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Drive XLR8 Herbicide Crabgrass Killer is a powerful post-emergent herbicide designed to deliver fast and effective control of crabgrass and a wide range of grassy and broadleaf weeds. With a propriety, water-based Quinclorac fomula, this professional-grade crabgrass killer herbicide can be used on residential and commercial lawns, golf courses, athletic fields and more.
Features & Benefits of Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Killer Herbicide:
For optimal results, Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Killer should be applied with a methylated seed oil (MSO), such as Prime Source Duo Stick Select or Dyneamic surfactant. This increases the absorption of the herbicide mixture into the weeds, and helps ensure more even and effective weed control results. When treating annual grasses such as crabgrass or foxtail, the best control is achieved when Drive XLR8 and an MSO is applied when crabgrass is in the young stage (before the weeds have reached the 2-tiller stage), or as they mature. In the middle stages of growth, the 2-tiller to 4-tiller stage, a follow-up application may be required to gain full control of the crabgrass.
BASF Drive XLR8 provides unsurpassed crabgrass contol and improved control of torpedograss, kikuyagrass, foxtail, signalgrass, clover, dandelion, black medic and more. This professional-grade postemergent herbicide can be applied as a broadcast or spot spray and provides up to 30 days residual weed control. While many warm-season and cool-season turf types are tolerant to Drive XLR8 Herbicide, including Bermudagrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass, Zoysiagrass, this post-emergent herbicide should NOT be applied to certain susceptible turf types, including St. Augustinegrass, Centipedegrass, and Bentgrass, or in lawns or turfs where desirable clover is present. See the product label for complete information on turf tolerance.
For use in California: Biotypes of large and smooth crabgrass in California have shown varied response to Drive XLR8. If control failure occurs following a full or split application, DO NOT reapply Drive XLR8. Change to a herbicide with a different mode of action.
For smaller jobs consider QuinKill Max Crabgrass and Weed Killer which is available in pints and quarts and contains the same active ingredient quinclorac.
See our Crabgrass Treatment Guide for more information on how to kill crabgrass in your lawn.
Product Documents
| Active Ingredient | Quinclorac 18.92% |
|---|---|
| Target pests |
Barnyardgrass, Bindweed, Crabgrass (large & smooth), Clover, Dandelion, Daisy, Dollarweed, Foxtail, Kikuyugrass, Signalgrass, Speedwell, Torpedograss, and others * See label for complete list |
| For use in |
Bermuda grass, Kentucky bluegrass, Buffalo grass, Fescue, Ryegrass, Zoysiagrass NOT FOR USE ON: St. Augustine, Centipede, Bahiagrass, Bentgrass or Dichondra, Fine fescue unless it is a seed blend |
| Application |
Drive XLR8 Mixing Rate: 0.5 to 1.45 fl oz per 1,000 sq. ft. * Use a Surfactant to Increase Effectiveness * See label for complete application instructions |
| Pet safe | Yes, if used as directed on Label |
| Formulation |
Professional Product Group 4 Herbicide |
| NOT FOR SALE TO |
HI CT, NY (Restricted To Licensed Applicators Only) |
| Shipping Weight | 5.06 lbs |
| Manufacturer | BASF (Mfg. Number: 59011404) |
| UPC | 804338114046 |
| EPA Registration | 7969-272 |
Drive XLR8 can be applied post-emergence to residential and nonresidential labeled tolerant turfgrasses to control many broadleaf and grassy weeds in the following sites:
For best results, apply Drive XLR8 when crabgrass is either:
Applications made during the 2–4 tiller stage may require a repeat treatment for complete control. Always refer to the product label for specific application timing, rates, and seasonal guidelines for your region.
For optimal performance:
If crabgrass returns to the same areas each year, consider using a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring and fall to prevent new growth before it starts.
Highly Tolerant:
Moderately Tolerant:
Susceptible:
See label for additional notes on turfgrass tolerance.
How Much Drive XLR8 Do You Mix Per Gallon to Spot Treat Crabgrass?
For spot treating crabgrass, mix:
A surfactant is recommended for the best results, as it helps the herbicide stick to and penetrate crabgrass leaves more effectively. Apply evenly to the target area, ensuring good coverage without runoff. Always follow the product label for complete mixing and application instructions.
What is the mix rate of Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Killer Herbicide to treat 1,000 square feet?
Getting the mixing ratio right for Drive XLR8 Crabgrass Killer is essential to ensure optimal results. Spot treatment applications can be made by mixing and applying 1.45 fl oz of Drive XLR8 Herbicide per 1,000 square feet. Mix with 1 gallon of water and 0.16–0.48 fl oz of MSO. This equates to mixing 3 tablespoons of Drive XLR8 per gallon of water along with 1.5 tablespoons of MSO to treat 1,000 square feet. It is important not to overmix or overtreat the area for optimal results.
Should I use a surfactant or MSO with Drive XLR8 Herbicide?
Yes, it is recommended to mix Drive XLR8 with a methylated seed oil (MSO), such as Prime Source Duo Stick Select or Dyneamic surfactant, before applying to increase the efficacy of the weed control application. By mixing Drive with an MSO, it increases the herbicide's absorption into weeds and helps ensure more even, effective weed control. The Drive XLR8 mixing application rate when doing spot treatments is generally 3 tablespoons of Drive XLR8 Herbicide per gallon, along with 1.5 tablespoons of MSO to treat 1,000 square feet. See the product label for full mixing rates and instructions.
How do I mix Drive XLR8 Herbicide?
In a backpack sprayer, begin with a clean spray tank. Fill the spray tank 1/2 full with clean water and add the required amount of Drive XLR8 to the sprayer. Cap sprayer and agitate to ensure mixing. Uncap the sprayer and add an appropriate amount of methylated seed oil. Cap sprayer and agitate once again. Uncap sprayer and finish filling tank to desired level. During application, agitate the mixture on occasion to ensure mixing. If the mixture is allowed to settle for any period of time, thorough agitation is essential before spraying is resumed.
How is Drive XLR8 Herbicide applied?
Mowing Information
Irrigation and Rainfall
Seeding/Overseeding/Sprigging
The use of Drive XLR8 before or after seeding or overseeding a turfgrass area will not significantly interfere with the turfgrass seed germination and growth of those grass types identified as tolerant or moderately tolerant in Table 1 of the product label. See Table 4 of the product label for seeding, overseeding, or sprigging application timing.
USE TIPS:
Spray coverage should be uniform and complete. It is recommended not to mow two days before or after application. Irrigation may improve weed control if soil moisture is not sufficient. Drive XLR8 may be tank-mixed with other pre- and postemergent grass herbicides, along with postemergent broadleaf herbicides.
Drive XLR8 for Crabgrass Control can be used as a spot treatment only on problem areas of crabgrass.
Drive XLR8 Herbicide should not be used in temperatures above 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit to reduce the potential for leaf burn on desirable turf grass.
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over priced roundup
By Ken on 09/05/2011
I learned the hard way, tried to spray this on crabgrass in a st. Augustine lawn and works like roundup, killed everything it touched. Please bring back asulox somebody...
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563 of 871 people found this review helpful
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Excellent stuff
By Dan on 08/24/2011
I have for years been wrestling with various different varieties of late summer crab grasses in the lawns that I manage, even after high quality pre-emergent and several OTC post-emergent herbicide treatments. This summer with everything looking truly horrid with nasty crab grasses growing everywhere, I used the Southern Ag surfactant along with Drive XLR8 to absolutely knock the crap out of my crab grass problems. I applied the Drive XLR8 and the surfactant combination to the lawns prior to any heat stressing/stunting and well between mowings as specified. My results were outstanding and visible with yellowing in 36-48 hours and then obviously terminal yellow-tan in 96 hours. The Drive XLR8 and surfactant combination is a bit pricey, but the coverage is excellent and the combination actually works as advertised.
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468 of 491 people found this review helpful
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Great stuff
By Anonymous on 08/28/2013
In the past I had a lawn control company and have more crabgrass now than ever it seems like. I could have called and they would send someone out to kill everything but I don't like that so I let the lawn service go. I put a premium fertilizer on my lawn a few weeks ago and my Bermuda greened up nice and is very full. I mixed up 1.5 oz of Driver DLR8 along with 0.5 oz of Southern AD Surfactant per gallon of water and used my pump sprayer to spray a fine mist early in the morning with a heavy dew on the grass. About 12 hours later (as is normal this year in the south) the heavens opened up flooding my lawn. I just knew it was not going to work. WRONG! The very next day it looked like the crabgrass was turning yellow, the second day I know it was. Within 4 days the crabgrass was dead. It has been 5 days now and I cut my grass again last night. I can see some yellowing of the Bermuda where I sprayed but I can live with that. Apparently I missed a few spots of grab grass walking around the yard with my sprayer so I will hit it again in a week or two. The same day I sprayed my lawn I sprayed my son's lawn but I did his on dry grass in the sun maybe 4 hours before the rain came. His did not work as good as mine but it did work. I am going to hit his again in the morning dew the next time. I would highly recommend Drive DLR8 w/a surfactant (Southern AG worked great for me.) I have used herbicides before but never with a surfactant. But then again nothing as ever worked this good before either.
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294 of 306 people found this review helpful
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amazing results
By Roger on 09/14/2011
This crabgrass killer really works!! First I was skeptical, I had a serious crabgrass problem, with big mature crabgrass. I used scott's and Bayer's weed killer with crabgrass controll, they didn't work. I used this one in early september, all the crabgrass were dead in a few days, I just reseeded my lawn...
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247 of 264 people found this review helpful
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Drive
By John on 09/25/2011
Easy to remember, a neighbor told me about it. The mixing instructions were easy enough to follow and one has to know what application he is making. The sprayer I am using mixed it automatically once I knew the tbsps/gallon to set on it. The crab grass simply started to disappear after a few days.
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156 of 173 people found this review helpful
The product label states that Seashore Paspalum is moderately tolerant to the use of Drive XLR8 Herbicide Crabgrass Killer.
Can this be used safely on cool weather grass following Tzone if I wait two weeks? I'd like to spray for crabgrass this year if I can.
If you applied the Drive XLR8 Herbicide Crabgrass Killer a couple of weeks ago, you can go ahead and apply the TZone SE Herbicide with no issue.
Applied Drive XLR8 and 4 hours later Raines for about 5 minutes. Do I reapply or am I good?
As long as the application of Drive XLR8 Herbicide Crabgrass Killer had time to completely dry before rainfall it should be fine. If it was a heavy rainfall to cause puddling or runoff, we would recommend a follow up application.
Yes, Drive XLR8 can be mixed with Trimec to be sprayed at the same time. We recommend that you read and follow the label instructions to prepare a tank mix test to ensure that the two products mix well and there is no clumping or separating.
Drive XLR8 Herbicide Crabgrass Killer can be put down with the Milorganite but be sure to apply the Miloganite first then the Drive once you have watered in and the Milorganite has dried.
I have buffalo grass mix and noticed that drive xlr8 is safe for buffalo grass and is effective on foxtail, which I have in the summer. Then in August I have ragweed emerge in same area. I'd like to know if I can treat a second time in Aug/september to control ragweed from taking over
I have torpedo grass growing among some of my liriope beds.
I planted creeping red fescue about 6 months ago in North Georgia area, it's green and beautiful but full of crabgrass. Please help me
Since both Celsius and Drive improve performance with MSO can I mix them together?
Per the product label for Drive XLR8 Herbicide Crabgrass Killer: you should avoid applications of herbicides with the same site of action more than twice a season. So you could use twice in the spring and fall but should rotate after that number of applications to a different herbicide to prevent resistance if the target weeds are not killed with just the Drive. It can take drive up to 6 weeks to completely kill.
Drive XLR8 should be applied when crabgrass is actively growing and temperatures are between 65 and 85 degrees. For best results, a methylated seed oil surfactant ike Duo Stick should be tank mixed for better coverage and faster burndown of weeds. The product label states for consistent results, make Drive XLR8 application to newly germinated, to 1-tiller crabgrass, and when crabgrass has matured to 5 tillers or greater. Repeat application may be needed 21 days following the initial application.
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The most important factor when planning to tank mix various herbicides is referring to all manufacturer's product labels for tank mixing restrictions. In this case, because Drive XLR8 Herbicide Crabgrass Killer requires the use of an MSO Surfactant like Prime Source Duo Stick Select in order to be effective, it would not be recommended due to the fact that most Turflon Ester product labels advise not adding a surfactant for lawn treatments as this can cause damage to turf grass.
Centipede is coming up from seeding and the Zenith Zoysia sod was laid down in April of 2022.
Drive XLR8 Herbicide Crabgrass Killer is not labeled to be used on Centipede lawns therefore would injure the new centipede seedlings that are germinating and growing. You will want to wait until after the 2nd mowing of the newly seeded Centipede before making any post emergent applications.
An alternative product recommendation would be Blindside Herbicide WDG as it is safe for Centipede and Zoysia turfgrasses and labeled for crabgrass and other grassy and broadleaf weeds.
Apply at the mix rate of 0.15 - 0.23 oz. per 1,000 sq. ft. (6.5 - 10 oz. per acre) when temperatures are between 65 to 85 degrees.
Timing intervals can vary for reseeding/overseeding with applications of Drive XLR8 Herbicide Crabgrass Killer will depend on your turfgrass type.
Please refer to the Seeding/Overseeding Timing Chart on page 10 of the product label for intervals to overseed for your application.
Drive XLR8 Herbicide Crabgrass Killer
Rating: 4.3 (449 Reviews / 338 Q&A)