In this article, I give my best tips on how to get rid of dandelions in your lawn without the use of harsh herbicides. With these methods, you will be able to permanently eliminate dandelions from your lawn.
The best way to remove dandelions in a lawn without damaging the grass is to use Weed Beater Fe. Weed Beater Fe is a naturally occurring iron (FeHEDTA) that is very effective on dandelions, usually it only takes a few hours before you see the effect.
Mix the weed killer with water in a spray bottle and walk around your lawn spraying it onto any dandelions you find. This is the best way to apply it for maximum effectiveness.
How To Get rid of Dandelions In the Lawn
Here’s some of my best tips on how to get rid of dandelions in your lawn without using chemicals.
1. Dandelion Digger
The Dandelion Digger is an essential tool for any home owner with a lawn. This handy tool can help you dig through tough soil and remove those pesky dandelions with ease.
The unique design features a blade at the tip of the handle that helps to slice through roots, making it easier to pull up an entire plant.
2. Use a weed puller
A weed puller is a specialized tool for removing weeds and their roots from the soil with minimal soil disturbance. It works by moving it parallel to the taproot in the soil. It’s simple to raise the entire plant, root and all, from its stronghold with a small pivot.
3. Apply Weed Beater Fe
Weed Beater Fe is made of naturally occurring iron (FeHEDTA) and is safe for both humans and pets.
Many broadleaf weeds, such as dandelions, will be weakened and killed without harming the grass. Because it is naturally occurring, it is safe to seed the same day you apply it.
It’s ideal for going on a walk and remove weeds in your lawn. Every time you mow the lawn, make a tiny batch and zap the weeds as you see them. It’s not ideal for spraying the entire grass, but it’s effective for treating particular weeds. When the grass is not stressed, it operates best in the spring and fall.
4. Use White vinegar
Vinegar is an effective way to manage weeds like dandelions, thistles and clover. Its active ingredient, acetic acid, gives it natural herbicidal properties.
Fill a spray bottle with plain vinegar and spritz the dandelion plants with it. When using the solution though, be sure to only spray it directly on the weeds you want to get rid of because the vinegar might kill other plants too.
5. White vinegar and dish soap
A combination of vinegar and dishwashing soap is an effective natural way to get rid of dandelions without having to use chemical herbicides. Just mix this solution in a spray bottle and it will do the trick.
The soap in the mixture helps attach it better to the yellow flowers and leaves, thus making for more successful organic weed management. Just make sure to apply it when there’s no chance of rain as this will dilute the mixture.
6. Use corn gluten meal
Use an organic fertilizer that feeds the soil and may help reduce new weed germination, such as Corn Gluten Meal. Corn Gluten Meal is a slow-release natural fertilizer that has a protein content of roughly 9% nitrogen.
Corn Gluten Meal has also been demonstrated to inhibit fresh seed germination to some extent. That is, it will help to reduce the number of fresh seeds that become plants. Thousands of weed seeds are waiting to sprout in your soil and a Corn Gluten Meal can help lower the chances of them sprouting.
7. Mulch method
Smothering plants will eventually kill them since light stimulates germination and plants require sunshine for photosynthesis. Cover plants with cardboard or black plastic and weigh them down to create your weed block.
If the aesthetics of cardboard or plastic are a concern, you can spray paint it to match the surrounding environment or cover it with grass clippings, compost, or bark mulch for a more appealing appearance.
| Method | Effectiveness | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weed puller | Moderate | Inexpensive, easy to use | Time-consuming, may not remove entire root |
| Weed Beater Fe | Moderate to High | Easy to use, no need to touch the weed | More expensive, may not be effective on larger dandelions |
| White vinegar | Moderate | Inexpensive, easy to use | May need multiple applications, can harm other plants |
| White vinegar and dish soap | Moderate to High | Inexpensive, easy to use | May need multiple applications, can harm other plants |
| Corn gluten meal | Low to Moderate | Natural, prevents dandelion seeds from germinating | More expensive, may not be effective on existing dandelions |
| Mulching | Low to Moderate | Natural, helps prevent dandelion seeds from germinating | Time-consuming, may not be effective on existing dandelions |
How to Prevent Dandelions From Growing In Your Lawn
After you’ve cleared out the dandelions, there are a few things you can do to keep your lawn free of them. Corn gluten meal inhibits seed germination, preventing dandelions from sprouting.
Spreading corn gluten meal over your grass in the spring, before seedlings emerge, will help prevent them from taking root. Another thing you can do is fertilize and care for your lawn properly.
Dandelions are less likely to flourish in grass that is denser and healthier. Don’t get caught up in the temptation to mow your grass to within an inch of its life.
Keep it to a length of around two inches. It will help keep dandelion seeds from reaching the soil, sprouting, and taking root.
Does Mowing Dandelions Spread Them?
Mowing dandelions does not spread them. While dandelion seeds can travel through the air, mowing only affects the top of the plant and will not disturb the roots or seed heads below ground.
Even if some of the seed heads were disturbed, mowing would reduce their viability since they need sunlight to germinate.
Conclusion
By using the right techniques to get rid of dandelions, you can ensure that your lawn stays healthy and beautiful. The natural methods discussed here are all safe and effective ways to eradicate those pesky weeds without harming the environment or your family’s health.
With some regular maintenance, you’ll be able to keep dandelions at bay and enjoy a beautiful, weed-free lawn.
