The Key Tool You're Missing When Getting Rid Of Pesky Dandelions

You may have heard about the nutritional benefits of dandelions (Taraxacum officinale), and perhaps you've even tried them in a salad or herbal tea, but that doesn't mean you want the weed taking over your outdoor space. While there are some surprising benefits of having a few dandelions in your lawn, the weed can quickly spread, stealing nutrients from nearby plants and suffocating your grass. But simply pulling up the little yellow flowers with your hands won't be enough to eliminate it completely. That's because dandelion roots reach up to 18 inches deep into the earth. To have a chance at removing those taproots, you'll need a specialized tool, like a hand weeder.

If these pesky plants are peppering your landscape, you can use a standard hand weeder you likely have in your gardening kit already. If you don't have a trusty hand weeder, one like the Fiskars Ergo Weeder Tool could make your life much easier. You could also use a narrow trowel or invest in a specialized tool like the Grandpa's Weeder stand-up weed puller, designed to reach and address the weed's entire root system. Either way, for the best success in getting rid of dandelions in your lawn with one of these tools, it's important to implement the proper technique at the right time.

To get the most out of your trowel, hand weeder, or dandelion puller, wet the soil or wait until the ground is moist from a good rain. The wetness will soften the soil and give you a better chance of pulling out the whole root. Push your tool straight down on all sides of the weed. Since dandelion weeds grow vertically, you'll want to use your trowel to create a deep cylindrical shape around the plant so it comes out clean. Once you give the dandelion a clear exit, grab the base and pull straight up. If it doesn't budge, continue loosening the soil around the dandelion or add more water if needed. Don't rip it. The last thing you want to do is leave any root remnants that could regrow the plant. If you're still not sure if you've removed the entire root, you could spray an herbicide down the hole. For those who shy away from herbicides, try using a DIY weed killer that works just as good as store brands.

Many people have fond memories of blowing dandelion seeds as children and watching them blow on the wind, but unless you want the weeds popping up all over the place, you need to remove them before they turn into dandelion puffs. Michigan State University notes that each dandelion flower can produce up to 200 seeds that can germinate right away. Young plants also have smaller taproots that are easier to pull, so remove the plants from the ground as soon as you notice them, usually in early spring and fall.