Lawn & Turf Tips:  Dandelions

Dandelion

Description

Dandelions

Reproduces from seeds and shoots that grow from the fleshy taproot.  The taproot grows 2-3 feet deep in the soil, surviving even the severest of winters.  In the early spring, new sprouts emerge from the taproot.

Conditions

Dandelions grow in any soil and are most numerous in full sunlight.  Dandelions prefer wet soil and are often a sign of over watering.

Cultural Control

Hand- digging is impractical since pieces of root that are broken off and left in the soil will sprout into new plants.

Dandelions Seeding Out

Chemical Control

Treat an entire lawn with a weed killer containing prop ionic acid; for spot treatment, apply an gerbicide containing 2,4-D and mecoprop. For best results make 2 applications, one in the early summer and another in the early summer and another in the early fall.  Do not water or mow for 2 days after treatments.