How to Kill Dandelions Without Chemicals

Dandelions are perennials that grow best in full sunlight.

Dandelions spread quickly in yards. When left untouched, they will turn white and the seeds will spread in the wind. Dandelions have deep root systems which allow them to continue to grow in your yard every year. Commercial chemicals can harm the environment and are not safe to use around children or pets. While killing the dandelions naturally may be a safer alternative, they still need to be removed carefully to prevent injuring surrounding plants or grass.

Things You'll Need

• White distilled vinegar
• Spray bottle
• Cooking pot
• Lawn mower
• Dandelion fork
• Landscaping fabric or black plastic tarp
• Salt

Instructions

1. Pour white distilled vinegar into a spray bottle. Spray the dandelions with the vinegar to soak them in the liquid.

2. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Pour the water over the dandelions to kill them.

3. Set the mower blade to a height between 2 1/2 and 3 inches. Allowing the grass to grow higher will deprive the weeds of light.

4. Pull the dandelion weeds from the ground by hand. Insert a dandelion fork or other sharp tool into the ground to help you remove the long roots. Digging into the ground with a small tool protects your lawn from developing large bare spots.

5. Apply landscaping fabric or a black plastic tarp to block the growth of the dandelions. The fabric or tarp may kill the grass as well.

6. Water the lawn deeply, but less frequently. The grass will grow deeper roots, which will prevent the growth of dandelions.

7. Kill dandelions in sidewalk and concrete cracks by combining 1 cup of salt with 2 cups of boiling water. Pour the solution over the dandelions to kill them.

Tips & Warnings

• Dandelions may continue to thrive in your yard if your neighbors do not control their dandelions.

• Pouring distilled vinegar or boiling water over the dandelions may kill surrounding grass or plants. Pour the water or vinegar directly over the weeds carefully.

References

• Washington State University Extension; Dandelion; Vi Tiegs; April 2006
• University of California; Dandelion Management; D.W. Cudney, et al.; July 2006
• Utah State University; Dandelions -- Take the Bite Out of Lion's Teeth; Dennis Hinkamp; May 2001
• Plantea; Seven Ways to Get Rid of Dandelions...Organically; Marion Owen
• Reader's Digest: 11 Ways to Kill Garden Weeds