Now that winter is coming to an end, it is almost time for spring to bring back your yard’s lush vegetation. However, spring also brings back those pesky dandelions and weeds that can wreak havoc on your garden and yard. Although there are many types of dandelion and weed killers on the market, there is a lot to consider before determining which is the best dandelion killer spray for lawns. Today, we offer you what we consider to be the best dandelion killer reviews on the web, as well as several tips and product comparisons to help you make the right choice.
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How do I Get Rid of Dandelions in my Lawn?
Dandelions can be a huge nightmare for your lawn or garden as they are difficult to remove and they propagate easily. Dandelions are also known as broadleaf weeds. The best method to get rid of dandelions permanently is to kill them by the root; this can be accomplished in several ways including the use of herbicides, either commercial or organic, or by removing them manually from the root. Some people have reported getting the job done by spraying their lawn with vinegar, but this isn’t always effective.
To learn how to remove dandelions from your yard watch this video:
Choosing the Best Dandelion Killer for Your Needs
If you are looking for ways to get rid of dandelions, a dandelion herbicide is a great method to do so. Killing dandelions in a lawn without killing the grass with herbicides can be very easy if you just spray the dandelions. This certainly beats having to pull them out manually, which is very labor-intensive.
There are also special herbicides that are designed to control dandelions before and after their emergence. Pre-emergent herbicides will help control dandelions and can be used in late winter for maximum effectiveness, whereas post-emergent herbicides are typically used in fall. You should choose dandelion killer based on your particular needs.
Selective and Non-Selective Herbicides
When choosing the best dandelion killer, there are several types to consider. Most commercial dandelion killers fall into two categories: selective and non-selective.
In short, selective dandelion killers are formulated to target dandelions only. This is an excellent choice if you want to kill the dandelions without killing the grass or other plants in your lawn. The other type of herbicide, non-selective, is formulated to kill all types of dandelions, weeds, and plants.
This is a great choice if you have dandelions or weeds coming through cement cracks or on walkways, but it should not be used for the lawn as it will kill the grass and other vegetation.
Although commercial herbicides and dandelion killers are great for killing dandelions and weeds, some people may opt for more environmentally friendly options to kill dandelions. You can kill dandelions by pulling them, although this is very tedious, or by using an organic dandelion killer.
Killing Dandelions by Pulling Them
Another way to kill dandelions without using an herbicide is to pull them. But be warned: dandelions can be very hard to kill by pulling. Their seeds are above ground and are easily propagated. They also plant their taproot about 10 inches long, making it difficult to pull. The root fractures easily, so even if you pull it, you may not get the entire root, allowing the dandelion to grow right back. It’s also worth noting that dandelion roots are very good for your health!
Nonetheless, if you do try to pull them, first water the lawn as wet soil makes it easier to extract. Then, make an incision parallel to the taproot, using a dandelion removal tool or a dandelion digger, which is a tool specifically designed for removing dandelions.
Your next step is to loosen the tap root and gently pull on the dandelion taproot. If the taproot is very loose, remove the dandelion from the soil; otherwise, repeat the steps and continue to tug at the dandelion leaves until you can remove the entire dandelion.
For ways to control weeds naturally, use this informational video:
Organic Herbicides
Vinegar is often used to kill dandelions as the acetic acid can be used to kill dandelions and is an organic alternative to commercial herbicides. Although vinegar is used for culinary purposes, you can boil down the vinegar to yield a stronger percentage of acetic acid.
The stronger the acetic acid, the better it will be as an organic herbicide. Many people opt for killing dandelions with vinegar because it is more natural way to control weeds that is also better for the environment.
When is the Best Time to Spray Dandelions?
The best way to get rid of dandelions permanently is to know the best time to do it. Early fall is the best time to spray dandelions with herbicides, more specifically with post-emergent herbicides. Since they are broadleaf, herbaceous perennials, their leaves die in winter time but their roots remain alive and intact. In fall, the leaves transfer nutrients to their roots, so you should spray them while this occurs.
Post-emergent herbicides sprayed on the leaves will transfer down to the taproot. If you are wondering if you should spray dandelions before or after mowing, it really depends of the size of the dandelion leaves, as they are the ones that absorb the herbicide.
You should spray dandelions before mowing the lawn as the bigger the surface area of the dandelion leaves will allow the herbicide to be transferred. Although you can spray dandelions before and after mowing, you should ensure that there are enough leaves for this to be effective. You should also wait at a few days before mowing in order to allow the proper time for the herbicide to be transferred to the roots.
Overall, there are several effective methods to kill dandelions. You should choose a method based on the needs of your lawn or garden and your own capabilities, both physical and economical.
To learn how to kill dandelions with vinegar wach this video:
Best Dandelion Killer Reviews 2018
Spectracide Weed and Grass Killer is a non-selective herbicide that will kill off more than 200 types of broadleaf weeds, including dandelions and chickweeds. It can be used on walkways, trees, flower beds, and in other areas in your yard. However, because it is a non-selective herbicide, it will kill any vegetation that comes in contact with it and is formulated to prevent re-growth for up to 3 months.
A single container of concentrate will make up to 10 gallons of herbicide which begins to work as quickly as 3 hours after coming in contact with dandelions and other types of weeds. However, this is not a selective weed killer and it will kill any grass and other vegetation in your yard, so be very careful when applying!
In conclusion, this dandelion killer is most suitable for dandelion control around (and not between) plants or up walkways where you do not have to worry about killing other vegetation.
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Southern Ag 2,4-D Amine Weed Killer Selective Broadleaf Weed Control is a selective herbicide that is specifically formulated to target broadleaf weeds including dandelions. Because it is a selective herbicide, you can easily use it in the yard and in other areas of the lawn such as near plants, in flower beds or on driveways or walkways without killing off grass or other vegetation.
It is most suitable for parks, golf courses pastures and other areas where you want to keep vegetation unharmed by the herbicide. Some vegetables or herbs can be sensitive to this product if they are exposed to enough of it, so you may want to take extra precaution if you are growing food in your garden.
Lastly, some types of grass can also be sensitive to this product so it's always important to do a test patch if using it throughout the yard. One container can cover up to 1,000 square feet.
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Source : Ortho
Ortho Weed B Gon Weed Killer for Lawns Concentrate, 32-Ounce is a selective herbicide that specifically targets dandelions and other types of broadleaf weeds including clovers and other lawn leaves. Because it is safe to use on lawns, it is most suitable for both southern or northern lawns, parks, golf courses or other grassy areas that are plagued with dandelions.
Most importantly, the concentrate can cover up to 16000 square feet and it begins to work in as little as a few hours as it targets the root of the dandelion. Some consumers reported that it may kill St. Augustine grass and that they had to use more of the concentrate with certain types of grass and weeds. Although it is selective, be careful around other plants and some types of grass.
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Ortho GroundClear Vegetation Killer Concentrate is an herbicide that targets all types of weeds and vegetation. Because it is a non-selective herbicide, it is effective at killing dandelions and other types of weeds, but it should not be used on lawns as it will also kill or damage the grass.
It is very fast acting as it will work in just a few hours and will kill weeds for up to a year. It is most suitable for killing weeds and dandelions along fences, walkways, driveways, in flower beds or other areas where weed are present. Extra precautions should be taken around plants or on lawn as contact with this herbicide will kill all types of vegetation.
Finally, the concentrate simply needs to be mixed and is ready to be sprinkled or used with a sprayer. Like most other herbicides, it should be tested first to ensure your grass is not affected.
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Bayer Advanced 704140 All-in-One Lawn Weed and Crabgrass Killer Concentrate, 32-Ounce is a specific herbicide that targets over 200 types of weeds including dandelions, clovers and other types of weeds including grassy weeds like crabgrass. Because it is specific to weeds it can be used around most types of vegetation and grass and should only kill the dandelions and weeds.
However, it should not be used on St. Augustine grass including Floratam variety, Bahia grass, Carpet grass, Centipede grass or Dichondra as this product has been shown to kill and damage these types of grass. It is rainproof after one hour and lawns can be mowed 1-2 days after spraying.
In short, this product is ideal for grassy areas. Only 3.2 ounces of concentrate is needed to make a gallon of mix, which covers about 500 square feet. It can be sprinkled or used in a sprayer.
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Conclusion
Spectracide Weed and Grass Killer is the overall winner for the best dandelion killer. It begins to work as soon as a few hours after it comes in contact with weeds and other garden pests and will kill weeds up to 3 months or longer.
Because it is classified as a non-selective herbicide, it is not suitable for spraying all over yards as it will kill other types of vegetation and they will not grow back for months. It is most suitable for those looking to control dandelions and weeds around plants, in flower beds, or on cement walkways or driveways.