A lot of people think they know how to get rid of dandelions. They swear their secret hand-pulling techniques are different, or that they know which spray from the hardware store is the best.

However, the truth is that spraying and hand-pulling might lead to a few weed-free weeks. But you can bet that the dandelions will be back next year—and they will probably bring friends.

The reality is, there is a definite art and science to getting rid of dandelions without harming the grass around them.

Here’s why it’s so difficult and so frustrating.

Why it’s So Hard to Kill Dandelions

The first thing we need to do is get away from this idea of simply killing dandelions. Anyone can kill or pull a dandelion. But they will be back, and in greater numbers. It's more about removing the conditions that allow dandelions to thrive and grow in your yard, year after year.

The problem is that dandelions are opportunists that pounce on open space. They are so problematic because they:

• Grow rapidly

• Don’t need a lot of sun, water, or nutrients

• Produce a high number of seeds

• Can set up roots early before your grass has a chance to compete

The problem is very literally lurking below the surface. You may think you’ve pulled or sprayed them away. However, the tap roots are hiding below the surface, storing energy, biding their time, and waiting to make their move next year.

Pulling them is ineffective (and awful) because it’s hard to pull the entire tap root, and almost impossible to know if you have. At the same time, pulling them can also disturb the soil, triggering dormant seeds or scattering new seeds, which could make the problem even worse!

And finally, over-the-counter sprays from the hardware store are ineffective for a wide variety of reasons. Simply put, your most likely outcome is hurting the turf around the weed, without solving your weed problem.

Effective weed control is a lot more complex than point-and-shoot.

What Kills Dandelions, But Not Grass?

Doing this effectively involves a multi-faceted attack. It’s not really something you can buy off the shelf or learn on YouTube.

True dandelion control requires a combination of two things:

1. A Consistent & Season-Long Weed Control Program

This aspect is best left to the pros (like Weed Man).

That’s because professional dandelion control:

• Needs to be done by a professional who knows what to use and how much

• Focuses on timing and prevention, not just killing what's there right now

• Often use strategic broadleaf treatments at the optimal point in the cycle

• May involve multiple treatments in the spring or fall, or a combination of the two

Trusting a professional can save you a lot of time, sweat, and frustration from trial and error.

2. Fertility and Seeding to Help Thicken the Lawn and Prevent Weeds

The best offense is a strong defense. Healthy turf will actually choke out weeds such as dandelions. A strong combination of seeding and fertilization can give you better, more sustainable results than any “weed killer.”

On top of seeding and fertilizing for added thickness, you need to avoid these common mistakes between treatments:

• Most people water their lawn too much or too little. Watering the right way is less work for you and will keep the weeds out

• Most store-bought fertilizers are full of filler that leads to burnt lawns. You need a slow-growth granular fertilizer for the best results

• Most people mow their lawn the exact same way every time, and that is a mistake. Try mowing strategically for the best results

Healthy turf and repeated cultural practices are the secrets to keeping dandelions away.

Dandelions FAQ

Here are some quick questions we get asked all the time.

Are Dandelions Weeds?

Not only are dandelions weeds, but they are pretty much THE weed. They are the most common weed we encounter. We have Weed Man franchises from Southern Florida to Northern Ontario, and weeds are a problem across both borders.

Dandelions are highly competitive and will steal your turf’s:

• Nutrients

• Water

• Sunlight

Their competitive nature can lead to a weaker, less healthy lawn that is more prone to disease and stress.

Are Dandelions Invasive?

They are not technically classified as an invasive species in most areas, even though they do spread very quickly.

While they’re not technically invasive, they behave like a persistent and fast-spreading weed, especially in unmanaged or unhealthy turf because they:

• Grow aggressively and take over a lawn

• Spread quickly through wind-blown seeds

• Make you feel like your lawn has been invaded

Invasive plants are typically non-native species that cause major ecological harm.

Stop Trying to Kill Dandelions. Start Asking How to Control Them

Stop wasting your money and nice-weather evenings and weekends trying to spray or pull weeds. Let the professionals get rid of them for you, and coach you on how to keep them away.

“Fantastic weed control! All the yards in my neighborhood are covered in dandelions and other weeds. I had a couple of dandelions popping up and then Weed Man came and not only do I not have any dandelions, but my grass is absolutely perfect.” - A 5 Star Google Review.

Don’t wait for dandelions to take over! Start right now by telling us a bit about your lawn and getting a free estimate.