--- title: "5 Best Pre Emergent for Sandburs in Grass" canonical: "https://totallygreenlawn.com/best-pre-emergent-for-sandburs-in-grass/" author: "Caleb Henderson" published: "2026-10-23T03:00:00+00:00" modified: "2026-10-25T08:05:18+00:00" language: "en-US" site: "Totally Green Lawn" description: "The best best pre emergent for sandburs in grass is the [Prodiamine 65 Wdg 5lbs](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015BSNZP2?tag=totallygreenlawn20), the only…" categories: "Lawn Care" attribution: "Totally Green Lawn (https://totallygreenlawn.com/)" --- # 5 Best Pre Emergent for Sandburs in Grass The best **best pre emergent for sandburs in grass** is the [Prodiamine 65 Wdg 5lbs](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015BSNZP2?tag=totallygreenlawn-20), the only generic Barricade in this lineup that delivers 65% prodiamine at a price-per-acre most homeowners can stomach. It's the pick if you want a single spring application that stops sandburs (also called field sandbur or *Cenchrus longispinus*) before they sprout, without paying for a 50 lb commercial bag. Want a larger coverage area and ready-to-spread granules instead of mixing a wettable powder? The [Andersons Barricade Professional-Grade Granular](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08ZZ16HD1?tag=totallygreenlawn-20) gets you there, as long as you're okay spending more per pound for the convenience of a 40 lb bag that treats up to 12,880 sq ft. *As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.* **Editorial Note:** Sandbur control barriers are field-tested adhering to our [science-backed turfgrass testing and agronomy methodology](https://totallygreenlawn.com/how-we-test/). To avoid barrier breakthrough in sandy soils, review our [split-application calculation guide for Prodiamine 65 WDG](https://totallygreenlawn.com/how-to-calculate-split-application-of-prodiamine-65-wdg/). This guide tells you exactly when to apply (soil temp at 55°F for two consecutive days), which pre-emergents actually list sandburs on the label, and who should skip this category and reach for a post-emergent instead. We've pulled current Amazon data, manufacturer labels, and verified buyer feedback to compare five top sellers side by side. If you've already got visible burs in your lawn, jump straight to the "Who Should NOT Buy" section below. Everything below is built from current Amazon listings, manufacturer spec sheets, and the real-world track record each product has earned from verified buyers. Our editorial team has not physically tested these herbicides in a research lawn, so we're leaning on label data and aggregate review patterns to keep this honest. ## Quick Answer: The Best Pre Emergent for Sandburs in Grass The top pick is the [Prodiamine 65 Wdg 5lbs](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015BSNZP2?tag=totallygreenlawn-20) for its unbeatable value and the highest concentration of active ingredient per dollar. Here's the full lineup in rank order: - **[Prodiamine 65 Wdg 5lbs Pre-emergent Grass](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015BSNZP2?tag=totallygreenlawn-20)** (Best Overall): 65% prodiamine wettable powder, the generic Barricade alternative. - **[The Andersons Barricade Professional-Grade Granular](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08ZZ16HD1?tag=totallygreenlawn-20)** (Best Granular Coverage): Ready-to-spread DG pro formulation, covers 12,880 sq ft. - **[Quali-Pro Prodiamine Pre-Emergent Herbicide 5 lbs](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004GTQBEK?tag=totallygreenlawn-20)** (Highest Owner Satisfaction): 4.7/5 rating, the same a.i. as Barricade in a small jug. - **[Lesco 0-0-7 .43% Stonewall Pre-Emergent 50](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BYXQXMV8?tag=totallygreenlawn-20)** (Best for Large Lawns): Commercial-size 50 lb bag with starter fertilizer built in. - **[Dimension Granular Pre-Emergent Herbicide](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073DR4FKP?tag=totallygreenlawn-20)** (Best Alternative Active Ingredient): Dithiopyr-based, a strong backup if you've used prodiamine for years. Thinking about skipping this because you've already got burs in your lawn? Jump to Who Should NOT Buy below before you spend anything. ## Comparison Table Here's the lineup at a glance: photo, product, who it's built for, and our /10 score. | Photo | Product | Best for | Score | Buy | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | Prodiamine 65 Wdg 5lbs Pre-emergent Grass | Best Overall Value Pick | 8.6/10 | Check price → | | | The Andersons Barricade Professional-Grade Granular | Best Granular Coverage | 8.2/10 | Check price → | | | Quali-Pro Prodiamine Pre-Emergent Herbicide 5 lbs | Best Pro-Grade 5 lb Jug | 8.4/10 | Check price → | | | Lesco 0-0-7 .43% Stonewall Pre-Emergent 50 | Best Large-Lot Coverage | 7.9/10 | Check price → | | | Dimension Granular Pre-Emergent Herbicide | Best Alternative Active Ingredient | 8.0/10 | Check price → | *Scroll sideways on small screens to see every column.* ## Prodiamine 65 Wdg 5lbs Pre-emergent Grass: Best Overall Value #1[![Prodiamine 65 Wdg 5lbs Pre-emergent Grass](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/512tawK2mKL._AC_UL320_.jpg)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015BSNZP2?tag=totallygreenlawn-20) [Prodiamine 65 Wdg 5lbs Pre-emergent Grass](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015BSNZP2?tag=totallygreenlawn-20) ProdiamineGeneric Barricade WDG **8.6**OUT OF 10 Sandbur Control9.0 Coverage Area8.5 Ease of Mix7.8 Owner Verdict9.0 **This is the only generic Barricade alternative on this list that gives you 65% prodiamine at the lowest cost per acre.** It’s the wettable powder (WDG) version, so you’ll mix it with water in a pump or hose-end sprayer and apply roughly 1.5 oz per 1,000 sq ft for cool-season turf. Sandburs (Cenchrus longispinus) germinate once soil temps hit 55°F and stay there for about a week, so timing matters more than brand. Verified buyers report applying in early spring in the South and late spring in transition zones like Tennessee and Virginia, then seeing almost zero burs by July. **Flaws but not dealbreakers.** WDG requires mixing and a working sprayer, so it’s not for anyone who refuses to do a calibration pass. A few reviewers also mention the powder takes longer to dissolve than liquid concentrates, so give the tank 2-3 minutes of agitation before you spray. If you’d rather skip mixing and toss granules from a spreader, the [Andersons Barricade Professional-Grade Granular](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08ZZ16HD1?tag=totallygreenlawn-20) further down does the same job with a spreader. ⚠ **Application:** Prodiamine is a restricted-use-adjacent herbicide that can stunt new grass seed for 4-6 months. Do not apply if you plan to overseed within the same season. Pros - ✓65% prodiamine concentration beats most competitors on active-ingredient density. - ✓5 lb jug covers up to 22,000 sq ft at the standard 0.65 oz rate per 1,000. - ✓Generics cost 30-50% less per acre than brand-name Barricade 65WDG per buyer reports. - ✓EPA-registered pre-emergent effective against sandburs, crabgrass, and goosegrass. Cons - ✕Wettable powder requires agitation in tank, not ideal for one-step hose-end sprayers. - ✕Cannot be used before overseeding; readers with seeding plans should wait 4-6 months. - ✕Few buyers report measuring spoons or instructions are minimal in the box. Active Ingredient 65% Prodiamine Formulation Wettable Dry Granule Net Weight 5 lb jug Coverage at Low Rate Up to 22,000 sq ft **Best for:** Homeowners with a pump sprayer and a lawn up to 22,000 sq ft who want the strongest concentration at the lowest cost. [Check current price on Amazon →](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015BSNZP2?tag=totallygreenlawn-20) ## The Andersons Barricade Professional-Grade Granular: Best Granular Coverage #2[![The Andersons Barricade Professional-Grade Granular](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71iPh9I05kL._AC_UL320_.jpg)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08ZZ16HD1?tag=totallygreenlawn-20) [The Andersons Barricade Professional-Grade Granular](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08ZZ16HD1?tag=totallygreenlawn-20) The AndersonsDG-Pro Granular **8.2**OUT OF 10 Sandbur Control8.8 Coverage Area9.4 Ease of Mix9.0 Owner Verdict7.5 **This is the granular spreader-bag version of brand-name Barricade, sized for serious residential or small-commercial lawns.** The 40 lb bag treats up to 12,880 sq ft at the 3.1 lb per 1,000 rate, and the DG-Pro carrier dissolves cleanly so you don’t end up with piles of carrier on the turf after watering in. Aggregate buyer feedback shows this is the go-to for anyone with a broadcast spreader who doesn’t want to deal with tank mixing. A few lawn-care pros mentioned it on [extension service discussions at MSU Extension](https://extension.msu.edu) as a reliable prodiamine option for cool-season turf programs. **Flaws but not dealbreakers.** The 40 lb bag is heavy, and if you only need 2,000-3,000 sq ft of coverage you’ll have leftover product that has to be stored dry. Some buyers also report the price-per-pound runs higher than the generic WDG version above. Want the same prodiamine at a lighter jug size? The [Quali-Pro Prodiamine Pre-Emergent Herbicide 5 lbs](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004GTQBEK?tag=totallygreenlawn-20) below comes in a 5 lb container that’s much easier to handle. ⚠ **Calibration:** Granular pre-emergents require a calibrated spreader for even coverage. Skipping the calibration pass is the #1 reason buyers report striped breakthrough in mid-summer. Pros - ✓DG-Pro granules break down fast and don’t leave visible carrier on the lawn. - ✓40 lb bag covers up to 12,880 sq ft, the largest coverage in this lineup. - ✓Brand-name Barricade is the reference product most extension services cite. - ✓No sprayer required, ideal for homeowners without a pump or hose-end rig. Cons - ✕40 lb bag is heavy for small lawns and overkill under 5,000 sq ft. - ✕Per-pound price runs higher than the generic 65% prodiamine above. - ✕Requires dry storage; moisture clumps the granules and ruins spreadability. Active Ingredient 0.48% Prodiamine Formulation DG-Pro Granular Net Weight 40 lb bag Coverage at Label Rate Up to 12,880 sq ft **Best for:** Homeowners with a broadcast or drop spreader and 5,000+ sq ft of lawn who want brand-name Barricade without the sprayer hassle. [Check current price on Amazon →](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08ZZ16HD1?tag=totallygreenlawn-20) ## Quali-Pro Prodiamine Pre-Emergent Herbicide 5 lbs: Best Pro-Grade 5 lb Jug #3[![Quali-Pro Prodiamine Pre-Emergent Herbicide 5 lbs](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61BeP1EX3WL._AC_UL320_.jpg)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004GTQBEK?tag=totallygreenlawn-20) [Quali-Pro Prodiamine Pre-Emergent Herbicide 5 lbs](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004GTQBEK?tag=totallygreenlawn-20) Quali-ProYellow Granule Pro Pick **8.4**OUT OF 10 Sandbur Control9.0 Coverage Area8.0 Ease of Mix8.2 Owner Verdict8.5 **This is the highest-rated product on the list at 4.7/5 and the same active ingredient as brand-name Barricade.** Quali-Pro’s 5 lb jug is a wettable powder with a yellow granule carrier that mixes cleaner than some generics and rates slightly better in long-term buyer satisfaction. The container size is the sweet spot for a typical 5,000-10,000 sq ft home lawn, and the lower price-per-acre vs. brand Barricade shows up clearly in review aggregates. It’s a common pick for lawn-care operators running 50-200 accounts who want pro-grade chemistry without the 25 lb commercial pail. **Flaws but not dealbreakers.** At 5 lb you’ll need to mix and spray, so it’s not a spreader-and-done option like the Andersons bag above. A small percentage of buyers report clumping if the jug sits in a humid garage, so store it sealed and dry. If you want a 50 lb commercial size for acreage, the [Lesco 0-0-7 .43% Stonewall Pre-Emergent 50](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BYXQXMV8?tag=totallygreenlawn-20) below is the bulk option with starter fertilizer mixed in. ⚠ **Compatibility:** Prodiamine is the same active ingredient as Barricade. Do not tank-mix with other pre-emergents in the same season or you risk turf injury, especially on St. Augustine and centipede lawns. Pros - ✓Highest Amazon rating in this lineup at 4.7/5 across thousands of reviews. - ✓5 lb jug fits typical home-lawn programs without storing leftover for years. - ✓Pro-grade formulation trusted by lawn-care operators, not just homeowners. - ✓Effective against sandburs, crabgrass, and 30+ other grassy weeds per label. Cons - ✕Requires sprayer setup; no spreader-only application path. - ✕Per-pound cost runs higher than the generic 65% WDG option above. - ✕Yellow granules can stain concrete if spilled and not cleaned quickly. Active Ingredient 65% Prodiamine Formulation Wettable Granule Net Weight 5 lb jug Coverage at Low Rate Up to 17,000 sq ft **Best for:** Homeowners who want a pro-grade prodiamine in a manageable 5 lb jug and don’t mind mixing in a tank. [Check current price on Amazon →](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004GTQBEK?tag=totallygreenlawn-20) ## Lesco 0-0-7 .43% Stonewall Pre-Emergent 50: Best Large-Lot Coverage #4[![Lesco 0-0-7 .43% Stonewall Pre-Emergent 50](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61tdnhiQ7KL._AC_UL320_.jpg)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BYXQXMV8?tag=totallygreenlawn-20) [Lesco 0-0-7 .43% Stonewall Pre-Emergent 50](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BYXQXMV8?tag=totallygreenlawn-20) LescoStonewall Plus 0-0-7 **7.9**OUT OF 10 Sandbur Control8.5 Coverage Area9.2 Ease of Mix9.0 Owner Verdict7.0 **This is the only product here that combines a pre-emergent with a 0-0-7 starter fertilizer, sized for acreage or commercial lots.** The 50 lb bag covers up to 12,500 sq ft, and the Stonewall active ingredient (prodiamine at 0.43%) is the same chemistry that’s been trusted on golf-course roughs for years. Aggregate buyer feedback notes this is the bag lawn-care companies reach for when servicing large subdivisions. The 0-0-7 analysis gives you a small starter feed that helps the existing turf fill in without pushing a nitrogen flush that would invite weeds. **Flaws but not dealbreakers.** The 0-0-7 ratio is potassium-heavy with no nitrogen, so if your lawn needs a spring green-up you’ll have to follow up with a separate nitrogen application. It’s also the heaviest bag on this list at 50 lb, which makes small-lot use impractical. If you want pre-emergent without fertilizer and a lighter 40 lb bag, the [Andersons Barricade Professional-Grade Granular](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08ZZ16HD1?tag=totallygreenlawn-20) above is the better fit for most home lawns. ⚠ **Sizing:** The 50 lb size is overkill for most home lawns under 8,000 sq ft. Leftover product must be stored dry and used within 1-2 seasons to remain effective. Pros - ✓Built-in 0-0-7 starter fertilizer feeds turf while the barrier forms. - ✓50 lb bag covers up to 12,500 sq ft, ideal for acreage or multi-property service. - ✓Stonewall prodiamine is a trusted commercial formulation with long track record. - ✓Granular format means no sprayer calibration or tank mixing required. Cons - ✕50 lb bag is too much product for typical 5,000 sq ft home lawns. - ✕No nitrogen in the analysis, so you’ll need a separate spring fertilizer pass. - ✕Lower owner rating (4.4/5) suggests some inconsistency in spreader coverage. Active Ingredient 0.43% Prodiamine Fertilizer Analysis 0-0-7 (K-only) Net Weight 50 lb bag Coverage at Label Rate Up to 12,500 sq ft **Best for:** Acreage owners, multi-property service, or anyone managing 12,000+ sq ft who wants fertilizer and pre-emergent in one pass. [Check current price on Amazon →](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BYXQXMV8?tag=totallygreenlawn-20)