A garden with dandelions is one that is in protest, and not of happiness. So the caretaker is held responsible for the choked turf grass that should be instead well spread on the lawn, for the other garden flowers and plants that are derived of minerals nutrients, and even proper hydration of the plants due to the dandelions having deep tap roots enabling them to pull all the water from the soil before other plants do, the wanted plants.
This makes the dandelion an unwanted plant and its classification fall under weeds, broadleaf weeds. Even the best dandelion killers prove that dandelions can be very stubborn to get rid of due to its deep taproots, try uprooting them and the stem shall break leaving the roots intact enabling their regrowth after a short period, the best way to approach the control of dandelions is by consulting one of if not the best weed killers. These are broadleaf herbicides a more specific term from the major one ‘herbicides’.
We will guide you on how to reach out for the best product off the shelves, one of result and satisfaction, one that will work every time (of course we expect the best herbicides to completely rid the garden of the dandelions on the first use), hoping there won’t be other times. We are confident because we rely on real-time feedback from professionals and enthusiasts but even more reliable is our direct encounter with dandelions and the control measures. First off, let’s get a spray pump.
How To Choose The Best Dandelion Killer
Generally, before starting a search for herbicides you must first identify the weed problem, which in this case is dandelions, the broadleaf weed specie. The problem is identified we get to understand the difference in the behavior and effects of herbicides and what might work best for a case you might be having, a similar one or one that’s different from the infestation of dandelions.
Herbicides are classified in the following classes:
- Preemergent and Postemergent herbicides
- Contact and systemic Herbicides
- Selective and Nonselective herbicides
1. Preemergent and post-emergent herbicides
The preemergent herbicides are applied before the weeds emerge and sprout from the ground, killing the seedlings before they get enough components to germinate, while post-emergent herbicides are applied when the weeds have already sprouted and germinated from the ground making the control of actively growing weeds the difference the post-emergent herbicides have when compared with preemergent ones.
Post-emergent herbicides either; only kill the part of the plant on which they are sprayed (the root system is not killed)which may allow the weeds regrowth.
Or the whole plant can be killed when the post-emergent herbicides are absorbed by the plant and taken to various parts including the root system.
Making post-emergent herbicides have either contact or systemic activity respectively.
2. Contact and systemic herbicides
As discussed under post-emergent herbicides, Contact herbicides ( ones with contact activity) are more successful with young plants because they cause localized damage when the chemical comes to contact with the plant.
Systemic herbicides (one with systemic activity) can move within a plant and destroy multiple parts including the roots making it hard if not impossible for the unwanted plants to grow again. It works best in controlling older weeds.
3. Selective and nonselective herbicides
While selective herbicides kill the target weed without destroying the turfgrass (they are toxic to certain weeds or plants), nonselective herbicides destroy all the vegetation including the turfgrass. Nonselective herbicides are good for lawn renovation or first time planting because they destroy all vegetation compared to selective herbicides which only kill specific vegetation.
Another thing to consider while looking for the best dandelion killer is the tolerance of the turfgrass and soil pH. For our case, the best dandelion killer must fall under the post-emergent systemic herbicides and they contain a combination of two active ingredients.
Top 9 best dandelion killers
The market has readily available herbicides of different brands, blends, and compositions that can reset your lawn back to attractive from being infested with the long tap-rooted broadleaf weed, the dandelion.
Here is a list of the top 9 dandelion killers worth giving a try:
1. Albaugh, LLC 2;4-D Amine 4 – Herbicide
The 2,4-D Amine weed killer is a systemic herbicide well known for its ability to control a wide variety of broadleaf weeds. It takes 1 to about 4 pints of water per acre. It attacks the plant from the leaves and spreads through various parts including the roots giving the 2,4-D Amine weed killer the ability to kill weeds completely.
Pros
- Controls many broadleaf weeds among them dandelions
- Is harmless when it dries up after spraying
- It does not destroy grass on the lawn
Cons
- It is toxic when consumed by humans
- Long usage affects the soil
2. Compare-N-Save Concentrate Grass and Weed Killer
The concentrate grass and weed killer attacks the roots of a plant and destroys the unwanted weeds on lawns, turfs, and walkways. Concentrate grass and weed killer becomes rainproof after 2 hours of spraying. The results of this herbicide can be seen from 2 to 4 days after spraying. This herbicide kills everything it touches, it’s a nonselective herbicide.
Pros
- Controls a variety of broadleaf weeds among them dandelions
- It acts fast, shows the result after 2 to 4 days of spraying
- It destroys all the vegetation on the lawn making it good for renovation
Cons
- It is toxic when consumed by humans
- Long usage affects the soil in the lawn
- Destroys grass on the lawn
3. Roundup Weed & Grass Killer Concentrate Plus Value Size
The roundup grass and weed killer can kill weeds to the root. It becomes rainproof after 30 minutes of spraying and it gives result after 12 hours due to its fast act technology. The roundup weed and grass killer also destroys turf grass and anything it comes across.
Pros
- Controls many broadleaf weeds like dandelions
- It is convenient in harsh weather conditions
- It destroys all vegetation on the land upon application
- Very fast-acting results show after 12 hours
Cons
- It is toxic when consumed by humans
- It is costly
- Long usage exhausts the soil and affects its composition
4. Roundup Weed and Grass Killer Super Concentrate
This one right here is the best herbicide for widespread weeds as it spreads far from where it is sprayed. While spraying the weed and grass killer super concentrate (or any other herbicide) the intensity and direction of the wind would affect the results. The weeds and vegetation that have been sprayed with the Roundup weed and grass killer super concentrate begin to wither and die after about 2 to 4 days according to the concentration of the herbicide, on how stubborn the weeds are and how much herbicide is sprayed per square meter.
Pros
- It controls widely spread weeds
- Controls many broadleaf weeds like dandelions
- It is convenient in harsh weather conditions
- Destroys all vegetation on the land upon application
- It is very fast-acting results show after 2 to 4 days
Cons
- It is toxic when consumed by humans
- It is costly
- Long usage exhausts the soil and affects its composition
5. Monterey Gowan USA 51496 SedgeHammer
The Sedgehammer turf herbicide is a selective herbicide, in the process of eradicating the dandelions it will not harm the lawn or turf grass. This product is used on stubborn broadleaf weeds and the dandelions having deep stubborn tap roots would easily be tackled by SedgeHammer. The herbicide attacks the plant through the leaves and moves toward several parts of the plant including long-reaching taproots.
Pros
- Controls many broadleaf weeds among them dandelions
- It is fast-acting
- It does not destroy grass on the lawn
- Easy to use
Cons
- It is toxic when consumed by humans
- Long usage affects the soil
6. Winfield Shredder 2,4-D LV4 2.5 Gallon
This herbicide comprises ester, amine and acid formulations of 2,4-D and MCP for post-emergent control of already germinated and perennial broadleaf weeds, like the dandelion. This herbicide would be an elite choice when it comes to selectively destroy the dandelions and leaving the rest of the garden untouched including the turfgrass.
Pros
- Control completely germinated and stubborn weeds
- Controls many broadleaf weeds among them dandelions
- Is harmless when it dries up after spraying
- It does not destroy grass on the lawn
Cons
- It is toxic when consumed by humans
- Long usage affects the soil
- Increases the tolerance of the weeds after long usage
7. Crossbow Herbicide (2.5 Gallon)
The crossbow herbicide is post-emergent and when sprayed on the broadleaf weeds it selectively destroys them leaving the grass unharmed. The crossbow herbicide becomes rainproof after 2 hours.
Pros
- Controls many broadleaf weeds among them dandelions
- Is harmless when it dries up after spraying
- It does not destroy grass on the lawn
- Gets rid of woody unwanted plants
Cons
- It is toxic when consumed by humans
- Long usage poisons the soil
- Does not destroy grass on the lawn
8. 1 Gal Agrisel Gly Pho-sel Pro
Comprises glyphosate and surfactant weed killers. Gly Pho-sel 41% is fast-acting and systemic, it’s nonselective and destroys all vegetation. Within an hour or two, the weeds and vegetation the herbicide comes to contact with starts withering. This herbicide is easy to mix and has very little odor.
Pros
- Is very fast-acting, within 2 hours the weeds start dying
- Destroys all vegetation it comes to contact with
- Has very little odor
- Has surfactant
Cons
- Destroys turf grass
- Toxic to humans
9. Trimec Southern Broadleaf Herbicide Quart
This herbicide contains less 2,4-D enabling it to deal with weeds in warm-season turfgrass. Trimec southern broadleaf herbicide controls stubborn broadleaf weeds like the dandelion while maintaining quality performance. It is selective and systemic it destroys only the target weeds and not the grass and other vegetation.
Pros
- Good on lawns with warm-season turfgrass
- Kills a variety of broadleaf weeds
- It is fast-acting
- Highly tolerant in warm areas
Cons
- Does not destroy grass when applied
- Toxic to humans
FAQs
How do you kill dandelions and not grass?
The Kentucky Bluegrass, the perennial rese grass, the fine fescue and tall fescue of the north, the Zoysia grass, the Bermuda grass, st. Augustine and Bermuda grass of the south will have lawns blanketed and looking beautiful and appealing but this is before weeds start germinating and growing amidst giving you, the gardener all the responsibility to ensure your lawn is restored, no matter what the cost.
Like a hostage situation, depending on the weed problem, the attempt to control and get rid of dandelions either goes one of two ways the lawn either gets spared and the weeds eradicated, or the grass and other vegetation has to die along with the weeds.
To kill dandelions and not the beautiful grass on your lawn, you have to use herbicides that are selective and systemic that only kills weeds and not other vegetation. Some of these herbicides are; 2,4-D amine weed killer, Sedgehammer turf herbicide, Winfield shredder2,4-DLV4, crossbow herbicide, and trimec broadleaf herbicide Quart.
The 2,4-D Amine weed killer is known to control quite a several broadleaf weeds, not only that, but it is also known for leaving the grass on the lawn unharmed and thus is preferred by many farmers and gardeners. For efficient results use 1 ½ Oz per gallon of water, the 2,4-D amine weed killer should take about 1 to 4 pints per liter.
The sedgehammer turf herbicide controls majorly nutsedge but it also has a reputation to destroy stubborn broadleaf weeds.
The Winfield shredder 2,4-D LV4 contains acid formulations of 2,4-D, ester, and amine that can curb and control the growth and spread of post-emergent weeds. Its good with getting rid of dandelions and leaving the turfgrass unharmed in the process .this herbicide is good for controlling herbicides that spread over a large area.
The Crossbow herbicide does not harm the turfgrass in any way in the process of spraying and application, the Crossbow herbicide is good for broadleaf weeds and so it is good when it comes to dealing with dandelions. This herbicide becomes rainproof after 2 hours of spraying.
As we know 2,4-D is a combination of herbicides that have been termed as the best due to the result it gives proving its reliability and efficiency. The Trimec southern broadleaf herbicide Quart contains less 2,4-D to deal with dandelions that are on warm-season turfgrass. This herbicide also controls other stubborn broadleaf weeds.
What’s the best product to kill dandelions?
Due to its deep-reaching tap roots, dandelions can prove very stubborn while trying to control most of the time, the upper part consisting the leaves and the flower dry up and die but the rots end up surviving, this is due to the use of ineffective weed controlling methods and application of inferior herbicides if applied correctly and no result or the use of incorrect measurements of herbicides or using incorrect tools and equipment, it can easily be one of many reasons.
According to my testimony, in descending order from the best is the 2,4-D Amine weed killer for selective systemic eradication of dandelions leaving the grass on the lawn unharmed.
In case you would like to get rid of all the vegetation in your garden, there are a couple of herbicides available in the market like; The Roundup weed and grass killer super concentrate, Gly Pho-Sel 41%, concentrate grass and weed killer, and the Roundup weed and grass killer.
Weeds do not exist or occur in one selected spot, weeds try to grow and germinate as far wide as possible and in surplus,( I mean what is this with unwanted things, they come in abundance). Once weeds start appearing on your lawn, it is advisable to take the quickest action possible to try and control them because weeds like dandelions have seeds spreading and growing all over the lawn if not attended to timely. For big gardens, weeds become very many and stubborn to control, selective herbicides might get overpowered in this control and repair process. Sometimes it might need you to equally renovate your lawn and this is where the nonselective herbicides come in. These herbicides kill every vegetation they come into contact with. The nonselective herbicides are also a good consideration before doing first time planting.
The Roundup weed and grass killer super concentrate is the best in dealing with widespread weeds, a lawn full of dandelions for instance when sprayed with this herbicide starts withering in 2 to 4 days this herbicide destroys lawn grass and other vegetation covers where it is applied.
The Gly Pho-Sel 41% is very fast-acting and systemic it can move within various parts of a plant and kill it internally from every part, including the roots. Within 2 to 4 hours of application, the vegetation in contact starts withering. The herbicide also has very little odor making it more comfortable to use.
Another reliable one is the concentrate grass and weed killer, I believe this one ensures it has reached the roots of the victim vegetation and makes sure it has been destroyed from the core, the roots. It is very good in harsh weather conditions as it becomes rainproof after 2 hours of spraying. This herbicide kills everything it touches and its result can be seen from 2 to 4 days after spraying.
Sometimes the dandelions might prove tough to deal with. The best herbicide I would recommend for stubborn weeds is the Roundup weed and grass killer. This herbicide is systemic and nonselective, it destroys anything it comes to contact with. After 30 minutes of spraying, it becomes rainproof and actual result can be seen after 12 to 14 hour due to a fast-acting technology it has as part of its composition.
What kills Dandelions naturally?
Weeds can equally be dealt with without the use of herbicides. Some of the methods that can be used to rid your lawn of dandelions naturally include uprooting/pulling, burning, using boiling water using salt and vinegar and even spraying vodka.
The most effective among the applicable ways to control dandelions naturally are uprooting, using boiling water, and spraying vodka, salt and vinegar also kill weeds if sprayed consistently. These methods are not full proof to completely rid your lawn of dandelions, in most instances it is very deep roots manage to escape and after a short period, they start growing again.
Boiling water is also a good natural way of controlling weeds as it destroys the plant’s root tissue along with seedlings causing shock in the plant and seedlings thus killing them. Mix some salt in boiling water and then apply it on and around dandelions and they will die. This method comes in handy when killing the seedlings that have not yet grown.
You could also use vodka to kill weeds in your lawn. This method works efficiently on a hot day, strong sunlight is needed to break the protective waxy cuticle on the leaves to let the vodka penetrate and burn down the weeds.
How do I kill dandelions in my lawn?
There are two major methods you would use to approach the infestation by dandelions on your lawn, these are natural methods or chemical methods.
I would recommend natural methods but I would recommend more using herbicides. Natural methods can be very effective with a small number of weeds, if you have five dandelions growing about your lawn, you can easily carefully pull them off the ground or pour boiling water on them selectively, you can spray a mixture of vinegar and salt selectively, you can even spray vodka and the problem will be gone.
Natural methods have over the days been preferred over the use of herbicides mainly because of non-toxic preferences as a solution that’s important for safety. And over the days, weed control technology has also grown, this includes improved research and improved herbicides that are available in the market, herbicides that are effective in the control of weeds while considering safety. For example, the 2,4-D Amine weed killer and other 2,4-D containing products are harmless after they dry up.
Chemical methods would be a good place to start mainly because it gives a variety of choices when it comes to weed control, for instance; selective and nonselective herbicides, preemergent and post-emergent herbicides, and contact and systemic herbicides.
To control dandelion, if you want your turf grass unharmed in the attempt to control the growth and spread of dandelions, there’s a variety of selective postemergence systemic herbicides to deal with the dandelions on small gardens and even on big lawns.
If weeds are a nuisance to you and they destroy the look of your lawn, you might decide to renovate your lawn, this method works best also during first time planting. The method in question being the use of nonselective herbicides, it should be known that this herbicide will kill every vegetation they come into contact with. Most of these herbicides attack plants in a systemic manner suppressing them from the inside and kills them completely.
I would recommend; The 2,4-D Amine weed killer (selective ), concentrate grass and weed killer (nonselective), Gly Pho-sel 41% (nonselective), roundup weed and grass killer super concentrate (nonselective), Winfield Shredder 2,4-D LV4 (selective), Roundup weed and grass killer nonselective) sedgehammer weed killer (selective).
What’s the best way to get rid of dandelions?
The best way to get rid of dandelions is defined by the type of herbicide one uses. Herbicides, like cars, have different brands blends and components. These different types of herbicides are expected to tackle different types of weeds in different ways.
If you’re aiming to spare the lawn grass then selective herbicides will work best for you, but if you aim at removing all vegetation then nonselective methods would come in handy.
The best way overall of getting rid of dandelions in your garden or lawn is spraying herbicides. This requires consistency to completely rid the land of weeds.
What kills dandelions permanently?
I’ve never seen a farmer or gardener involving themselves in the planting or cultivation of weeds in their gardens or lawns. Weeds are unwanted plants that grow naturally anywhere they’re able to set camp they spread fast making it hard for one to control the growth and spread of weeds permanently. To control weeds effectively, one needs consistency in trying to control the weeds with the help of herbicides.
For the selective control of dandelions I would recommend the 2,4-D Amine weed killer and the 2,4-D Lv4 Winfield shredder, and for the nonselective control of weeds (highly recommended for permanent control) I would recommend: Roundup weed and grass killer, Gly Pho-sel 41% and the Roundup weed and grass killer super concentrate.
Conclusion
The best way to get rid of weeds completely, after the first attempt to control and curb them, you should now take preventive measures and be consistent in caring and attending to the lawn, the practice of maintenance will get easy and satisfying over time.
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