How to Control Dandelions in Your Lawn

Dandelions, resilient and persistent, display both their fluffy seeds and bright yellow blooms, making them a challenging presence to control in any lawn.

To get rid of dandelions in your yard, you need to combine good lawn care practices with several ways to mitigate the weeds.

1. Understanding Dandelions: Dandelions are weeds that live for years thanks to their long taproots. They mostly spread by wind-blown seeds but can also grow from broken root pieces. In North Georgia, they grow most in the spring and fall when it's mild and there's enough rain.

2. Stopping Dandelions Before They Start: Healthy, thick grass is the best defense.

• Mow High: Cut your grass around 3-4 inches tall to shade the soil and stop seeds from growing.

• Water Right: Water deeply but not often to help grass grow strong roots.

• Fertilize Well: Use fertilizer made for your grass and the local weather. Healthy grass beats weeds.

• Use Pre-emergent Herbicides (Fall & Early Spring): These stop seeds from growing. Put them down in September/October and late February/early March before seeds sprout (soil around 50-55°F in spring). Choose products for your grass (like Barricade, Dimension, Preen, Gallery for Bermuda, Zoysia, Tall Fescue; Preen, Atrazine (careful), lower Barricade for Centipede). Follow the label.

3. Getting Rid of Dandelions Already Growing:

• Pull by Hand (Few Weeds): Use a dandelion digger to remove the taproot, especially when the ground is wet. Throw away seed heads.

• Use Post-emergent Herbicides (Many Weeds): These kill growing weeds. Use in spring or fall when dandelions are active.

  • Selective Herbicides (Safe for Lawn): Look for ingredients like 2,4-D, MCPP, Dicamba, Triclopyr (often in mixes). Use products safe for your grass (check labels for Bermuda/Zoysia, Centipede (use some carefully), Tall Fescue).

  • Non-selective Herbicides (Careful!): Glyphosate kills everything. Use carefully on single dandelions.

  • Follow Instructions: Mix and apply as directed on the label. Use on calm days, not when it's too hot.

  • Organic Options: Corn gluten meal (less effective pre-emergent), strong vinegar/boiling water (kill any plant, use carefully).

4. What to Do Now (Mid-April): Dandelions are likely growing now.

• Act Now: Pull them out or use a selective post-emergent herbicide for your grass.

• Plan Ahead: Keep your lawn healthy and use pre-emergent in the fall.

5. Important Reminders:

• Know Your Grass: Choose herbicides safe for Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipede, or Tall Fescue.

• Read the Label! Follow all instructions for safety and best results.

• Be Safe: Wear protection, keep people/pets away until dry.

• Keep At It: You might need to treat your lawn more than once.

• Ask Locals: Your county extension office can give you specific advice.

Always check the product label for the right way to use it, how much to use, safety rules, and if it's safe for your grass.