Natural, organic methods can help you remove dandelions from your lawn. Read our guide to learn about these methods and chemical alternatives to get rid of dandelions for good.

Dandelions might be pretty to look at, but the yellow flowers spell trouble for many homeowners. They propagate quickly, and the seed heads send dandelions spreading across your lawn. With taproots that typically grow six to 18 inches deep, dandelions can be tough to remove. 

Our guide will help you understand the dandelion plant and why it’s so common. You’ll learn several ways to eliminate and prevent dandelions, plus lawn care basics to benefit all homeowners.

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Understanding Dandelions

Dandelions are a broadleaf perennial known for their bright yellow flowers and fluffy seed heads. They’re common in the early spring and live between five and 10 years. Dandelions are spread by wind-blown dandelion seeds, which means they can cover your yard and sprout into nearby flowerbeds.

Dandelions might be nuisance lawn weeds, but they also have some natural uses. Dandelion greens can be eaten in salad or tea—the leaves have some beneficial vitamins and minerals. However, many homeowners prefer to control the spread of dandelions in their yards, either through natural methods or through chemical weed killers. You’ll promote a healthy lawn and ensure other plants have space to thrive when you control dandelion growth.

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Natural Methods To Get Rid of Dandelions

If you prefer to remove weeds naturally, you have two options. You can remove the dandelions by hand-pulling or using organic herbicides. Here’s what to know about these natural dandelion removal methods for a dandelion-free lawn.

Hand-Pulling Dandelions

Hand-pulling the entire plant is the most natural way of eliminating this meddlesome perennial. However, hand-pulling dandelions isn’t easy, and it can take several seasons or more to clear your yard of dandelions with this method. It also requires endurance and strength, especially if your yard has rocks or sand that make weed removal a challenge.

Wet the soil around the dandelions you plan to hand-pull. Water will loosen the soil and make it easier to remove the dandelion root. Wait for half an hour and then start pulling the weeds. Grab the weed from the base, making an incision in the soil around it if necessary.

Tug the plant gently until it comes out. Ensure the entire taproot is lifted from the ground, or the dandelion will return. While a spade or small garden shovel can make this process easier, your hands are the only tools necessary for pulling dandelions. Wear garden gloves to protect your hands.

Organic Herbicides

Herbicides kill the offending weeds and roots, eliminating dandelions in just a few minutes. When used correctly, organic herbicides are a more natural option for weed control and are less likely to kill other plants in your yard.

If you opt for an organic herbicide, read the product instructions carefully. Wait to apply the product until it’s dry and sunny outside. Prepare the herbicide in a plastic garden pump, following the instructions on the label. Use a sprayer attachment to apply the herbicide to the dandelions in your yard. 

Let the herbicide dry fully and wait to see if the dandelion’s foliage turns brown. If it doesn’t, apply organic herbicide again after a day or so. If it turns brown, there’s no need to use additional weed killers. Always wait several days after applying herbicide before watering your yard to prevent the herbicide from getting on and killing other plants.

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Chemical Herbicides To Get Rid of Dandelions

Chemical broadleaf herbicides are typically the most effective method of removing dandelions. They are highly concentrated and can eliminate most weeds when used correctly. However, chemical herbicides should be used with caution. They can be deadly to all plants in your yard, not just weeds.

To use chemical herbicides, mix the product of your choice in a garden pump, adding water as instructed on the product label. Don’t mow your lawn for at least two days prior to using herbicide to allow for a more effective application. Shake the mixture well and apply the herbicide to the dandelions with the sprayer attachment.

The best time to use chemical herbicides is in late summer or early fall. During this time of year, plants move materials from their leaves to the roots for storage. Any herbicide or weed killer applied during this time will travel to the roots quickly and kill the weed. 

Exercise care when using any chemical herbicide, especially if you have children or pets. If herbicide comes into contact with your skin, hair, or eyes, wash it away immediately. Consult a doctor if you believe you have ingested any organic or chemical herbicide or if you are experiencing a rash or other skin irritation.

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Preventing Dandelions From Returning

Take action to ensure the dandelions don’t come back after you’ve rid your lawn of them. You can do several things to prevent dandelions from returning and to promote general lawn health. 

Maintain a healthy yard by leaving grass clippings on the grass, mulching planting beds, and mowing your grass to a height of two to three inches. These tasks keep your yard well-balanced and healthy. Weed and feed your yard regularly, and practice the basics of dandelion control by tending to any existing plants or flowers.

Other steps you can take to prevent dandelions include the following:

• Choose pollinator-friendly plants to keep the ecosystem in your yard as diverse as possible. A strong, healthy yard is less susceptible to weed invasion and is appealing to look at. 
• Consider hiring a lawn care service or landscaping company to tend your yard. 
• Overseed bare spots to fill them in before weeds can take over. 

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Our Conclusion

While dandelion flowers can be appealing and have functional uses, they can quickly take over your lawn. If you want to remove these perennial weeds and regain control of your yard, you can use a natural method of dandelion removal, such as hand-pulling or a broadleaf herbicide, to kill dandelions and their root system. If you opt to use a chemical or organic herbicide, be cautious and use the product according to package directions.

Prevention is the best cure, and to ensure dandelions don’t return after they are removed, take good care of your lawn year-round. Mow your yard at the proper height, water and mulch it regularly, and remove weeds as they occur rather than waiting for an infestation. You can hire a landscaping company to handle this job for you, especially if you have a busy schedule and can’t commit to the task of lawn maintenance. With some care and attention, your yard can remain free of dandelions.

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FAQ About How To Get Rid of Dandelions

What kills dandelions permanently?

Anything that removes or kills the long taproots will permanently kill dandelions. Some methods for permanently killing dandelions include hand-pulling, chemical herbicides, or organic herbicides.

What kills dandelions but not the grass?

Hand-pulling dandelions can kill them while keeping the grass and surrounding plants safe. You can also use a targeted herbicide if you’re careful to spray the dandelions, not the surrounding grass.

Does picking dandelions make them spread?

Picking dandelions can help them spread if the seeds blow away to other parts of your yard. Dandelions propagate easily when the signature seed heads break away and germinate.

Are there any benefits to having dandelions?

Dandelions are perennial broadleaf weeds, but there are some benefits to having them in your yard. Eating dandelion greens can provide vitamins to your diet, including vitamin K, and the bright yellow flowers are appealing. It’s up to the homeowners’ discretion whether to keep or remove dandelions.

How can I prevent dandelions from growing in the first place?

To prevent dandelions from growing in the first place, maintain a healthy, thriving yard. Mow the grass to a height of two to three inches with a lawn mower, mulch regularly, and leave grass clippings on your lawn. These actions and pulling dandelions as they appear will help your yard thrive.

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