Dandelions are a common weed in many lawns. They can sometimes be considered attractive in the right setting, but they’re also considered a nuisance in other areas because they’re so hard to get rid of. Luckily, there are many ways to get rid of dandelions.
Of course, you could always use chemicals like weed killer or Roundup, but that isn’t always safe for kids and pets who might be around the area. Thankfully, there are other methods that you can use to safely remove dandelions from your lawn without harming anyone else.
Here are 7 different ways to get rid of dandelions that work!
Chemicals
The first thing that many people try is to just use a weed killer. While there are many chemicals that you can use to eliminate dandelions, the most common method is to use Roundup. There are many different options when it comes to Roundup.
Not all are created equal, however, and there are certain factors to consider when purchasing weed killer. You can check out the different options that are out there in our guide here. Prevention If you don’t want to use chemical weed killer, there is a way to get rid of dandelions naturally.
There are a few natural methods you can use to help reduce dandelions in your lawn. One of the most popular methods for prevention is to mow your lawn at a lower height than the other grass around your yard.
By Hand
You might not be able to get rid of dandelions by hand, but you can certainly attempt it! If your lawn looks like it’s been invaded by dandelions, you can save it by hand by taking off the tops and stalks. In fact, a video has surfaced on YouTube showing that you can easily pull dandelions out of your lawn by hand.
If you have some stalks that look like they’re taking over, you can pull the weed apart and remove the top by hand, or simply snap the stalk off. However, you should still wear gloves when doing so because you don’t want to accidentally get dandelion spore on your hands!
Cocoon: Another option you have is to leave the tops of your dandelions intact, but use a small piece of newspaper and cover them with a large square.
Dandelion Killer
An alternative to chemicals is to use a pesticide that has been proven effective for dandelions. This includes the dandelion killer (pictured below). However, some individuals have had issues with this pesticide on some plants, so it is a good idea to do a test patch first.
And a word of caution: if you’re working with your lawn, take precautions when it comes to pesticides and do some research before buying any products that might be a danger to animals, pets, or kids.
Dandelion Seed Weeder: If you prefer a bit more manual labor in the morning, check out the dandelion seed weeder. This isn’t as convenient as using a pesticide (particularly if you’re using a lawn mower), but it is a good option for some homeowners.
Weed-Control Mats
The most popular method to remove dandelions from your lawn is a special mat that acts as a weed barrier. The weed-control mats contain certain chemicals that are meant to kill dandelions. The chemicals are sprayed onto the mat and the mat surrounds the dandelions.
The result is that the dandelions become covered in the chemicals and eventually die. Anti-Weed Sprayer Although this method of weed control may not be for everyone, it is definitely worth trying. The anti-weed spray works similarly to weed-killer and will kill weeds.
Prune The Dandelion Plant: If you find that your dandelion plants are growing out of control, there are actually different ways to trim them down. The easiest way is to cut the yellow flowers off at the base.
Fertilizers
If you don’t have a lawnmower, then using fertilizers is one way to get rid of dandelions. Fertilizers can contain chemicals that can harm plants and people. If you live in a more urban area, you probably won’t have much of a yard and might need to use a fertilizer for the whole lawn.
Fill a big bucket with water and add a fertilizer, like Scotts Orchard Grass. After the water cools off, let it sit and add another layer of fertilizer. Then wait a few days. This will let the fertilizer completely soak into the soil. Fertilizer is so good that you can even use it in the dry winter months.
Just make sure to keep it stored in a plastic container. Scraper If you have a weed whacker, then you might be able to get rid of dandelions without a lot of work.
Vinegar and Water Mixture
This is a great home remedy that you can easily do for dandelions at home. In order to do this method, simply pour a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water on the foliage of the weeds. This technique has been shown to be the most effective method when it comes to killing dandelions.
This will, however, take several days to kill the weeds and can even kill those grassy areas around your dandelions. It should also take around 2 weeks for your weeds to die off, after you apply this method of dandelion removal.
Fire Hydrant Hose: This method takes the least amount of effort but also has the most potential for damage. To do this method, you’ll need to find a fire hydrant nearby. Next, you’ll need to grab a hose and fill it with about a gallon of water.
Soap and Boiling Water Mixture
The best way to remove dandelions is to get your kids and pets to help you by raking the dandelions into a pile. Use a sharp pair of garden scissors to cut off any of the plant’s leaves. Remove any stem or leaves that you find. Add the plant stems and leaves into a metal or glass dish.
Place the dish in a slow cooker or on the stove top. Fill the slow cooker with water. Bring the water to a boil for 15 minutes. Take the dish out of the slow cooker and add dish soap. Continue cooking the dandelions for another 15 minutes.
The soap should help dissolve the root system and pull the dandelion from your lawn. Rinse the dishes thoroughly in cold water. Your lawn will be cleaner and you won’t have any more dandelions to deal with!
Conclusion
The time is now to try one of the above methods to see if you can get rid of the dandelions on your lawn, even if it’s just for a little while. Your yard should look much better when you’re done with your work, even if you don’t get rid of all of the dandelions.
By taking the time to learn what the best ways are to get rid of dandelions in your yard, you’ll be able to get them out and enjoy your yard for a much longer time.