How to Prevent Dandelions

Dandelions (Taraxacum officinale) are stubborn broadleaf perennial weeds that are difficult to eradicate with hand pulling. No lawn is immune, although lawns that undergo regular weed prevention applications tend to fare better. Because dandelions like direct sunlight, tall, thick, healthy green grass is best equipped to choke out dandelions. Read on to learn more about how to prevent dandelions in your lawn.

Mow High

Tall grass chokes out weeds, so cut your lawn at a higher mower setting and adhere to a strict feeding schedule to keep your grass tall and thick.

Leave Clippings

Enhance the health of your grass by leaving the clippings where they are after mowing the lawn instead of bagging them. Leaving the mulched clippings on the lawn smothers weeds and hinders the growth of new weeds.

Administer a Pre-Emergent Herbicide

Try applying a pre-emergent herbicide to your lawn and gardens in late winter. This prevents the spread of dandelion seeds before they have the chance to germinate and establish roots in your soil.

Improve Soil Conditions

Dandelions thrive in acidic soil. If your lawn is prone to dandelion outbreaks, administer a soil test and adjust your soil’s pH balance accordingly.

Avoid Hand Pulling

If dandelions have started popping up in your lawn, avoid wasting your time with futile removal methods when attempting to prevent their spread. Weeding is only effective if the plant’s entire taproot can be removed. Dandelion roots can grow up to 3′ deep, so hand pulling is often a waste of time.

Want to Prevent Dandelions?

Try turning to the experts for assistance and additional information about preventing dandelions and other weeds. We’ll come take a look at your lawn, prepare a quote, and work with you to formulate a plan of attack to ensure that your lawn is green, healthy, and weed-free. Call Green Lawn Fertilizing at 855-469-0692 today.