But they don't spread other than by seed. Dull blades can damage the plant, and make it look uneven. Even managing a section or strip of your lawn in this way can make a difference, or a mixture of different regimes: Short-flowering meadow: Cut once a month rather than every couple of weeks. Vigorous grass won't be choked out by weeds. But as these flowers make fantastic food for a wide range of endangered bees, Id like to convince you to love these flowers as I do, and to care for them as you would any other wildflower in a meadow. Dig early: The best way to control dandelions is to catch them in the spring before they spread. Thats why all of our rankings, reviews, and advice are vetted by industry professionals and experienced journalists to ensure that theyre useful, accurate and up-to-date. I find the smell of dirt pleasant. You can mow after 48 hours of spraying weeds, but it's recommended to remove the weeds by hand rather than cutting them with a lawnmower. When you have too many dandelions, or some growing where you dont want them, these are your options. For best results, it is important to follow the instructions on the herbicide packaging. They go to great lengths to maintain a dandelion-free lawn. To do this, dig up the dandelion roots with a shovel or trowel and dispose of them away from the garden. Dandelions have low toxicity and are likely safe for most people to eat, says Holmes. Once again, lets help the lawn get more sunlight and airflow as early as possible. A professional will come in and assess the damage and come up with a plan that will work for your specific property. It is important to note, however, that dandelions can be difficult to eradicate and multiple methods may be necessary to get rid of them. 1. In conclusion, cutting and mowing a dandelion can both make it more resilient. There's more than one way to weed a lawn! Yellow dandelion flower petals and greens can be eaten cooked or raw and serve as an excellent source of vitamins A, C and K. They also contain vitamin E, folate and small amounts of other B vitamins, iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium. Place a spray collar, which could be a can with the bottom removed, around the weed being sprayed to protect nearby plantings. Perhaps Im strange for rejoicing at the sight of a street, lawn or field blooming with dandelion heads. They're Pretty Those yellow flowers are a delightful treat after a gray and dull winter. Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus cant-miss sales and deals. Uncovering the Lifespan of Dandelions: How Long Do They Live? Tall grass shades dandelion seedlings and smothers them, which prevents them from growing. This will help prevent the seeds from spreading and taking over your garden. Remember: When digging or pulling dandelions, do your best to remove all of the plant with as much of the root still attached as possible. Make sure that the outdoor temperature is above 60 degrees. While this may seem like a strange occurrence, it is actually the dandelion's way of protecting its seeds and ensuring its survival. This will allow the grass to "protect its own turf" by depriving weeds of the light they need. Highly abundant dandelions can go a long way to bridging this gap at least in terms of nectar. Sadly, at the end of May, all that lovely wildflower habitat could be cut down and sprayed with herbicides. When the flowers are still developing or have just opened, mow the grass with the lawnmower set to the highest length possible. When digging a dandelion, it's best to use a special weeding fork, dandelion digger or weeding knife, inserting it into soil along the plant. 4. Additionally, applying a herbicide can help to kill the dandelion and prevent new growth from occurring. The hairs attached to the seeds allow the wind to carry the seeds, spreading them over great distances. When you run a lawnmower over dandelions that have gone to seed, the seeds will disperse. Fertilize your lawn as needed to help it thrive. You will also need a sprayer or spreader to apply the weed killer as well as a watering source to ensure this process is completed properly. In our guide on how to get rid of dandelions, we will provide: Dandelions are perennial weeds that spread very easily both from seed and roots. This will help keep the job more manageable. By applying dolomitic lime or baking soda to your lawn, you can make the soil more alkaline naturally. Dandelions regrow from their long taproot that grows deep into the soil. That means that any existing plants will grow and spread each year, with new plants sprouting left, right, and down the block! Most lawn care experts recommend cutting no more than one-third of the total length of the grass blades each time you mow; trimming a smaller amount is even better. If you choose the wrong herbicide, your grass will die along with the dandelions, and this is detrimental. Although dandelions that have been mowed down will grow back, destroying developing flowers before they are able to mature into seed distributors prevents the opportunity for new germination. Make sure you mow the lawn to the correct length, as this helps prevent dandelion seeds from germinating. Fill the hole with soil and top with turfgrass seeds, or wait to see if runners from the surrounding turfgrass plants naturally fill in the bald spot. By using our website you are consenting to our use of cookies in accordance with our cookie policy. 1. Plant may re-grow from roots if not completely removed. Discharge the clippings (unless you bag them) toward the area you've already cut. Stop the Bleeding. Mow the lawn once a week during spring and summer until the lawn starts to go dormant again. Dandelion plants send a strong root straight down, up to 6- 8 deep. Cutting or mowing may stimulate the growth of a new flower stalk. This helps the grass grow better. Bag the clippings if you need to mow the lawn with dandelions that have already formed seed heads. Get our best gardening advice and outdoor ideas delivered straight to your inbox. Most simply put, it's the idea of doing more for your yard by actually doing less. Once dead, pull out or rake up the dandelion remains. Believe it or not, the answer is yes, Holmes said. How To Prevent Dandelions From Coming Back. After you mow them, they will still send out seeds,. Privacy Policy. It can be easier to improve the soil and grass in an area when it's not covered in dandelion foliage. Finally, they can reduce erosion by holding the soil in place. For homeowners who want a lush green lawn this summer, dandelions can be endlessly frustrating. Fragments of root as little as 1" left in the ground can generate new plants. Dandelions have evolved their round, fluffy seed heads to optimize their seed dispersal. 3. Dandelions are an abundant source of nectar and pollen for bees flying around an environment in which the diversity of food options continues to shrink. andy10917 13 years ago Dandelions are actually biennial - so the dandelions that you pick the flowers from may be back next year. You need to see this! This will help to prevent it from flowering and reproducing. What few places were set aside to provide for wildlife have been eroded. (9 Tips To Get The Best Price!). What makes dandelions so successful in feeding a wide variety of pollinators is the shape of their flowers. This can damage the plant and make it less resilient. This garden tool is specifically built to get the job done. Always try to dig dandelions when soil is moist, like after a rain. The effects of cutting or mowing the dandelion can last up to a few weeks. If there are excessive leaves on the lawn, its a good idea to bag those up and use them for mulch elsewhere. Your brain starts to connect the false sense of relief with cutting. Applying the right amount of nitrogen required by the grass type you have is important, Holmes says. It might take several seasons to fully eradicate dandelions in your yard. Make this garden chore fly by with these simple, fast and easy tips for getting rid of weeds. Natural herbicides are non-selective and will kill any grass in the area. Water your lawn or wait until after a heavy rain, so the soil is damp and the dandelions will be easier to pull out. Learn the best methods of killing dandelions so you won't spend your weekends weeding dandelions again and again. If you're a gardener, it's important to be aware that cutting or mowing a dandelion can cause it to spread its seeds. This increases plant biodiversity and supports the pollinators that rely on them for food throughout the summer. Their deep tap roots break the soil apart, aerating it. Spraying dandelions with vinegar may kill only the foliage, leaving the roots to sprout again. Yeah, it looks a bit messy a few weeks later when it goes to seed, but that just means more of those bright blooms will show up later. Position the serrated claws of the weed puller over the head of the flower and step down onto the foot platform to drive the tool into the ground. So to remove them from an area will usually require one of only two things, hand removal, or herbicidal removal. Killing Dandelions by Spraying With an Herbicide. Grass cycling returns nutrients and nitrogen to the lawn. Weeding dandelions by digging or pulling them out of the ground is the method to use when your lawn has just a few dandelions. There are two terms I need you to learn and understand: Pre-emergent weed controls are designed to prevent weeds and weedy grasses from entering your lawn. To sum it up, cutting or mowing a dandelion can cause it to spread its seeds. Grip the leaves, and tug them gently until the taproot comes out of the earth. Yes, cutting or mowing a dandelion will prevent the plant from spreading any further, as it will no longer be able to produce new flowers or seeds. The best time to spray dandelions is in late summer or fall when plants are naturally shifting materials from leaves to roots for winter storage. 2. Get your need-to-know On one hand, mowing a dandelion can make it more resilient. It sounds like mowing dandelions can be a great way to spread their seeds. Some are not labeled for use in lawns. How to Build a Walkway with Quikrete WalkMaker, Ideas for Growing a Garden in a Small Space, How to Keep Sod Lawns Alive After Planting, The Complete Guide to Overseeding in Spring (2023). Young dandelion seedlings are the most vulnerable stage of the plant when it comes to digging or spraying. Spring applications help prevent the growth of summer weeds, such as crabgrass and foxtail. On the other hand, cutting a dandelion can make it more resilient. Shes worked on thousands of articles related to heating, air conditioning, ventilation, roofing, plumbing, lawn/garden, pest control, insurance, and other general homeownership topics. Some will be flung by the action of the mower blades; others will stick to the underside of the lawnmower and fall when the mower is pushed around. But does cutting or mowing a dandelion cause it to spread its seeds? To harvest a dandelion, simply cut off the leaves and flower bud with a pair of scissors. One of the best ways to kill dandelions naturally is to use boiling water or vinegar to kill the plants. Yellow to Green. I mowed my lawn last week and noticed there were still some dandelions left. Test Soil: Dandelions grow best in slightly alkaline soil (pH over 7), whereas lawn grasses like neutral-to-slightly-acidic soil (pH 6.5). For that first mowing, its ok to take your height setting down just a bit to once again, allow more sunlight to get to the soil quicker. Philip Donkersley, senior research associate in entomology, Lancaster University. Today, she spends her time writing about travel, culture, and food (it's Italy, after all!) With these tips, gardeners can make their dandelions more resilient. The first mow. Slip the container over the dandelion and spray the weed inside the can. The last 50 years have seen urban areas and farms expand across the UK. However, regular mowing before dandelions set seed will control their growth and prevent them from spreading in the lawn. Over time you can turn it into a meadow. Dandelions prefer acidic soil, and making the soil more alkaline will slow their growth. Chemicals applied during this time will be absorbed by the leaves and passed on to the roots along with the nutrients. The yard is 2.1 acres and I'm using a 1986 JD 318 with 50" . Cutting or mowing the dandelion can also reduce the amount of energy the plant has to produce new growth. Don't think of your grass as a passive partner needing rescue from weeds. Uncovering the Mystery of How Many Seeds are on a Dandelion Head. Leave lawn clippings on the grass when you mow the lawn unless they form clumps or rows. Mowing over dandelions once they have set seed is bad because it will spread them. Promoting lawn health is the best method of dandelion control. The mulch will prevent dandelion or other weed seeds from germinating by blocking out sunlight. You can harvest and eat dandelion greens in the spring. Overseeding/Fertilizing Maintaining a healthy lawn is the best defense against dandelions taking over your turf. They are a rich source of beta-carotene and polyphenolic compounds, both of which have strong antioxidant abilities that can prevent aging and certain diseases.. Here are some steps to take to ensure you are not dealing with this problem season after season. The weatherman is done teasing you with warm days followed by ice storms, and your lawn is stretching tall looking for sunlight. You also can slip on wet grass, and the clippings tend to clump and not spread evenly. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Lots of dandelions? The only way to permanently kill dandelion plants is to pull them out by their roots. Dandelions have long been used for food, the flowers fermented for wine and various parts harvested for medicinal purposes. Using a garden spade or pitchfork, make an incision in the soil alongside the taproot (the long, thick root growing deep into the ground). Understandably, most people love the idea of a lush, green, weed-free lawn. However, to maintain a healthy lawn, its an excellent idea to read the packaging of the weed killer you purchased. The root has a slightly sweet, earthy flavor and can be enjoyed as a coffee substitute. We are sorry. Although dandelions are some of the first flowers to pop up in spring when the soil temperature warms above 50 F, the flower and seed heads can be spotted most of the year, typically in soil temperatures around 75 F. However, the plants go dormant in winter. Dandelion is a super fast-growing herbaceous perennial that is notorious for invading lawns. Carefully pour a natural herbicide or vinegar into the hole to kill any remaining portion of the taproot. There are no selective organic herbicides on the market. The process of cutting or mowing a dandelion can cause the plant to spread its seeds far and wide. This will allow more sunlight to reach the roots of the dandelion and make it more resilient. As part of Plantlife's annual No Mow May campaign, research found that simple changes in mowing can result in enough nectar for ten times more bees and other . I recently cut a dandelion and was surprised to see how many fluffy white seeds it produced! The urge to cut can seem too hard to resist. Dandelions like slightly acidic soil. If the grass is cut too short, any dandelion seeds that fall onto bare soil will have enough light to germinate and grow. Discovery, Inc. or its subsidiaries and affiliates. Next time you're tempted to mow over a patch of yellow-topped dandelions, you might want to pause because of these three good reasons to keep them around. This means that cutting or mowing them may not always be effective in killing them. Pull dandelions when they are still in flower, before they develop seed heads. Time to explore a post-emergence control. This can be beneficial as it can prevent the plant from reproducing and spreading further. Dandelions will flower in April, and Clovers in May and June. Set the lawnmower to the appropriate height. If the grass is cut too short, any dandelion seeds that fall onto bare soil will have enough light to germinate and grow. Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. Cutting back dandelions foliage and flowers will not kill them. We will update our content. However, it's important to hold off on . Treat your lawn with a pre-emergent herbicide to ensure there are no issues with dandelions even coming up. If you have a first aid kit, use folded gauze pads or a blood stopping bandage. Typically, the taproot is 6 to 18 inches long, but on older plants, it can extend even deeper into soil. I was curious to see what would happen if I mowed them, so I did and the results were amazing! Dandelions can easily reproduce from the remaining root. The evolution of bees is a dance between the changing shapes of flowers and the corresponding length of bee tongues. And because youre dealing with a perennial, you can expect the same plants to pop up year after year until you use the correct lawn management strategy. For mowing, a sharp mower with a blade no shorter than 4 inches should be used. Finally, it is important to remove the dandelion's roots as they can continue to produce new plants if left in the ground. And don't let bare spots remain, as they invite the invasion of opportunistic weeds. Gardeners typically approach dandelion removal in two ways: pulling the plant or spraying it with herbicide. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful home and garden ever. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. If a weeder and weeding knife sound like a nightmare to you, these natural weed-killing methods can help. Read the original article. Many people struggle with terrible dandelion infestations in their lawns, especially in the spring when the seeds germinate. Dandelion seeds germinate quickly when they are on or slightly below the soil. Mowing weeds doesn't kill them, but if you mow them before they drop seeds, you can stop them from reproducing. That's great! Even removing a couple inches of root won't kill it. If the flowers are mowed while they are still developing, there is zero risk of spreading any seeds. When you mow, leave the grass at a height of 2 to 3 inches. This can help the dandelion to become more resilient. Paul James shares his top three reasons for loving clover. Gardeners should use sharp scissors or clippers to cut the flower head off at the base of the plant. Studies of bee feeding patterns in cities, where much of their original food sources have been covered with concrete and tarmac, show a shift in their wild, diverse diet to one dominated by dandelions, clover and brambles. One of the most surprising things that can happen when you cut or mow a dandelion is the appearance of a shower of white fluff. 1. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer). Why do some people despair when they see a dandelion poking through the grass in their garden, or through the concrete on their drive? However, by using a combined approach, pulling the weeds, and mowing the lawn to the correct height, one can control dandelion populations. "If it's a relatively dry wound, changing the dressing once a day is appropriate.". Hint: dandelions are easy to kill, they are weak. Dont cut your lawn shorter than 2 to 3 inches. The only way to permanently kill dandelions is to pull each plant out by its entire taproot. But note that vinegar kills grass, so be very careful during application. They are known as an effective diuretic, and have traditionally been used to help in the treatment of the liver and gallbladder, including aiding in removing gall stones and helping to decrease liver swelling. In conclusion, cutting or mowing a dandelion may not always kill it, but it can help to weaken the plant and prevent it from reproducing. Not everyone wants a lawn full of wildflowers. When it comes to mowing or cutting your dandelion, its important to do it properly. Regular Lawn Maintenance to Control Dandelions, Will Grass Seed Grow In Hard Soil? If you remove just the dandelion flower and plant from the surface of the soil a new plant will grow. A diet lacking in these elements can hamper a bees ability to grow, resist disease and raise its young. 2023 Warner Bros. In addition to ballooning, dandelion seeds can also be dispersed through other means. latest news, feel-good stories, analysis and more, Woman stabbed to death on street in Bank Holiday attack, Body found in search for 17-year-old missing after swimming with friends, Putin rocked by May Day explosions after saboteurs derail train carrying oil, Woman has loud and full body orgasm during orchestras Tchaikovsky performance, One killed after plane crashes into Los Angeles neighborhood, Do not sell or share my personal information. It's amazing how many seeds a single dandelion can produce. Cutting can easily become a compulsive behavior, meaning the more you do it, the more you feel the need to do it. African Violets: To Fuss, or Not to Fuss? Weeding dandelions by digging or pulling them out of the ground is the method to use when your lawn has just a few dandelions. The best way to completely eradicate a dandelion is to mow or cut it regularly, apply a herbicide, and remove the roots.