Tools and Materials
Understanding Dandelions
Although they are commonly referred to as weeds, dandelions do have some benefits. They can grow on unhealthy soil, are the first to bloom during spring and help attract pollinators. There aren't too many downsides to having them on your lawn. But, because they are spread by wind-blown seeds, dandelions can easily take root in lawns and planting beds. They can take over very fast and might outcompete other plants.
How to Get Rid of Dandelions Effectively
Dandelions are a tricky weed to eliminate because of how fast they spread. Below are some of the best ways to get rid of dandelions and keep them from taking over your lawn.
Method 1: Remove Them by Hand
The best time to try this method is after rain when the ground is soft or after you have watered your lawn using a watering hose. Dandelions have a long tap root, so grasp the plant by the base of the stem and pull steadily so that the whole root comes out.
Remember that any part of the root left behind can sprout, growing a whole new plant. This method is most effective when you've caught the spread early and there are only a few dandelions in your lawn.
Method 2: Dig With a Shovel
Using a shovel, undercut the plant root in the ground. Typically, the tap root is 6 to 18 inches long but can extend deeper into the soil for older plants. Digging deep with a shovel will help you uproot the whole plant, ensuring no root parts are left behind.
Method 3: Spray With Herbicide
In larger areas where manual removal is impractical, using a herbicide is the best way to get rid of dandelions. The most suitable time to spray dandelions is in late summer when plants naturally shift materials from leaves to roots for winter storage. This ensures that the herbicide moves directly to the roots, which helps in getting rid of dandelions permanently.
Use a lawn weed killer or a herbicide that specifically targets dandelions (it should say so on the bottle) and spray directly onto the plants. Older dandelions develop a waxy layer on their leaves that sheds water and herbicide. To overcome this, stomp on the plant with your foot a few times just before spraying it. This will injure the leaves and stems, creating openings for the herbicide to enter.
Always wear gloves, mask and safety goggles when handling herbicide. Read the label carefully before using it and follow the instructions given on the container. Ensure you avoid accidentally spraying your desirable plants with herbicide.
Prevention and Control
Homeowners can discover how to get rid of dandelions by following a few easy methods. But given how quickly dandelion seeds can spread and take root, preventing them from coming back entirely may be challenging.
Here are a few tips to prevent and control dandelions:
Keep Your Grass Relatively Tall
Mowing your grass at least two to three inches tall is a good way to prevent dandelions from taking root. The taller grass will grow thicker, shading the soil and blocking adequate sunlight from reaching it so the dandelion seeds don’t sprout.
Use a Weed Preventer
Use a corn gluten meal weed preventer to stop dandelions before they germinate. Spread the weed preventer onto your lawn and water it to prevent weed growth. Many weed control products are also safe to use around your plants and vegetables. If you plan to seed your lawn soon after, you shouldn't use these products.
Always wear protective equipment such as gloves, masks, and eye protection when handling weed preventers. Also, make sure to read the labels on these products carefully before using them.
Mulch Your Lawn
Spread an even layer of mulch on your lawn. This will improve the quality of your soil and decrease the likelihood of dandelions getting a foothold. It's also much easier to pull out younger dandelions from mulch than bare soil.