How to Rid your Lawn of Dandelions
Children enjoy plucking dandelions and blowing on the fluffy seeds to watch them float magically in the air. They also make pretend necklaces out of the weed once it develops a yellow bloom. But dandelions are disdained by many homeowners because they grow rapidly once the fluffy seeds are spread by the wind. The weeds make well-groomed yards appear unkempt. Getting rid of this annoying weed is not difficult, but it requires persistence to ensure they do not return. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Dig out the dandelion by its roots. If you are successful in removing 95 to 98 percent of the root, the risk of this weed returning is unlikely.
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Purchase a RTU broadleaf herbicide in a spray bottle. Spraying the herbicide onto the foliage is all that is necessary to eliminate this plant. Often, the next day the dandelion starts curling and dying. Spray the herbicide in the evening hours, particularly if you are allergic to honeybees. They are least likely to hover around the plants at that time.
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Repeat the herbicide treatment again in a couple of weeks if the first application isn't successful.
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Maintain a healthy lawn. Healthy grass generally grows faster than the dandelions and chokes them out.
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Tips & Warnings
Water your lawn deeply to encourage deep roots in your grass. Do this infrequently to avoid over-saturation of the turf.
Keep the lawn mowed at a height of 2-and-1/2 to 3 inches to prevent dandelion growth.
Fertilize the lawn during the active growing stage, once in the spring and again in the autumn.
Many people use dandelions to make wine from the flowers. The crowns are edible and the roots useful in making coffee.
It is important to rid your lawn of dandelions if someone in your family is allergic to honeybees, since the yellow flower attracts the bees.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Getty Images
