How to Remove Dandelions Chemically

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a common weed across the continental United States. Deep-rooted and low-growing, dandelion is particularly difficult to control, especially in lawns. If you decide to use an herbicide to rid your turf of dandelions, follow these instructions carefully.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Garden Sprayer
• Gardening Gloves
• Weed Killers
• Pollen/dust Masks
• Safety Goggles
• Safety Goggles

1. Buy a broadleaf weed killer (a selective postemergent herbicide) at your nursery or garden center. Broadleaf weed killers can be sprayed directly over lawn areas because they kill only weeds with a wide leaf, as opposed to plants such as grass with a narrow leaf. A selective postemergent herbicide will kill only one type of weed, after it has emerged from the soil.

2. Spray before the dandelions have produced flowers for best results. Dandelions can be identified by their dark green leaves that grow close to the ground. The leaves are deeply serrated on the edges and resemble a Scottish thistle.

3. Choose a sunny day to spray.

4. Wait until after the dew has dried from the lawn to spray.

5. Spray only if there is no breeze. Broadleaf weed killers will damage any plant that has a broad leaf, including desirable garden plants.

6. Prevent new dandelions from sprouting by spraying a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring. Pre-emergent herbicides prevent weed seeds from germinating.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use the least toxic method of control as your first step.
• Herbicides are strong substances and should be used with great care and caution. Consult warning labels on herbicide sprays and applicators.
• Wear protective clothing, including neoprene gloves, safety goggles, a respirator, long sleeves and long pants when spraying garden chemicals.

on 11/22/2005 I moved into a house that had a lawn covered with dandelions. I found in my warfare that not only spraying, but mowing frequently helps reduce germination of defiant plants. Keep the lawn well-kept and spray every two weeks.