Dandelions In Lawns

Question:

Dandelions have taken over my lawn. I have tried pulling them up by the roots, but they keep returning. The spray labeled "Dandelion Killer" only caused them to wilt slightly. What should I try next?

Answer:

  • With patience, you can effectively rid your grass lawn of dandelions.
  • Both organic and non-organic control methods are available, so let's start with the organic ones.
    • Regularly mowing the lawn to prevent the formation of puffy seed heads and pouring boiling water on the plants are two potential solutions.
    • However, manually digging them out is the most common method. Simply yanking them up or cutting off the top growth won't solve the problem, as they have a long taproot. To succeed, you must remove the taproot entirely; otherwise, they will return.
    • Many garden centers offer a weeding tool specifically designed for this purpose, resembling a long screwdriver with a "V"-shaped end, similar to a whale's tail. Hand weeding can become tedious, especially depending on the extent of the dandelion problem.
    • An effective non-organic solution is to apply a selective herbicide for broadleaf weeds.
  •  For grass lawns, "Weed and Feed" turf products and liquid herbicides are the primary options, so read the instructions carefully. Often, applicator error is the main reason for poor results.
    • Granular products are best applied using a drop-type spreader rather than a hand-held one. It's also crucial to know when to water.
    • Typically, you should moisten the grass first and then withhold water for a day or two; however, always check the label for specific product instructions.
    • Many brands of liquid herbicides targeting dandelions and other broadleaf weeds are available, including premixed solutions and concentrates that require mixing before application.
    • One of the newer lawn herbicides, Bayer Advanced Season Long Weed Control, is unique because it kills existing dandelions and prevents dormant seeds from germinating for six months, assuming you don't plan on reseeding the lawn soon.
  •  The nursery professional at your favorite garden center can be an excellent resource to help you review your options and make a recommendation. Always ensure you choose the right herbicide to avoid any costly mistakes.

NOTE: Dandelions are often regarded as weeds, yet they possess many positive attributes. The juice extracted from the plant's roots is still utilized to treat diabetes and enhance blood health, and it also serves as a mild laxative. During World War II, latex was extracted from dandelion roots to produce rubber. Furthermore, the foliage of dandelions is more nutritious than spinach, boasting high levels of vitamins A and C, along with other essential nutrients. Despite these benefits, dandelions are considered undesirable in lawns, aligning with the classic definition of a weed: any plant that grows where it is unwanted. This is akin to how a rose might be viewed as a weed if it were to grow in a wheat field. Dandelions are among the most recognizable plants, and their yellow flowers eventually develop into puffballs containing seeds, which are dispersed by the wind or by children who delight in watching the feathery material float away as they blow on them.