Plucking and blowing away dandelions is a fun pastime as a child - but once you grow up and own your property, you quickly realize what a nuisance these are. In fact, they’re one of the more troublesome weeds homeowners deal with here in the UK.
Fortunately, an effective dandelion killer can make quick work of even the most widespread outbreak. You need a weed killer for dandelions that won’t harm your lawn, though, which is where things get tricky.
We’ll show you what to look for in a dandelion weed killer and how to get rid of dandelions in grass naturally without an herbicide. Start by setting yourself up for success with Weedex Super, the #1 choice in the UK for all sorts of pesky weed problems.
Our acetic acid weed killer is the strongest weed killer that kills everything, yet, it’s gentle on the environment. It’s non-toxic once it dries, so you can spray with peace of mind! Learn more about how to kill dandelions in lawn below.
Those who have never had their lawn overrun by dandelions may not realize it, but these are actually perennial weeds that can quickly overtake a property if not controlled in time.
They’re recognised by their bright yellow flowers and fluffy seed heads. You may also know them for the tradition of blowing those little seed heads away after making a wish. But, this is how they spread so rapidly!
Even just the wind can knock these seed heads loose and cause hundreds of new seeds to travel across your lawn. It’s easy to see how quickly this problem can escalate.
Dandelions thrive in disturbed soil, compacted areas, and lawns that aren’t regularly maintained, often growing deep taproots that make removal difficult.
They’re not just an eyesore, either. They can compete with grass and other plants for nutrients, water, and sunlight, leading to patchy and uneven lawns. That’s why you need to get your hands on the best dandelion killer fast.
Not just any weed killer will work for dandelion removal. You need to carefully consider the active ingredients to ensure the chosen herbicide is hard on this weed without harming your lawn.
Let’s go over some of the most important considerations when choosing a dandelion weed killer, from mode of action to active ingredients, ease of application, and more.
The biggest issue in choosing the best weed killer for dandelions is that they tend to overtake lawns - meaning it’s important to choose a selective herbicide that will only kill broadleaf weeds (like dandelions) while leaving your grass intact. This will keep your lawn looking lush and green while eradicating the weed.
On the other hand, non-selective herbicides kill any plant they contact. That doesn’t mean you can’t use them for your dandelion outbreak - you just need to carefully consider where the problem is concentrated. You can use these on driveways, sidewalks, or areas where you don’t want any vegetation.
Now, what kills dandelions? There are quite a few active ingredients you can turn to for assistance in this outbreak, including:
Some of the best dandelion weed killer solutions continue to work long after the initial application - this is known as residual action.
This prevents the regrowth of dandelions from seeds or roots. Given the persistent taproots that can regenerate if not fully eradicated, we suggest looking for a dandelion killer with this mechanism.
In contrast, non-residual herbicides are faster-acting but may require more frequent applications since they don’t prevent new weeds from sprouting after the initial treatment.
There are two choices you’ll have in choosing a dandelion weed killer - ready-to-use sprays or concentrated formulations that have to be diluted before application. There are pros and cons to each.
For those who prioritize convenience, stick with a ready-to-use spray that doesn’t require mixing or diluting. Many of these are sold in a spray bottle so you can get right to work.
Meanwhile, concentrated varieties offer better bang for your buck. You can spray them neat for more persistent dandelion problems, or you can dilute them for a more cost-effective approach. You have more control with this option.
While you want to learn how to get rid of dandelions, you don’t want to kill this weed at the cost of our environment. Consider herbicides with natural or organic ingredients, such as those using acetic acid or other plant-based compounds.
These are less harmful to surrounding plants, wildlife, and water sources but may take more time or multiple applications to achieve the desired results. For example, acetic acid is non-toxic once it dries, making it a child and dog friendly weed killer.
There’s a lot to consider when choosing the best weed killer for dandelions, but hopefully, you have a clear understanding of what to look for in regard to your specific outbreak.
While dandelion killer featuing 2,4-D or Dicamba works well in lawns where you want more selective control, you can’t beat the natural performance of acetic acid in areas where you aren’t concerned about surrounding vegetation.
If this is your scenario, look no further than Weedex Super at Jennychem. It’s been the trusted choice by more than 10,000 UK gardeners for restoring any outdoor space fast.
It’s ready to use but it can also be diluted if you have a less aggressive outbreak and want to spread the product further. Either way, you can apply the dandelion killer with peace of mind knowing it’s non-toxic after it dries and won’t leave behind residual compounds.
It’s not just the best weed killer for dandelions, either. It’s the best weed killer for ivy, the best weed killer for nettles, and everything in between. Don’t just take our word for it, though. If it doesn’t kill your weeds, we’ll refund you - it’s that simple.
So, set yourself up for success with the #1 dandelion weed killer in the UK. We’ll talk more about how to kill dandelions in lawn naturally below.
Picking the best dandelion killer is just the first step. Actually understanding how to use weed killer is just as important for effective, permanent removal. Here’s how to get rid of dandelions in grass using herbicide.
First, you need to pick the best time to spray weed killer. Wait for a dry, wind-free day when temperatures are between 12°C and 25°C so the herbicide sticks to the leaves and is absorbed by the plant without being washed away by rain or dispersed by wind.
You should also account for the weed’s growth cycle from a timing perspective. Dandelions are best treated during their active growth period in the spring or early autumn. The plants are most vulnerable to herbicide at this time as they are pulling nutrients into their roots, so the herbicide reaches the entire plant.
Mowing your lawn a few days before application ensures the dandelion leaves are large enough to absorb the herbicide. Just avoid mowing immediately before or after the treatment.
Similarly, make sure the soil isn’t too dry, as this can impact how well the herbicide sticks to the affected area. Water the lawn lightly before applying the herbicide - but make sure the leaves themselves are dry when you go to apply the product.
Now comes the fun part, actually applying your chosen herbicide. Use a garden sprayer (our IK sprayer selection is an excellent choice) with a fine emitter for complete coverage. This can make a world of difference in the results you see.
If you have only a few dandelions scattered across your lawn, consider using a selective herbicide in a ready-to-use spray bottle for spot treatment.
A broadcast application may be necessary for more extensive infestations. Mix the herbicide according to the manufacturer’s instructions if you’re using a concentrated product, and apply it using a pump sprayer or watering can over the affected area.
You may be wondering about how long for weed killer to work. It all depends on the extent of your outbreak and the chosen dandelion killer. In general, though, you can expect to see the initial results within 24-48 hours.
During this time you must avoid walking or playing on the treated area. We also suggest keeping kids or pets away from the area until the weed killer is dry - learn more about how long does weed killer take to dry in our blog.
The dandelions should be completely dead within 7-14 days. If they’re not wilting and dying off by this point in time, you may need to consider a second treatment. Just make sure you adhere to the guidelines on your chosen product to avoid damaging your grass.
Similarly, you should wait at least 3-4 days after applying your herbicide before you consider mowing. This will give the product enough time to be fully absorbed by the plant.
If you notice bare patches in your lawn after killing off the dandelions, follow up with a fresh seeding. Keep these areas well watered and staked off for rapid regrowth.
There you have it, how to get rid of dandelions in grass with an effective herbicide! Whether you use a commercially available product or a homemade weed killer, we hope these tips help you restore your lawn to its original beauty.
But what if you want to learn how to kill dandelions in lawn naturally? We’ve got a few tips you can try for herbicide-free removal of any dandelion outbreak.
There is no more natural and surefire way to remove dandelions naturally than pulling them out by hand. Sure, it’s a lot of work and can be quite tedious, but it’s the best method.
You don’t have to use your hands alone, either. A dandelion weeder or a long, narrow trowel works best for pulling dandelions out by hand.
The key is to remove the entire root system, which can be up to 30cm deep. Insert the tool around the base of the plant and gently lift it out, ensuring you capture the taproot. Wait for the soil to be damp as dry soil can cause the roots to break, leaving parts of them in the ground.
Pouring boiling water directly onto dandelions will kill them by burning their leaves and roots. This method is best used for dandelions growing in sidewalks or driveways where you’re not concerned about harming surrounding vegetation - meaning we don’t suggest it for lawns.
This should go without saying, but be careful about burning yourself when using hot water. You can also consider a more professional weed burner.
This is one of the best ways to get rid of dandelions without herbicide application because it also restores healthy soil. A thick layer of organic mulch around your lawn and garden will smother dandelions and prevent them from getting much-needed sunlight.
You can also cover dandelions with cardboard or layers of newspaper, effectively cutting off their light source and killing them. The dandelions will die off after a few weeks at which point you can remove the covering.
We know what you’re thinking…does salt kill weeds? It sure does! It effectively dehydrates the plant and kills its root system. We have a great de-icing salt that works wonders as a natural dandelion weed killer.
Place a pinch of salt at the base of the dandelion, taking care not to oversaturate the surrounding soil since salt can damage nearby grass and plants as well. Rinse the area with water after the dandelion has died to dilute the salt.
Corn gluten meal is a natural byproduct of corn processing that many UK gardeners use as a pre-emergent herbicide. It prevents dandelion seeds from germinating, stopping future outbreaks.
You need to apply it in early spring before the dandelions begin to grow, as it won’t kill existing plants but will reduce the number of new weeds sprouting up.
Regularly aerating and overseeding your lawn encourages healthy grass growth, making sure your lawn is resilient enough to compete with weeds like dandelions. A thicker, healthier lawn naturally crowds out dandelions and prevents them from taking hold.
You should also make sure to keep your lawn mowed to an appropriate height and avoid over-watering, as these factors encourage weeds like dandelions to thrive.
The key takeaway is that a healthy, happy lawn is less conducive to weed outbreaks, so give it the care it needs and you’ll find yourself dealing with far fewer problems!
As we wrap up this detailed guide on how to get rid of dandelions in grass, we hope you feel confident in your next steps - whether you choose to use a dandelion weed killer or take a more natural approach.
All the methods we’ve described for how to kill dandelions will work, it’s just a matter of picking one that aligns with your lawn's specific needs and your preference for environmentally friendly solutions.
You can find more tips on how to kill weeds permanently in our blog, like how to kill brambles, how does weed killer work, best weed killer for driveways, how long does weed killer stay toxic, and many more.
The only thing left to do now is take control of your lawn with our premium dandelion killer and bring your property back to its full potential. Keep your grass dandelion-free with our proven solutions today!
