle from GORDON’S packs exactly that — a concentrated formulation that also handles crabgrass, signalgrass, and over 200 broadleaf weeds like dandelions and plantain. The standout spec here is the 128 fluid ounces (1 gallon) of concentrate, which treats up to 20,000 square feet. Compared to the Pro Crabgrass Killer’s 16 fluid ounces, this bottle holds 128 fluid ounces versus 16 fluid ounces, giving you enough firepower for a large lawn without buying multiple bottles.
The big win is the coverage: 20,000 square feet means you can hit the entire yard in one batch. It is a true concentrate, so you will mix it with water in a sprayer rather than attaching a hose-end bottle. For a regular-sized suburban lot, you will have leftover mix for spot treatments later in the season.
Why It Earns The Top Spot
- Massive 20,000 sq ft coverage — handles a large lawn in one go
- Triple active ingredients attack both grassy and broadleaf weeds
- Concentrate gives you control over the mix ratio
One Thing To Consider
- You need a pump sprayer ready; no hose-end convenience here
Best for big yards: If you have a large lawn and want one bottle to cover the whole season’s foxtail fight, this is the pick.
skip it if: You prefer a ready-to-spray bottle that attaches to a garden hose with no mixing involved.
2. PrimeSource Quinclorac 1.5L Select Liquid Crabgrass Killer
The 18.92% Quinclorac concentrate that buyers report kills foxtails in days, not weeks — but covers only 500 sq ft.
This is the purest Quinclorac concentrate in the lineup at 18.92% active ingredient, designed for precision spot treatment on foxtails, crabgrass, kikuyugrass, and even torpedograss. Real owners mention that when they mixed it with a surfactant (a spreader-sticker that helps the spray coat waxy leaves) like MSO (methylated seed oil) and added blue dye to track coverage, they saw crabgrass “dying in 3 days, rotting in a week” while the lawn grass remained unharmed — confirming the selective nature of this chemistry. The coverage rating is 500 square feet, making this a tight-focus weapon rather than a blanket spray.
Where this pick stands out versus the GORDON’S Trimec is in the speed of visible results. One reviewer who had previously failed with hose-end Spectracide said this concentrate “killed all crabgrass with one application using recommended oil.” The trade-off is that the smaller coverage (500 sq ft) means you need to be surgical — perfect for patchy foxtail invasions in a well-kept lawn, not ideal for a full-field takeover.
Real-World Speed
- Customers note visible results in 24-72 hours
- High 18.92% Quinclorac concentration for a strong mix
- Selective — kills foxtails without harming the grass you want
The Coverage Catch
- Only 500 sq ft coverage, so you will need multiple bottles for a large lawn
Your best shot at a fast kill: If you have patches of foxtails in an otherwise good lawn and want them gone quickly, mix this with a surfactant for the best outcome.
Not for acreage: If your entire yard is a foxtail field, the 500 sq ft coverage will require many bottles and a lot of mixing sessions.
3. BASF Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Killer for Lawn & Turf
The spray that claims 30 days of residual control, so foxtails do not spring back after you kill them.
Unlike the PrimeSource pick that covers 500 sq ft, this BASF concentrate covers 1,000 sq ft at the same 18.92% Quinclorac strength — with 64 fluid ounces versus the Pro Crabgrass Killer’s 16 fluid ounces in total volume. The big differentiator here is the “water-based formulation” that the manufacturer says enables faster plant uptake, so the chemical moves into the weed quickly. And it boasts up to 30 days of residual control (remaining active in the soil), meaning remaining soil activity discourages late-germinating foxtail seeds from popping up.
The label covers foxtail, crabgrass, kikuyu grass, signal grass, and torpedo grass, plus key broadleaves like bindweed, clover, and dandelion. This pick hits a balance: more coverage than the PrimeSource, more residual than the Ferti-lome, and a branded formulation trusted on golf courses.
The Residual Advantage
- 30-day residual control stops foxtail regrowth
- Water-based formula for faster weed uptake
- Rainfast in under an hour for flexible timing
One Drawback
- 1,000 sq ft coverage still means you need multiple quarts for a big lawn
Perfect for maintenance: If you want to spray once and trust that foxtails will not reappear for weeks, the residual control of Drive XLR8 is a genuine time-saver.
Consider a bigger yard: If your lawn is over 5,000 sq ft of foxtail-infested turf, you will need the GORDON’S Trimec for economy of scale.
4. Pro Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Killer – 18.92% Quinclorac
The 16-fluid-ounce bottle packs the same 18.92% Quinclorac as the big jugs, but for a much smaller area.
This small 16-ounce bottle from Liquid Harvest packs the identical 18.92% Quinclorac concentration found in the BASF Drive XLR8 and PrimeSource — but in a much smaller package. The manufacturer emphasizes residual control to prevent weeds from reappearing, and the label specifically lists foxtail among the grassy weeds it controls. The tiny volume (16 fluid ounces) means this is a starter bottle or a spot-treatment supplement, not a primary solution for a large lawn.
Compared to the GORDON’S Trimec at 128 fluid ounces, this bottle has 16 fluid ounces versus 128 fluid ounces, so be realistic about what it can do. It is a cost-effective entry point if you want to test Quinclorac-based treatment before committing to a gallon jug. Reviewers point out that the high concentration per ounce makes the mix very strong, so follow the label rates carefully to avoid over-application.
Compact Strength
- Same 18.92% Quinclorac as pro-grade brands
- Small, easy-to-store bottle for spot treating
- Fast-acting with residual control claim
Size Reality
- Only 16 fl oz — will treat a limited area compared to larger options
Good for a trial run: If you are new to Quinclorac and want to test it on a foxtail patch before investing in a gallon, this small bottle is a smart entry.
Not for the whole yard: If your foxtail problem covers more than a few hundred square feet, buy a larger concentrate from the start.
5. Fertilome (11031) Weed-Out with Crabgrass Killer RTS
The ready-to-spray bottle that covers 2,500 square feet with zero mixing — just attach the hose and go.
Foxtail control does not get simpler than this: a ready-to-spray (RTS) bottle that connects to your garden hose, covering 2,500 square feet without any measuring or mixing. The active ingredients include Dicamba (a broadleaf weed killer) and Quinclorac, targeting over 200 grassy and broadleaf weeds including foxtail and crabgrass. The manufacturer recommends applying in spring or early summer when weeds are small and actively growing for the best results.
The convenience factor here is real for the beginner or someone who does not want to deal with measuring cups and pump sprayers. The coverage (2,500 sq ft) is solid for a typical front or back yard. The catch is that Quinclorac concentration in an RTS formula is typically lower than in a concentrate, meaning it may require more thorough wetting for tough, mature foxtails. It is best used as a proactive spring treatment when foxtails are still young.
No-Fuss Appeal
- Ready-to-spray bottle — zero mixing, just attach the hose
- Covers 2,500 sq ft, enough for a typical lawn
- Dicamba + Quinclorac dual action on broadleaf and grassy weeds
The Limitation
- RTS formula is less concentrated than a mix-able concentrate
Perfect for the casual gardener: If you want to knock down foxtails with the least effort and store no extra equipment, this hose-end bottle is your solution.
Skip this if: You have a serious foxtail infestation of mature, thick weeds — a concentrate will deliver the stronger punch needed.
Understanding the Specs
Quinclorac Concentration
This is the most important number to look for. Quinclorac is a selective herbicide that kills foxtails and crabgrass without harming most lawn grasses like Bermuda, Fescue, and Kentucky Bluegrass. A higher concentration (like 18.92%) means you use less liquid per tank mix and get a stronger punch. Products that also include Dicamba add broadleaf weed control alongside the foxtail kill.
Coverage (Square Feet)
The coverage rating tells you how many square feet of lawn one full bottle can treat. This matters because a small bottle rated for 500 sq ft will not effectively treat a 5,000 sq ft yard. Concentrates (like GORDON’S at 20,000 sq ft) give you the most value per square foot, while ready-to-spray bottles cover a moderate area with no mixing needed.
FAQ
Will Quinclorac kill my lawn grass?
Can I use a broadleaf weed killer on foxtails?
What is a surfactant and do I need it?
How long does it take for foxtails to die after spraying?
When is the best time to spray foxtails?
How long does a Quinclorac product stay active in the soil?
Can I reseed after spraying Quinclorac?
Do I need a separate sprayer for foxtail weed killer?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
Across the board, the weed killer for foxtails winner is the GORDON’S Trimec because it combines a triple-action formula with massive 20,000 sq ft coverage, making it the most economical choice for a standard lawn. If you want precision and speed for spot treatment, grab the PrimeSource Quinclorac. And for low-effort application with no mixing required, the standout is the Ferti-lome Weed-Out RTS.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
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