Controlling Dandelions In Lawns

Recognizing Dandelions

Dandelions are another of those common weeds which we all have to deal with when they enter our lawns and gardens and establish themselves. If left unchecked, Dandelions will quickly spread in large multitudes thanks to that wonderful parachute system of flying that nature has bestowed on them. Lucky for us, it is very easy to treat and control Dandelions.

Dandelions are most notable for their bright yellow, circular flower heads, these flowers sit atop a flat and wide leaf system that lays close to the ground. Eventually, as the flowers mature they transform into those transparent white balls of fluff that kids love to pick at the stalk and then blow all those little parachutes into the wind - followed by making a wish.

The problem is, as we all come to know as adults, is that all these wonderful little parachutes are weed seeds for the Dandelion, and our kids have just spread the next generation far and wide to be carried away by the wind.

Lawn Mowing To Control Dandelions

Mowing lawns regularly does keep many weed seeds from maturing and sending out new seeds (read more about lawn mowing as weed control), and Dandelion is a perfect example of this. While the seed stalks and flowers do shoot out very quickly, they take a little while longer to mature into those white balls of fluff containing viable seeds.

This is our opportunity to get the lawnmower out and cut the grass, not only are we making our lawn beautiful, but we are also removing the next generation of Dandelion seeds before they become viable.

Unfortunately, the lawn mowing will not kill the Dandelion plant itself, and it will continue to grow more seed stalks through its life cycle.

How To Kill Dandelions In Lawns

We have two options to completely kill the Dandelion plant, for small infestations we can simply use a sharp knife or gardening tool to remove it from the lawn very quickly. This is the fastest, easiest, cheapest, and most environmentally friendly way to kill Dandelions, and if we always follow good lawn care practices then any Dandelions will always be minimal in numbers.

The next option is to use a selective herbicide which is applied to the lawn, providing we've chosen the right herbicide for our grass type at the local lawn care and garden store, then the herbicide will kill the Dandelions and leave the lawn undamaged.

Dandelions are grouped into a broad category of weeds known as Broadleaf Weeds, while they have nothing in common between most of them, this grouping simply signifies they all have a common broadleaf, and herbicides which are manufactured and marketed as Broadleaf herbicides will kill most of the weeds in this group, So a Broadleaf herbicide should be the first herbicide to look at.

To apply, simply mix it up into a Handy Sprayer as per directions on the label, and apply also as directed. Not only will the herbicide kill the Dandelions, but it will also rid the lawn of many other weed types that fall into the Broadleaf weed category.

There are also much granular weed and feed type products, these can often be quite good, but their effectiveness is often not to the same standard as the spraying option.

St. Augustine Grass Herbicide Warning

Be very careful when purchasing and applying any herbicide for use on St. Augustine lawns. The broadleaf blade of St. Augustine can often react to many weed sprays, and damage or even kill the grass along with the weed. Read the label carefully or ask for advice for the correct herbicide for use on St. Augustine grass.