Learn the Best Tips and Tricks for Banishing Dandelions from Your Yard
Dandelions are a common and persistent pest in many lawns and gardens. The bright yellow flowers with deep taproot make them difficult to get rid of and their thousands of seeds make them a perennial problem. The good news is, there are ways to remove dandelions from your yard. With a mixture of prevention and targeted removal, you can finally get rid of these pesky pests for good.
Most dandelion removal methods involve physical removal or the use of herbicides, and the two may even be used together for best results.
First, water your lawn to make the soil easier to work with. Watering will make it easier to pry up the weed and loosen the taproot. Make an incision first, using a spade to loosen the root, then use it to pry up the weed, gaining a solid grip on as many leaves as you can. Curl your hand around the plant to grip it better and gently tug to see if the taproot is rising up. If it doesn’t budge, deepen your incision and repeat the process until the weed is freed.
If physical removal takes too much effort for you, herbicides can help. You can use either organic or chemical products. If you want to go organic, buy a stronger variety of vinegar and add it to a spray bottle. When the weather forecast calls for several days of continuous sunshine, spray your dandelions with the vinegar. Alternatively, there are more powerful chemical options such as Roundup and Weed-B-Gone. Roundup is non-selective and it may harm your grass if not applied carefully, while Weed-B-Gone is specifically formulated to kill broadleaf weeds without harming your other plants.
The best time to apply herbicides is in the fall, when the weeds are transferring nutrients from the leaves to the taproots. Before and after applying herbicides, refrain from mowing your lawn for several days in order to give the herbicides adequate time to work.
In addition to removing the dandelions from your yard, you should also take steps to prevent them from coming back. Leaving grass clippings after mowing can act as a natural mulch and reduce the chances of the weeds taking hold in your lawn. Also, try to mow your lawn “high” – two to three inches tall. This will help your grass fill in bare spots and deprive the dandelions of the sunlight they need to survive. Overseeding can also help fill in bare spots and keep your lawn healthy and vibrant.
With these steps, you can finally get rid of dandelions in your yard and have a beautiful landscape that you’re proud of. It may take some time and effort, but with a bit of patience and a couple of tools, you can achieve the lawn of your dreams.
