Buzz
Dandelions may look harmless with their bright yellow flowers, but don’t be fooled—they are technically a weed.
“Dandelions compete for the nutrients and water your lawn needs to grow strong. Getting rid of them helps ensure that the right nutrients go to the right places, allowing your lawn to flourish,” explains Roger May, PhD, horticulture expert and director of technical operations at TruGreen.
Luckily, you can get rid of dandelions—Dr. May shares three effective, chemical-free methods to do just that.
Martin Ruegner/Getty ImagesRemove Dandelions by Hand
Pulling dandelion weeds by hand is an option, but Dr. May warns that this method won’t fully eliminate them. Dandelion seeds spread easily through the wind, which means they can regenerate and keep coming back!
If you choose the manual removal method, it's important to do it correctly. “Dandelions have a large taproot that stores energy, much like a carrot, and if the entire root isn’t removed, the plant will return,” explains Dr. May.
Dr. May recommends using a dandelion weeding tool, a long metal instrument with a forked end that helps you dig deep into the soil and remove the entire root along with the weed.
Use White Vinegar
If you want to avoid chemical herbicides, try using vinegar as a natural weed killer. Dr. May explains that vinegar will “burn” the dandelion leaves, forcing the weed to grow back. “After several treatments, the dandelion will deplete the nutrients stored in its taproot while attempting to regenerate, eventually causing it to die,” says Dr. May.
However, Dr. May warns that vinegar can also harm healthy grass, so be sure to target only the weeds when spraying.
Natural methods may take longer to show results compared to chemical herbicides, and the outcome might not be as effective.
If you’re considering a chemical solution, Dr. May recommends choosing a broadleaf weed control product that’s suitable for your grass type, and following the instructions carefully.
He also advises, "If you're unsure about what to apply or would prefer a professional to handle it, always consult an expert!"
Apply Corn Gluten Meal
Corn gluten meal can be used to target dandelions just as they’re about to establish roots, though it’s not as effective against fully developed weeds.
For the best results, apply corn gluten meal in late March (or when the soil temperature reaches 50°F) on a dry day. Be sure to remove any established dandelions first. Then, dethatch your lawn before evenly spreading the corn gluten meal. Finally, water your grass lightly to activate the treatment.
Make sure to purchase corn gluten meal specifically labeled as an herbicide. “Corn meal” and “corn gluten feed” are not the same as “corn gluten meal.”
Prevention is crucial when it comes to dandelions, as once they’ve taken over your lawn, controlling them becomes extremely difficult.
To lower your chances of a dandelion invasion, Dr. May recommends mowing and watering your lawn properly. “This helps foster a thick grass surface that prevents broadleaf weeds from taking root,” he explains.
