Looking for the best dandelion killer that won’t kill grass? Well, look no further. Use this guide to get rid of dandelions without harming your lawn.
You have probably had at least a few dandelions in your yard before. They can become a considerable problem since each dandelion produces about 10,000 seeds unless you kill them before they can multiply in your yard. If you have only a few dandelions in your yard this year if left to seed, they can quickly overwhelm your yard next year.
If you have worked hard to keep your grass and yard looking great, you probably wonder how to kill the dandelions without harming your grass. What is the best dandelion killer that won’t kill your grass?
Is it better to use an organic herbicide to get rid of dandelions? What is a natural way to kill dandelions? Do they work? How effective are they at eliminating the problem?
Dandelions are broadleaf weeds, but unlike most weeds’ dandelions have a long taproot that can go down as deep as two feet. The long taproot makes them hard to pull without a tool or first killing them with an herbicide. What dandelion removal tools work the best?
Your Options
Choosing the best dandelion killer that won’t kill grass, is easier than you may think. There are two types of herbicides to choose from. The first is a non-selective herbicide that will destroy everything in its pathway, so it will not work if you want to keep your grass. The second is a selective herbicide that will leave your grass unscathed.
If you choose an herbicide that only kills broadleaf weeds, your grass should be safe as long as you follow the directions exactly as the instructions say on the bottle or packaging.
Dandelions have broad flat leaves that spread out along the ground. They are very invasive and usually have to have a herbicide applied to them to remove them entirely from your yard.
For the best results, be sure to kill the dandelions before they get flowers on them. You should apply the herbicide in late spring. However, you can use a pre-emergent in late winter to prevent dandelion seeds from germinating. You must use a pre-emergent before the seeds have germinated to be successful.
A few of the best herbicides on the market include Scotts Turf Builder and Weed and Feed, Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action, and GreenView Weed & Feed.
Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed
The new formula is twice as potent as the previous formulas of their product. At the same time, it kills dandelions. It also feeds your lawn to make it thicker.
Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action
Not only does it kill dandelions it also helps prevent crabgrass for up to four months. Scotts also includes a nitrogen-rich fertilizer that helps make your grass healthier and beautiful. A 20-pound bag will cover a 4000 square foot lawn. It can be used for Fescue, Kentucky Blue Grass, and Perennial Ryegrass safely. It is best if used in late summer.
Greenview Weed & Feed Broadleaf Weed Control Plus Lawn Food
GreenView Weed & Feed Broadleaf Weed Control Plus Lawn Food has a 39-pound bag that can treat a 15,000 square foot yard. They do have other-size bags available. A one-time application kills 250 different types of broadleaf plants while helping your grass grow and stay healthy. This is recommended if you have a variety of weeds such as Pokeweed, Bindweed, etc,
These are only a few of the herbicides available on the market. You should check each one to make sure it fits you and your family’s needs the best. Be careful since not all herbicides can be used on all types of grasses. So, be sure to read the instructions and the label to find out if a herbicide is compatible with your grass and other needs.
Dandelion Removal Tools
Perhaps the most effective way to kill out dandelions is by removing them one by one yourself, but it can be very time-consuming. If you choose this method, you need to do it in the springtime before signs of seedlings appear. If you miss pulling them in early spring, then try to rid yourself of them in early fall are the best times to pull out the entire taproot.
Several tools can make digging out dandelions much easier. You will probably need to dig the dandelions out every few weeks as more emerge. TO completely eradicate your yard of dandelions, you must get all the taproots dug up.
When selecting a tool to remove dandelions be sure to get the correct handle length for you.
- Short-Handled dandelion Tools are best for working close to the plant. These are great if the plants are clustered together. If you are on the ground or bend over, these work well. They give you more control than longer ones do.
- Long-Handled dandelion Tools work best from a standing position. These are especially good if you have problems getting off the ground.
Some tools will come with a claw head that allows you to pull and pick up and throw away the plants as they are removed.
Try A “Digger”
You may want a tool called a digger. A digger helps you eliminate the entire plant. To use this tool, you place the tool head by the plant dig into the ground, and while you apply pressure, the dandelions come up out of the land.
Use A “Knife Head”
A knife head is always handy to have with you when pulling up dandelions. They are excellent for cutting roots out. You use the tool’s head to pierce into the soil.
Garden Hoe
Some people prefer a hoe to use to pull the dandelions down. You can use the hoe to dig out the plant and then replace the soil afterward.
A cobra head is a weeding tool. It has a design that makes it one of the more accessible tools to use. It cultivates the soil as you work to kill the dandelions. Because of the way it is designed, it doesn’t put pressure on your body.
These tools can make your job of pulling dandelions much easier. Another tip is to water the area before trying to pull the dandelions. Putting a little herbicide in the hole can finish off any root you might have besides killing anything you might have missed.
Natural Ways To Kill Dandelions
Maybe you’re a person who does not want to use any herbicides with chemicals around your home. There are some natural ways to kill dandelions.
Boiling Hot Water
One way to kill weeds is to pour boiling water on them. They will die, and you will know your pets and children are safe from harmful chemicals from herbicides.
Vinegar/Salt
You might also try spraying vinegar on the weeds. However, you may need to do this several times to get the best results. Salt will kill them but may kill the grass or other plants near where you put the salt on the ground.
Sugar
Sugar puts plant organisms into overdrive while the plants are trying to figure out The soil is not suitable for a while for plants. Using sugar may not be the best natural solution depending on how many dandelions you are trying to get rid of at a time.
Dawn Soap
You can also try putting a little vinegar, Dawn, and Epson salt together to form a natural weed treatment. IF you use the vinegar, you should use horticultural vinegar, which is used on weeds. The acetic acid is 20%. When using this high concentration of acetic acid, be sure to wear gloves and long sleeves to make sure you do not get injured. A mask is also essential to use so that you do not breathe in it. Vinegar only kills the weeds. The taproot will live.
To Conclude
Killing dandelions without killing the lawn can be done, but it is sometimes a tedious process unless you use a selective herbicide that will not kill your lawn but will eliminate your weeds. Be careful not to use a non-selective herbicide, or it will damage your grass.
Hand pulling works well if you can get the taproot. If you miss any of the roots, the dandelions will come back. Whatever method you choose to use, it is best to do it before they flower.
Natural ways are the hardiest to use to get rid of them permanently. Some will work for a while but may not be permanent.
Protect yourself from chemicals in herbicides and vinegar so that you do not harm yourself or your family and pets. Read all instructions and follow them carefully for the best results, and you will have a luscious lawn to enjoy for years to come.
We hope this article has helped you decide on the best dandelion killer that won’t kill the grass (for your particular lawn).