Common dandelions are not primarily weeds. However, if they take over your lawn you will need to kill them because they are considered weeds. Targeting the whole dandelion including the roots is the best way to kill it. You may opt for non-chemical control or use dandelion weed killer products to get rid of them. Find out when is the best time of the season to kill dandelion weeds and seeds.
Though quite easy to control, it is however very difficult to kill or stop them growing back again.
What Are Dandelions?
Common dandelions are broad-leaf perennial herbs. They grow close to the ground. After they mature, they form rosettes of leaves (see pictures). They produce yellow flowers in ray-shaped clusters. Each mature dandelion can produce as many as 15000 seeds. Each seed has white feathery bristles. The taproots of these herbs can grow 6 – 18 inches deep. Aided by wind dispersal of the seeds makes dandelions more difficult to control and manage.
Natural Lawn Dandelion Killer/Control
Below are methods you can use to get rid of and control dandelions without chemicals.
1. Stop Dandelion Seed Dispersal
Simply cut off the flowers early before they start producing seeds. Then throw them away. Dig up the whole dandelion together with its roots afterward and kill it.
2. Pour Hot Water + Dig-up
Boil water and immediately pour it directly onto the dandelion weed. Follow up by digging up the root system.
Works greatly for garden sections such as edges of paving and paths. However, you cannot use hot water on your lawn with a high population of dandelions growing.
3. Apply Pure Vinegar
Vinegar has abilities to kill certain weeds only. Household vinegar has 5% acid acetic acid. This is not enough to kill the roots of dandelions. Whereas horticultural vinegar can have substantial burning effects on dandelion stems, it may not kill the deep roots.
Consequently, dandelions will likely re-grow after using household or pure vinegar as a control method. After spraying vinegar follow up with tillage to remove the roots.
4. Till Your Garden
Tillage is a traditional method of controlling weed populations, especially in a plantation field. Firstly, for better control of dandelions, the selection of tools is important. Go for tools that can go at least 6 inches deep to fork out the roots. Till your garden when the soil has good moisture. Carry out tillage before the weeds reach their flowering stage.
Pros
- Eco-friendly
- Safe for nearly all domestic pests
- No special skill required
- Fields can benefit from cultivation that target weeds
Cons
- Not effective to get rid of dandelions permanently
- New dandelion seedlings may emerge
Secondly, separate roots from the plant. Ensure you burn those roots or expose them to dry conditions. If you want to stop dandelions from possibly re-growing again on your lawn grass, cut off the flowers firsts. And don’t stop there! Keep up with maintenance for a healthy and vigorous lawn.
5. Apply Rotary Hoeing
Unlike tillage, rotary hoeing is an advanced method that combines tillage tools. Using rotary hoes for this weed control is just similar to how it is applied for other weed types. So, stir the soil surface to enable you to look for signs of emerging weeds.
Pros
- Can be used to control dandelion seeds by delaying their emergence
- Effective for controlling seedling dandelions
- Pet friendly
- Eco-friendly
Cons
- Rotary hoes may not be used on garden lawns
- Cannot be used to remove established weeds
- Damp and moist soils may hamper the effectiveness of rotary hoes
- May cause slight soil compaction
Safe & Best Dandelion Killer Options
You can effectively kill and control dandelion populations from your lawn during certain times of the season. However, this depends on the selection of the right products. Know when the best time and right conditions are before applying.
Before dandelions emerge go for pre-emergence broadleaf herbicides. If they are blooming select post-emergence herbicides. Below are some of the best Dandelion Killer Products
1) Spray Glyphosate or 2, 4-D Acid
During the fall planting season, apply non-selective glyphosate to fields. Spray in rows infested with dandelion weeds. However, glyphosate does not kill dandelion seeds. As a result, there is a high probability of new seedlings emerging. You may be required to reapply to kill new seedlings.
On the other hand, 2, 4-D is a selective (systemic) killer acid. It works by plants absorbing the active killer ingredient.
These herbicides are more effective in the fall than in the spring. Why? In the fall, dandelions are transferring sugar to the roots. This happens in preparation for their dormancy in winter. Therefore, the best time to apply glyphosate or 2, 4-D acid is in the fall.
2) Apply Corn Gluten
Before planting, apply corn gluten meal to kill dandelion seeds in the spring. Spray after you have tilled or prepared your field for planting. To help further control dandelions, grow and promote a thick and healthy lawn. Healthy lawns can easily discourage emerging weeds.
3) Use Selective Herbicides
Selective herbicides are very effective when sprayed at the right time of the season. If you don’t want to kill lawn grass, use broadleaf selective herbicides.
Apart from 2, 4-D acid, triclopyr (brush killer) is effective in killing dandelions. For best results, spray triclopyr in the fall. Make a closer follow-up to determine if tillage is required to remove the roots. Remember to do this per herbicide safety guidelines to avoid killing plants nearby.
According to the NDSU Ag Extension, the most effective broadleaf herbicides for lawns are Trimec formulations.
4) Remove Dandelions Before They Multiply
You can also avoid killing your lawn grass but get rid of dandelions. Simply uproot the whole herb. Use garden forks to aid the successful removal of the whole roots. For best results, start uprooting them one by one. This can be done before they have started flowering with much ease.
5) Carry out Spring Feeding
Feeding your lawn grass increases its vigor and help prevent weeds from establishing quickly. It if you are on a budget, you can purchase or order grass weed and feed fertilizer.
Applying fertilizers nourishes lawn grass while killing emerging dandelions. For best results, we recommend applying fertilizer once early in the spring. Later in the spring (in May), apply fertilizers with weed killer on your garden lawn.
Note that if you spayed a selective herbicide, give your lawn grass 1 week before you can apply either of the fertilizers.
How to Apply Dandelion Weed Killer Safely
You might wonder why the weed products are not producing results to effect. Optimal use means best results.
Apply Under Best Conditions
Spray with heavy droplets and when it is calm. Avoid spraying when it is warmer than 90 degrees F. Ensure you carefully read and understand directions on use.
To prevent killing other plants, consider applying when it is only needed. Use the recommended application rates.
More importantly, herbicides are poisonous. Read the manufacturer’s label for more how-to information.
Guarantee Safety for Pets
Selecting any dandelion killer product does not end there. It also means you have to consider your pets’ safety too. It is quite simple when it comes to safeguarding the health of your pets.
So, how do you get rid of dandelions without harming pets? You want to kill dandelions before they are on the verge of taking over your lawn. That’s a great idea. However, it is not just a matter of looking for descriptions like ‘best product to kill dandelion weeds.’
Your objective is to get rid of weeds. At the same time ensure your family, as well as pets, remain safe. You and your pets are at risk of potentially being poisoned or harmed. So simply, lock your dogs and cats inside. It is a collective responsibility. Alternatively, after spraying, protect your lawn area until it is safe.
Are Dandelions Good or Bad?
There could be varying responses as to whether these herbs are good or not. Well, some people and communities grow dandelions for aesthetic reasons. Eating them has nutritional benefits. They are also grown for medicinal purposes or as a source of food.
However, some household owners dislike them for some reason. Some gardeners and farmers don’t like them either. Why? If they take over your lawn area they can turn it into some unsightly spot. Likewise, when they invade production fields, they are considered weeds.
Sources & References
- Common Dandelion Fact Sheet. The University of Maine. https://extension.umaine.edu/signs-of-the-seasons/indicator-species/dandelion-fact-sheet/. Accessed 26th August 2021
- Controlling Dandelion. Michigan State University. https://www.canr.msu.edu/weeds/extension/weed-control-guide/(Dandelion)2020%20WEED%20CONTROL%20GUIDE%20FINAL%20E-434.pdf. Accessed 26th Aug. 2021